Few people are aware of the remarkable contribution Lord Bute made to the art of wine-making not only in Wales but also in Britain. You can find out more in a fascinating wine and cheese event at Cardiff Castle on Friday 14 May at 6pm.
The 3rd Marquess of Bute was a true pioneer and in 1873, having read of the vineyards that once flourished locally during the Middle Ages, he decided to plant vineyards at Castell Coch and on his Glamorgan estates. In this unique experiment the vines thrived and for 50 years between 1875 and 1914 Welsh wines were produced at Cardiff Castle. The cellars that Bute built and the large oak wine vats installed for storing the new wine are still in place at Cardiff Castle.
In homage to this fascinating piece of the Castle’s history, Curator, Matthew Williams will host a wine tasting which follows his lecture on Lord Bute’s ‘interesting wine’: The Victorian Vineyards in Glamorgan and an exclusive tour of the Castle’s wine cellars which are not normally open to the public. Teaming up with Richard and Susan Norris of Glyndwr Vineyards, there will be the chance to taste some of today’s wines from one of the most historic vineyards in Wales.
And to complete the link in the chain, Scottish specialty cheeses from the Isle of Bute dairies will be served – the perfect accompaniment to the Welsh wine. A toast will be raised to the Bute Houses Partnership – a collaborative venture between four of the most unique historic buildings in Britain connected to the Bute family: Mount Stuart located on the Isle of Bute, Dumfries House, Cardiff Castle and the House of Falkland.
Every October, the Bute family would invite friends to join them for a Welsh ‘Vindernia’ –a date placed firmly in the social calendar and a celebration enjoyed by everyone.
This forthcoming event is a welcome addition to the Castle’s programme and is sure to attract a whole new following of friends.
Tickets are still available at £20 each including wine and cheese. Pre- booking is essential, please call 029 2087 8100 if you would like to join them.
This event is part of the international ‘Museums at Night’ campaign.
