It’s celebrations all round for Abergavenny’s White Castle Vineyard who have won a silver award in the world of international wines.

And it’s down to the Vintage 2018 “Pinot Noir Précoce reserve” which has ‘done us proud ‘say Robb and Nicola Merchant, owners of White Castle Vineyard in Llanvetherine.

‘‘We have a great returning customer base for our Welsh wines and we are renowned for our Pinot Noir précoce, which is an early variety of the renowned Pinot Noir grape,’’ says Robb.

In its 37th year, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) is accepted as the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential annual wine competition.

The rigorous IWC judging process assesses every wine ‘blind’ and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage.

Each IWC medal-winning wine will be tasted on at least three separate occasions by a minimum of two panels of judges tasting together, and then tasted by two Co-Chairs to verify the panel results.

The IWC judging teams include experts and influencers from the international wine industry, commercial decision makers, buyers and MWs working in unison to find the highest quality wines each year from the 52 wine-producing countries represented in the competition.

An IWC medal-winning wine is tasted by a minimum of eight judges before being awarded.

The rigorous process is respected by the international wine retailers and buyers and opens the door for international trade communication

All wines are tasted blind with no pricing or producer information provided.

Wines are grouped by type, region, alcohol and sugar percentage, ensuring similar wines are judged together.

Welsh Wine week is on the horizon running from June 4 to June 13 and Robb and Nicola are ready to welcome new and returning visitors to their vineyard.

They are open Friday – Sunday including bank holidays from 10am to 5 pm for conducted vineyard tours followed by wine tasting.

Wine is served by the glass and they have a selection of platters to enjoy.

They also have an online presence and this has proved to be their saviour during the pandemic.

The growing season is well under way and a new release wine is imminent.

‘‘Summer is on its way and what better than a glass of Welsh Rose.

‘‘The release of White Castle Rose vintage 2020 shall kickstart Welsh wine week, and let’s not forget the IWC Silver award winning Pinot Noir reserve is included in wine tastings.

‘‘Support your local vineyard and what better time than Welsh Wine Week, take the opportunity to meet the people who tend the vines and create white Castle quality award winning Welsh wines.’’

You can find out more about the award winning wine and book a tour on the company website.