Vale Vineyard - Gwinllan y Dyffryn: Award-Winning Welsh Wines in the Vale of Clwyd
Vale Vineyard (Welsh: Gwinllan y Dyffryn) is a boutique, family-run vineyard and winery in the heart of the Vale of Clwyd in North Wales. The Davies family - Gwen and Rhys, who grew up on local farms and studied at agricultural college - became the first grape farmers of the Vale of Clwyd, planting their vines on the lower slopes of the Clwydian Range, where a unique micro-climate and quality terroir produce top-class grapes for an award-winning range of still and sparkling wines. The vineyard offers vineyard tours and wine tastings in a restored traditional barn, monetary and experience gift vouchers, a cellar-door collection service, and free local delivery across Wales and the UK borders.
A Boutique Vineyard on the Lower Slopes of the Clwydian Range
Nestled in the fertile lowlands of the Vale of Clwyd and sheltered by the ancient peaks of the Clwydian Range - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Wales - Vale Vineyard enjoys a unique micro-climate that has been quietly producing some of Wales's most exciting boutique wines. The vineyard is run by Gwen and Rhys Davies, who returned to the area after long and varied careers in the agricultural community, both having grown up on local farms and studied at agricultural college. Their story is one of the most compelling on the Welsh wine scene. They are, as they proudly note, "the first grape farmers of the Vale of Clwyd" - pioneers of a viticulture tradition that is rapidly gaining recognition across the United Kingdom. Although Gwen manages the day-to-day management of the vines and the business, the whole family gets involved, with harvest days bringing together wider family and friends to hand-pick the precious crop.
Where Welsh Terroir Meets an Ancient Landscape
The lower slopes of the Clwydian Range provide the well-drained soils, sun-trap aspect and climatic shelter that cool-climate grape varieties love. The result is what the family describes as a "superb location" for vines to produce the quality grapes that go into their award-winning wines. From the vineyard, sweeping views across the Vale of Clwyd reward every visitor who makes the trip. The Welsh welcome at Vale Vineyard (Croeso i Winllan y Dyffryn) is a regular feature of the vineyard's bilingual identity, with the team greeting visitors in both English and Welsh, and many of the wine labels and tour literature carrying both languages.
From Vine to Wine: How Vale Vineyard Grows Its Grapes
The Davies family cultivate a careful selection of grape varieties chosen for their ability to thrive in the Welsh climate and to produce the still and sparkling wines that have earned Vale Vineyard its growing reputation. Their portfolio includes:
- Solaris - an aromatic white grape known for its ability to ripen reliably in cooler climates and to deliver crisp, elegant whites.
- Seyval Blanc - a versatile white variety used in some of Vale Vineyard's celebrated sparkling wines.
- Cabaret Noir - a more recent addition to the UK viticultural scene, used to bring colour and structure to Vale's red blends.
- Pinot Noir Précoce - an early-ripening Pinot Noir mutation that produces delicate red and rosé wines.
- Rondo - a hardy eastern-European red variety that has become a staple of the British wine industry.
- Divico - a newer Swiss-bred grape variety prized for its disease resistance and colour.
Each variety has been selected for the way it interacts with the slate-and-clay influenced soils of the Vale of Clwyd, and the team is endlessly refining its approach in the vineyard - from pruning and canopy management through to the harvest, when friends and family all pitch in to hand-pick the precious crop.
The Site, the Soils and the Micro-Climate
Vale Vineyard's location on the lower slopes offers a balance of aspect, drainage and shelter that suits both early- and late-ripening varieties. The combination of warmth retained in the slopes by day and the cooler, mineral-rich air that drains down from the Clwydians at night creates exactly the kind of diurnal temperature variation that gives cool-climate grapes their characteristic aromatic intensity and crisp acidity. The Davies family are keen educators, sharing the story of their vineyard with visitors through their tours and tastings. Their walks through the rows of vines explain the seasonal cycle - the buds, flowers, fruit set and ripe grapes that visitors will see depending on the time of year between May and September.
The Vale Vineyard Wine Range
Vale Vineyard produces a tight, focused range of still and sparkling wines, each carrying the family's "Gwin o Gymru / Wine of Wales" designation on the label. The full collection can be ordered online through the shop or collected free from the cellar door at Dre Goch Isaf by emailing ahead to arrange a convenient collection time.
Solaris White Wine - £20.00
Made with the Solaris grape, this aromatic dry white wine presents aromas of apple blossom, elderflower and pear which introduce a refreshing palate of nectarine, apricot and tropical fruit notes, leaving a crisp, lingering finish. The 2022 vintage won a Silver Medal at the Welsh Vineyard Association awards in November 2023. Dry white, 12% ABV, 750ml bottle. View Solaris White Wine.
Rosé Wine - £22.00
A dry rosé made from Pinot Noir Précoce grapes, this 2022 vintage also took a Silver Award at the Welsh Vineyard Association Awards in November 2023. Gentle red fruit aromas introduce a refreshing palate of strawberry, cherry and caramel notes, leaving a crisp and fruity finish. 11% ABV, 750ml bottle. View Rosé Wine.
Robin Goch Red Wine - £23.00
Named after the Welsh for red robin, this refined red is made from Rondo, Cabaret Noir and Divico grapes grown at Vale Vineyard in 2023. Indulgent dark fruit aromas introduce a soft and juicy palate of vibrant berries, giving way to a smooth and generous finish. The wine took the Wine GB Best Alternative Red national award in 2025, putting Vale Vineyard firmly on the map of British wine enthusiasts well beyond Wales. 12% vol, 750ml bottle. View Robin Goch Red Wine.
Vale Pinot Noir - £25.00
A refined red made from Pinot Noir Précoce grapes grown at Vale Vineyard. The 2022 vintage presents aromas of wild strawberry, cherry and vanilla, with a delicately oaked, refined palate of red fruits and well-balanced tannins giving way to a crisp, generous finish. 11% ABV, 750ml bottle. View Vale Pinot Noir.
Sparkling White Wine - £35.00
A traditional-method sparkling white made from Seyval Blanc. The debut 2021 vintage rapidly sold out after winning double silver medals and being named regional winner for Wales at the Wine GB Awards 2024 - an engraved Riedel glass decanter was presented to Gwen and Rhys by Oz Clarke and Riedel's Martin Turner. The eagerly awaited 2022 vintage is the current release, made by traditional method with 24 months of lees ageing. 11.5% ABV, 750ml bottle. View Sparkling White Wine.
Sparkling Rosé Wine - £35.00
The debut sparkling rosé from Vale Vineyard, made by traditional method from Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir Précoce grapes harvested in 2021. Bubbles burst with red berries and aromas of ripe summer fruits, with flavours to match. Awarded Gold and Best Sparkling Rosé Wine at the Welsh Vineyard Association Awards in November 2023. 11.5% ABV, 750ml bottle. View Sparkling Rosé Wine.
Award-Winning Wines from North Wales
Despite its relative youth, Vale Vineyard has built up an impressive cabinet of trophies and medals at both the Welsh Vineyard Association and Wine GB Awards. Highlights include:
- Wine GB Awards 2025 - Robin Goch Red Wine named National Best Alternative Red.
- Welsh Vineyard Association 2023 - Robin Goch Red and Rosé (Pinot Noir Précoce) both Best in Category, Silver Medal.
- Welsh Vineyard Association 2022 - Sparkling Rosé Wine, Best in Category, Silver Medal.
- Wine GB Awards 2024 - Debut Sparkling White Wine (2021 vintage) Wales Regional Winner.
- Welsh Vineyard Association 2021 - Sparkling Rosé, White Solaris and Rosé all Best in Category with Silver Medals.
That track record has put Vale Vineyard at the heart of the modern Welsh wine story, and the wines are increasingly sought-after both at the cellar door and through independent retail stockists across Wales and beyond.
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting Experiences
The single most popular way to experience Vale Vineyard is through one of its guided vineyard tours and tastings. Running from May through September, when visitors will see buds, flowers, fruit set or juicy grapes depending on the time of year, the tour takes in the full story of the vines and the care they require through the seasons, before guests return to the vineyard's beautifully restored traditional barn - affectionately known as Ysgubor Gwin, the Wine Barn - to taste a selection of the wines paired with a delicious Snowdonia cheese platter.
What a Tour Includes
Each guided tour of Vale Vineyard lasts two hours and is led by the Davies family themselves. Visitors can expect:
- A guided walk among the vines with the story of how they are managed to produce top-quality grapes.
- An explanation of how the vines look at the time of year of the visit (buds, flowers, fruit set or ripe fruit).
- A tasting of four of Vale Vineyard's wines.
- A Snowdonia cheese platter.
- Stunning views across the Vale of Clwyd from the restored barn or the patio seating.
Booking a Tour
Tours take place on Saturdays at 12 noon and 4pm. Voucher holders should select their date and number of participants to match the number on the voucher, then enter the unique voucher code in the discount code box at checkout. Date transfers are possible with at least 48 hours' notice, with a £5 per-person administration fee. To book a tour by phone, call 07815 140945.
Pricing
- Guided tour with wine tasting and cheese platter - £30.00 per person. Book a tour.
- Vineyard Gift Experience - From £30.00 per person (gift card denominations £30 for one person or £60 for two people). Buy a gift experience.
Important Note for International Visitors
Visitors booking from outside the UK should note that booking times are listed in UK local time - Saturday tours run at 12 noon and 4pm.
Gift Vouchers and Group Experiences
Looking for an unusual gift, or a way to share the vineyard with friends? Vale Vineyard offers two main gift options, available through the online shop.
Monetary Gift Vouchers - From £25.00
For a gift with ultimate flexibility, monetary gift vouchers can be redeemed against any wine from the range, or against a vineyard tour and wine tasting. Denominations are available in £25, £50, £75 and £100. Vouchers are non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash, and must be redeemed by the expiry date shown.
Vineyard Gift Experience - From £30.00
Available in denominations of £30 for one person or £60 for two people, this gift experience gives the recipient a guided tour of the vineyard followed by a tasting of four Vale Vineyard wines and a cheese platter in the restored barn or patio.
Buy a Vineyard Gift Experience.
Group Bookings and Private Tours
Vouchers are issued for a specific number of participants. For larger groups, private bookings or trade enquiries, the vineyard can be contacted directly at hello@valevineyard.co.uk or by phone on 07815 140945.
Where to Buy Vale Vineyard Wines
The full range can be purchased directly from Vale Vineyard through the wines collection online, or collected in person from the cellar door at Dre Goch Isaf, Llandyrnog, Denbigh, LL16 4HY (free collection - just email to arrange a convenient pickup time).
Postage and Shipping
Orders are shipped on Tuesdays and Fridays via tracked first-class Royal Mail. Postage starts at £2.50 for vouchers (posted first class) and ranges from around £7 to £12 for parcels depending on size and weight. A signature is required on delivery, and a valid email address is required so the courier can notify the purchaser of the delivery slot. If there is no-one to receive the delivery, the courier may take the parcel to their local depot for collection.
Wines are for the customer's own use (including as gifts to third parties) and may not be re-sold or used for commercial purposes.
Stockists Across Wales and Beyond
Vale Vineyard is represented by an increasing number of independent stockists:
- Alticcio Wines, Wrexham
- Canna Deli, Cardiff
- Diod, Llandeilo
- Gwin Dylanwad, Dolgellau
- Llanbenwch, Ruthin
- Polly's Social, Mold (Opening April 2025)
- Rhug Farm Shop, Corwen
- Rhydymwyn Service Station
- Swan's Farm Shop, Treuddyn
- Vin Van Cymru, Cardiff
The range of wines available varies by stockist, so it is worth checking ahead when looking for a specific bottle. Find a stockist.
Visit the Vale of Clwyd
The Vale of Clwyd is one of North Wales's most beautiful corners - and an underrated food, drink and walking destination. A visit to Vale Vineyard pairs perfectly with a few extra days exploring the area, with the Clwydian Range offering some of the finest walking routes in the country.
Local Taxi Companies
For vineyard visitors without their own transport, a number of local taxi companies serve the area:
- Harvey's Taxi, Denbigh - 07979 442806
- Roberto's Taxi, Ruthin - 07912 564493
- Seren Cars, Nannerch - 07354 472647
Where to Stay
The vineyard is within easy reach of a range of accommodation options for visitors looking to extend their trip:
- Forge Cottage at Escape to the Stables - a stunning two-bedroom converted barn sleeping four, just a ten-minute walk from the vineyard.
- Y Cuddfan - The Hideaway - luxury, adult-only glamping pods a five-minute walk from the vineyard.
- The Barn at Plas Ashpool - a Grade II* listed converted barn sleeping twelve, around a fifteen-minute walk from the vineyard.
- Glampio Parc Offa - a luxury glamping pod in Aberwheeler, around half an hour's walk from the vineyard (also listed on Airbnb).
- Islwyn - a luxury family residence sleeping ten in Llandyrnog, around a five-minute drive from the vineyard.
- Trelan Farm - four luxury glamping getaways near Cilcain, around 15 minutes' drive from the vineyard.
- Bryn Morfydd Lodge Park - luxury lodge accommodation around 15 minutes' drive from the vineyard.
- Hendy at Penybwlch - a period farmhouse near Nantglyn, around 15 minutes' drive from the vineyard.
Exploring the Area
The Clwydian Range is famed for its walking routes - including parts of the long-distance Offa's Dyke Path. Wine lovers can also make time for local history at Denbigh Castle, and explore the independent shops, food and drink scenes of Ruthin, Denbigh and St Asaph, all a short drive from the vineyard.
Plan Your Visit to Vale Vineyard
Vale Vineyard is at Dre Goch Isaf, Llandyrnog, Denbigh LL16 4HY, in the heart of North Wales. Whether booking a guided tour, looking to add a few bottles of award-winning Welsh wine to a collection, or arranging a unique gift for someone special, the vineyard is a slice of modern Welsh viticulture worth getting to know.
Key Practical Information
- Address: Vale Vineyard - Gwinllan y Dyffryn, Dre Goch Isaf, Llandyrnog, Denbigh, LL16 4HY.
- Telephone: 07815 140945.
- Email: hello@valevineyard.co.uk.
- Cellar door / collection: Free collection by appointment - email to arrange.
- Tour season: May to September, Saturdays 12 noon and 4pm.
- Trade name: Vale Vineyard - Gwinllan y Dyffryn.
Quick Links
- Vale Vineyard
- Shop all products
- Book a vineyard tour
- About the Davies family
- Awards and accolades
- Stockists
- Local accommodation and taxis
- Contact Vale Vineyard
From the family's hands-on approach to viticulture, to the award-winning range of wines, to the warm bilingual welcome waiting in the restored Wine Barn, a visit to Vale Vineyard - Gwinllan y Dyffryn - is one of the most rewarding ways to discover the modern face of Welsh wine.