Sticle Vineyard

Sticle Vineyard - A Sustainable Welsh Wine Estate in Carmarthenshire

Tucked away in the rolling countryside of Carmarthenshire, Sticle Vineyard represents one of the most ambitious young wine projects in South West Wales. Established in 2019, this family-owned estate has quickly become a significant presence in the emerging Welsh wine scene, combining sustainable, organic and regenerative viticulture with a commitment to producing premium, limited-edition sparkling wines.

The Story Behind Sticle Vineyard

Sticle Vineyard was established in 2019 by its owner, Christiane Racine, with a clear vision: to create a world-class wine estate that respects the environment and supports its local economy. The vineyard is located in Pencader, a small village in Carmarthenshire, and sits on 25 acres of beautiful Welsh land.

From the outset, sustainability has been at the heart of the estate's philosophy. Sticle Vineyard is a member of WineGB, the trade body representing the English and Welsh wine industry, and the team has worked extensively with the UN Global Compact and Welsh Government initiatives, including the Food & Drinks Cluster, the Sustainability Cluster and the Wine Cluster, to help deliver the strategies required to grow the Welsh wine industry.

Christiane Racine has invested significant time over the past six years in these initiatives, recognising that the modern vintner must consider many challenges - from climate change to sustainability - and always strive to do the right thing. This forward-thinking approach is reflected in every aspect of the vineyard's operations.

The Land and Location

Sticle Vineyard is beautifully nestled in South West Wales, a region increasingly recognised for its potential to produce high-quality cool-climate wines. The estate's 25 acres provide the perfect terroir for growing the classic Champagne varieties, with well-drained soils and a maritime climate that offers mild temperatures and adequate rainfall.

The vineyard's address - Castle Road, Pencader, Carmarthenshire, SA39 9AN - places it in a picturesque part of Wales, where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Welsh countryside while exploring one of the region's most exciting wine estates.

The Vines

Sticle Vineyard is home to over 10,000 vines, carefully planted to produce three distinct cuvées. The vineyard is planted with the classic Champagne trio:

• 3,400 vines of Chardonnay - providing the elegance, acidity and finesse that forms the backbone of traditional sparkling wine production.
• 3,300 vines of Pinot Noir - contributing structure, body and red fruit character to the blends.
• 3,300 vines of Pinot Meunier - adding roundness, fruitiness and early-maturing qualities that round out the final cuvées.

These three varieties have been chosen for their proven ability to produce exceptional sparkling wines in cool climates, making them ideal for the Welsh terroir. The vineyard is committed to a philosophy of quality over quantity, which is why production will be strictly limited to 10,000 bottles of each of its three cuvées - ensuring that no vine is overworked and that every bottle meets the highest standards.

The Wines

Sticle Vineyard produces three limited cuvées from its 10,000 vines, each crafted to reflect the unique terroir of the estate. The decision to limit production to 10,000 bottles per cuvée reflects the estate's dedication to quality and sustainability. By not overworking the vines, Sticle ensures that each harvest produces grapes of the highest quality, which in turn allows the winemaking team to craft wines of exceptional character and depth.

Sustainability and the Environment

Sustainability is not merely a buzzword at Sticle Vineyard - it is a core principle that guides every decision made on the estate. The vineyard operates under organic and regenerative principles, working in harmony with nature to produce wine that is both exceptional in quality and gentle on the land.

Christiane Racine's involvement with the UN Global Compact demonstrates the estate's commitment to broader sustainability goals, aligning the vineyard's operations with internationally recognised standards for environmental and social responsibility. The participation in Welsh Government clusters - including the Food & Drinks Cluster, the Sustainability Cluster and the Wine Cluster - further reinforces the estate's role as a leader in sustainable Welsh viticulture.

By supporting its local economy with employment and engaging with industry initiatives, Sticle Vineyard demonstrates that a modern wine estate can be both commercially successful and environmentally responsible.

Wild Gardens and Natural Beauty

Beyond the vines themselves, Sticle Vineyard is also home to wild gardens that enhance the biodiversity and natural beauty of the estate. These gardens provide habitat for pollinators and other beneficial wildlife, contributing to the ecological health of the vineyard and the wider landscape.

The combination of meticulously tended vines and naturally managed gardens creates a stunning environment that reflects the estate's holistic approach to land stewardship. Visitors to the vineyard can experience not only the wines but also the broader ecosystem that supports them.

Stay at Sticle Vineyard

For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the Sticle Vineyard experience, the estate offers a luxurious vineyard stay through a partnership with Airbnb. Listed as a Top 1% of homes, this accommodation provides visitors with the unique opportunity to wake up among the vines and experience the beauty of the Welsh countryside in comfort and style. Guests can book directly through the Airbnb listing for an unforgettable vineyard getaway.

Events and Private Hire

Sticle Vineyard offers event hosting, providing a stunning and unique backdrop for private celebrations, corporate events and special occasions. Set among 10,000 vines on 25 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside, the estate provides a memorable setting that combines natural beauty, fine wine and warm Welsh hospitality. Those interested in hosting an event can contact the vineyard directly via email at enquiry@sticlevineyard.co.uk.

Visiting Sticle Vineyard

Sticle Vineyard is located at Castle Road, Pencader, Carmarthenshire, SA39 9AN. The estate's position in South West Wales makes it accessible from many parts of the UK, with the M4 corridor providing a straightforward route from London and the English Midlands. The nearby towns of Carmarthen and Llandeilo offer additional attractions for visitors looking to explore the broader region.

For general enquiries, visitors and trade contacts can reach the vineyard at enquiry@sticlevineyard.co.uk.

Sticle Vineyard and the Future of Welsh Wine

As one of Southwest Wales's most significant wine estates, Sticle Vineyard is playing an important role in the development of the Welsh wine industry. With 10,000 vines producing three limited cuvées, the estate demonstrates the potential for premium wine production in this part of the UK.

The vineyard's commitment to sustainability, its engagement with industry clusters, and its adoption of organic and regenerative practices set a high standard for other producers to follow. Christiane Racine's vision of a wine estate that respects the environment, supports the local economy and produces exceptional wines is being realised at Sticle, and the future looks bright for this exciting Welsh project.

Contact Information

• Address: Sticle Vineyard, Castle Road, Pencader, Carmarthenshire, SA39 9AN
• Email: enquiry@sticlevineyard.co.uk
• Website: sticlevineyard.co.uk