Grape Expectation ; Anglesey has a New Vineyard. Its Owners Believe It Could Herald a Lucrative New Tourism Industry, but the Island's Existing Winemaker Says More Landowners Need to Come On Board Andrew Forgrave Rural Affairs Editor, Spoke to Both

Summary

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ARRY Dean views life's challenges rather as a mountaineer sizes up an unscaled peak. He had never farmed before he brought his wife and five young children to Anglesey in 1979, but he didn't let that stop him. He now runs 120 acres and has survived the twin traumas of BSE and foot-and-mouth.

And though he had never been to France, let alone set foot in a vineyard, he has now decided to start producing his own wine. The concept still bemuses his own family, never mind farming neighbours around Dwyran who are used to his mild eccentricities.

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Grape Expectation ; Anglesey has a New Vineyard. Its Owners Believe It Could Herald a Lucrative New Tourism Industry, but the Island's Existing Winemaker Says More Landowners Need to Come On Board Andrew Forgrave Rural Affairs Editor, Spoke to Both

But, armed with a motorised golf trolley and the help of daughter Wendy and friend Gerald Benting - a former campsite resident who visited six years ago and never left - he has now established Wales' newest vineyard.

'I always wanted to grow my own vines,' said Mr Dean, 63, who also runs a 130-head ewe flock at Toe Croes farm with wife Julia.

'At one stage I did consider moving to the continent and buying my own vineyard. But I couldn't face leaving Anglesey.

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