Overview
Nobody plants vines in North Wales for an easy life. Two families have done it anyway, on slopes most people would have left to the sheep.
At Pant Du in the Nantlle Valley, vines and apple trees grow on south-facing glacial slopes at the foot of Snowdon, with the mountains on one side and the sea on the other. At Gwinllan Conwy, Colin and Charlotte Bennett planted their first vines in 2012 and now tend three thousand, choosing hybrid grapes for north Walian weather.
You taste at both, and hear how they make it work.
This tour is an example: every trip is planned around the people taking it. How your tour comes together
- Duration
- 1 day
- Group size
- Up to 7 guests
- Vehicle
- Mercedes V-Class
Includes
- Driver bilingual guide
- Travel in a Mercedes V-Class
- Daily pick-ups & drop offs
- Fully customisable
Excludes
- Flights, transfers and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Entry fees to attractions
- Food & drink
Itinerary
Two vineyards, Nantlle to Conwy
Morning in the Nantlle Valley at Pant Du, a family vineyard and orchard with a café and shop, Snowdonia to the north-east and the sea to the west. In the afternoon, across to the Conwy valley and the courtyard at Gwinllan Conwy, three acres of vines looking out over the river.
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Family vineyard and orchard on the sunny slopes of Nantlle Valley
Vineyard and Orchard situated on the stunning slopes of the Nantlle Valley, Snowdonia, North Wales. The vineyard and orchard has been planted on the south facing glacial slopes of the valley, at the foothills of Snowdon. Pant Du is a family run business with a cafe, shop on site. Spectacular views of the magnificent Snowdonia mountain range can be seen to the North East, and panoramic views of the sea to the West, Pant Du is an idyllic location to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty Snowdonia has to offer. -
A three-acre vineyard above the Conwy valley, planted in 2012
Gwinllan Conwy was founded by Colin and Charlotte Bennett, who planted their first vines in 2012 and have grown the vineyard to three acres and three thousand vines. The hybrid varieties are chosen for north Walian soil and weather, and give the wines a fresh, delicate style.
There is a courtyard, a shop and tastings looking out over the vines towards the Conwy valley.
What guests say
What a fantastic day we had with John. Incredibly polite, huge local knowledge, lovely clean & comfortable vehicle. The tour was excellent and we went to places we would never have found.
The cheese was delicious and a lovely surprise.
If we could give more than 5 stars we would. We loved the areas we were shown so much we are considering a Welsh retirement.
The experience on this tour with John was outstanding. His attention to detail and connection with us was so lovely.
We took a half day tour, in fact the tour lasted for over 5 hours, around North Wales. John explained all the areas he took us to, he gave us as much time as we needed at the stops we made and gave us a brilliant personalised experience. He took us to the places he knew we would want to see and when we requested some different places he obliged. Nothing was too much for John. Even purchased some Snowdonia cheese for us.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour we run is customised, so treat this itinerary as a starting point. Tell us what interests you and we will build the days around it.
- What time do we start and finish?
Usually around 9am to 5pm, but we are flexible. What matters most is that you have a good time, so if starting earlier or finishing later makes for a better day, that is what we will do.
- How many of us can come?
Up to 7 guests, travelling together in our Mercedes V-Class. Seven can be tight, so we usually recommend no more than 6. For a party of 8 or more, get in touch and we will make special arrangements.
- How far ahead should we get in touch?
Whenever suits you. Some guests write eight months ahead, some a few weeks before. It's best to confirm availability as soon as possible.
- Can children come?
Children are welcome. Not every tour suits every age, so tell us their ages when you get in touch and we will plan the day around them. We are not able to accommodate infants and babies.
- Can this tour be combined with other tours, or made longer or shorter?
Yes. A day tour can be built into a multi-day tour, and a multi-day tour can be shortened, extended or joined to another. Tell us how many days you have and we will plan around them.
- Are admission fees included?
No. Entry to castles, gardens and other attractions is paid on the day, where a fee applies. Most of the castles are maintained by Cadw, part of the Welsh Government. Please visit cadw.gov.wales. We can advise you on the best deals when you book your tour with us.
- Is food included?
No. As we tour we will suggest eating places that our guests have enjoyed.
- What should we wear and bring?
Sensible footwear for some light walking, and a rain jacket, just in case.
- How much walking is involved?
Some, and none of it strenuous: the walk from the car to a castle gate or a viewpoint. If walking is a concern, tell us and we will plan the stops accordingly.
- Where should we stay?
Somewhere central, so that touring time is not spent driving to the start. Our accommodation advice lists places our guests have used, and we are happy to suggest a base for your tour.