Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall surprised guests at Llanerch in Hensol as she visited the vineyard to mark its 10th anniversary.
The Duchess met owner Ryan Davies, who took over Llanerch 10-years ago, and enjoyed a wine tasting. Her Royal Highness visited the vineyard’s hotel and met staff and local suppliers in Llanerch’s new restaurant, before planting a vine and enjoying a glass of the vineyard’s award-winning Cariad blush. It was part of her visit to south Wales with The Prince of Wales.
Speaking to Ryan Davies during her visit, Her Royal Highness said: “I’d like to congratulate you on the wonderful job you’ve done here. As president of Wine GB, I’m proud to be part of wine growing in this country. We’re really getting it right in this country and giving the French a run for their money. I’ve loved my visit and I hope to come back again to try your restaurant.”
Ryan said: “We are honoured that The Duchess of Cornwall chose to visit us during her trip to Wales. Her Royal Highness was particularly keen to hear about how we are expanding our vineyard, to see our new restaurant and – of course – to try some of our wines.
“Her Royal Highness was a joy to have at Llanerch and she spent time talking to our team, from housekeeping and restaurant staff to our wedding and events team. We also introduced her to some of our local suppliers who provide our restaurant with fresh produce every day. Her Royal Highness is passionate about British wines and it was fantastic to hear that she enjoyed our wine and was impressed with what we are doing at Llanerch.”
Camilla enjoys a glass of wine with Llanerch owner Ryan Davies.
The Duchess of Cornwall met representatives from Miskin Eggs, Matt Fresh fruit and vegetables, Ty Tanglwyst Dairy, Welsh Coffee Co. and SubZero ice creams in the restaurant.
Llanerch recently unveiled a 200 square foot extension to its restaurant and aims to plant a further six acres of vines at the vineyard.
Ryan Davies took over the vineyard, which is one of the oldest in Wales, in 2010 when he was just 24 years old with no previous experience. He aimed to replicate the successful wine tourism models he had seen in vineyards in New Zealand and Australia, where vineyards are tourist attractions in their own right.
He said: “Since then, Llanerch has become the UK’s largest vineyard hotel and attracts visitors from around the world with its award-winning restaurant and bar, marquee and lodge wedding venues, on-site cookery school owned by Angela Grey, and popular wine tasting and vineyard tour experiences.”
