The Pant Du Vineyard near Caernarfon

The beautiful North Wales region offers a wealth of activities and attractions to enjoy. It is an excellent retreat for anyone that likes trips outside – whether your preference is white-knuckle adrenaline-based attractions such as the fantastic Zip World or Surf Snowdonia – or even more laid back attractions such as the excellent Bodnant Gardens or the series of excellent walks around the area, then North Wales, for sure, has something for you.

A laid-back attraction which is very close to Ty’n Rhos – as well as one which just so happens to be excellent in all seasons – is the Pant Du Vineyard which lies at Penygroes, Caernarfon. At only nine miles away from our beautiful Country House Hotel, it is certainly worth a visit for the fact that it is the first commercial vineyard in Gwynedd.

That, as well as the scenic surroundings of the Pant Du Vineyard make it an excellent place to visit, and enjoy the laid-back pace of life in the beautiful Snowdonia region. Set in the stunning Nantlle Valley, the vineyard and orchard has been planted on the south facing slopes of the valley, affording gorgeous views of Snowdon, as well as a unique heating system forged from slate waste in order to produce exceptional grapes.

Very much a labour of love, Pant Du produced their very first bottle of wine in 2010, and has already gained an excellent reputation for their produce – wine, cider, and also apple juice. We’re not surprised. Pant Du is in such a beautiful area, it stands to sense that anything grown in surroundings such as this must of course be excellent as well.

Interestingly, In 2013, the owners of Pant Du discovered that the land had given them another little gift – that there was a well of spring water underneath the ground. Nowadays, as well as producing wine, cider, and apple juice, Pant Du are experimenting with producing spring water.

Of course, they also do a number of guided tours around the vineyard. Typical visits to Pant Du involve a conducted tour of the vineyard, orchard, as well as their freshly discovered water source, as well as a talk and a presentation regarding Pant Du’s history.

You are also invited to taste a selection of the excellent produce at Pant Du, as well as enjoy a light meal. We can’t think of a better way to explore a vineyard!

We’ve found a small poem by Jan Morris, which was written especially for Pant Du. We think it’s quite wonderful, and we very much hope you’ll agree.

“Not so far from my house,
A paradise all its own
Among the hills of slate.
At once
Stylish and simple,
Urbane and homely,
Happy as its own
Wines and apples,
And kind as Wales
Itself.”