Welsh vineyard is ready to be fleeced

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard is laying thousands of sheep fleeces between its vines to fight weeds and reflect sunlight onto ripening grapes.

The property in Llangwstenin, Wales, began laying fleeces in and around two rows of vines in October 2021. This week, it took delivery of more than 3,000 fleeces to move forward with the sustainable method on a permanent basis, based on the trial’s overwhelmingly positive results.

“More sugar means more alcohol and while a couple of per cent may not sound like much, our fleece-ripened grapes will produce a wine from classic varieties with a much fuller body,” said co-owner Colin Bennett.

The Drinks Business, January 31