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Welsh winemaker receives MBE

21 December 2023 By Louis Thomas

Robb Merchant, the co-owner and director of White Castle Vineyard near Abergavenny, Wales, was awarded an MBE by King Charles III this week for his services to viticulture.

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The announcement that Merchant, a former Royal Mail worker, was to become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) was made in the King’s first Birthday Honours List

Telling the drinks business of his reaction to finding out that he would be receiving the award, Merchant said: “Firstly I was surprised to receive the letter informing me of my nomination, then proud and pleased to accept that I had been recognised for my drive and passion for viticulture.”

While Merchant revealed that no wine was served at the ceremony, which took place on Tuesday 19 December, he shared that the King, known for his deep interest in gardening and the environment, had some questions: “He asked about the vineyard how long we had been involved in the industry, he asked about our development plans.”

Robb and his wife Nicola purchased a five hectare small holding in 1995, converting what was a milking shed into their home. In 2008, they would purchase a nearby two hectare, south-facing plot with the intention of using it for the cultivation of grapes.

The following year the couple, who have both studied viticulture at Plumpton College, planted 4,000 vines of Pinot Noir, Regent, Rondo, Seyval Blanc and Phoenix, and they have since added Siegerrebe and Cabernet Franc to their vineyard.

Producing a number of wines, including a fortified wine called 1581 made from Regent and two traditional method sparklings, it is White Castle Vineyard’s still Pinot Noir Précoce Reserve that has garnered particular attention.

Asked if he hoped that the award might help to boost the status of Welsh wine as a whole, he said: “White Castle is understandably my first priority, however, I will always promote the Welsh Wine Industry with the focus always on quality and provenance as the industry grows.”

“The number of Welsh vineyards is growing ,with around 45 recorded up to the end of 2023 and it will continue to grow,” he continued. “I see more red varieties being planted – Pinot Noir plantings are increasing, however, there are more discussions being had around hybrid varieties such as Cabernet Noir and Divico.”

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