Probus ladies and guests visited Cwm Deri Vineyard at Martletwy recently to sample the wines after admiring the spectacular views and assorted livestock, including Shetland pony and foal, geese and gander, assorted ducks and hens and clean sheep.

The charming owner, Mike, took us on a comprehensive tour of the vineyard, explaining its history, reasons for the choice of grape varieties, their cultivation and difficulties with bird and animal pests. Answering our questions along the way, we returned to the restaurant for the tasting. Here we each selected samples from the 20 wines available, making tasting notes amid much merriment.

Having chosen a wine to accompany our lunch, we were treated to a superb and generous cold buffet with warm home-made bread, followed by three delicious home-made desserts and excellent coffee - all very professional and no portion control!

By this time, the bottling plant was in full swing so we could see the end of the wine-making process and make purchases from the well-stocked shop, before thanking the owners and staff for such an enjoyable educational visit.