Events
The Vale Food Trail is a celebration of good food in the Vale of Glamorgan, and brings people closer to sustainable food producers and businesses in the local area.
See the fantastic range of events happening as part of the trail in date-order below
"Space To Grow" Art Exhibition
Experience the culmination of the Space to Grow project with an inspiring exhibition of artwork brought to you by Urban-Vertical CIC in collaboration with UHB Arts & Health Charity. This exhibition celebrates the remarkable achievements of the ten Space to Grow courses conducted between 2023 and 2024. In partnership with The Arts for Health and Wellbeing Team at Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, Urban-Vertical CIC has been privileged to deliver these courses, made possible by funding from the Arts for Health and Wellbeing Lottery funding stream, provided by the Arts Council of Wales.
The exhibition beautifully illustrates the transformative power of food, recognizing its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. It serves as a testament to the fusion of cultivation, culinary arts, nutrition, creativity, and mindful movement, all converging to form a holistic approach dedicated to nurturing wellbeing within our community.
Open throughout the Vale Food Trail (no need to book)
Free Entry
Guided Foraging Walk
Embark on an adventure with Slade Farm Organics and join a guided forage led by professional forager Chloe Newcomb Hodgetts from Gourmet Gatherings. Explore the coastal area around the farm and discover edible treasures while learning about safe and sustainable foraging practices. Chloe will introduce each coastal ingredient, teaching you how to identify, harvest, and use them in delicious recipes. Limited to 20 people, this event aims to connect participants with the natural beauty of the area. Slade Farm Organics, a sustainable organic farm in South Wales, produces nutritious, healthy food in harmony with nature. Their closed cycle of nutrients ensures all animals and crops are fed from the land, promoting true sustainability.
£27.50 per person
Vale Food Trail at the Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival!
On the 26th and 27th May, join Food Vale in Old Hall Gardens in Cowbridge where a programme of fun activities for all the family will provide opportunities to learn about food which is good for people, place and planet at Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival.
Vale Food Trail at the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival Timetable
Vineyard Tour (with optional wine tasting)
Situated just a mile from Cowbridge, St. Hilary Vineyard boasts a hectare of young vines blending farming tradition with modern techniques. Visit St. Hilary Vineyard for a guided tour of their vineyard, wildflower meadow, and orchard, where they will be showcasing the region's burgeoning wine industry. Learn about their sustainable farming practices, minimal intervention methods and sustainable principles, where they prioritise selling products like apple and grape juice locally to minimize food miles. As part of Vale Food Trail, the vineyard tour includes an optional wine tasting of locally sourced wines, as St. Hilary's own wines are still maturing.
£5 per person
Vineyard Tour, Lunch & Wine Tasting
Glyndwr Vineyard offers a unique experience with their Vineyard Tour, Lunch & Wine Tasting. Start with a glass of Welsh vintage sparkling wine on the deck overlooking the vineyard before a guided tour with the chance to meet the resident llamas. Return for a locally sourced two-course meal, including Welsh specialties like leek and Caerphilly cheese quiche, local sausages, bread, Welsh cheeses, and salad. Dessert is served alongside two more Glyndwr wines. Established in 1979, Glyndwr is Wales' oldest vineyard, leading the revival of viticulture in the country.
£45 per person
Growing Demos & Local Food Tastings
Join Pugh's Garden Village for a series of growing demos & local food tastings, whilst celebrating their 70th anniversary of serving the local community. Learn successful vegetable and herb growing techniques with demonstrations in the main garden center. Indulge in food tastings from Vale-based suppliers at the food hall, and savor Welsh specialties at the Orange Tree restaurant, highlighting the best of Welsh food and drink. Pugh's Food Hall prioritizes quality, local, and innovative products, supporting local suppliers to reduce food miles and protect the planet. With two family-run award-winning garden centers in South Wales, Pugh's offers a unique shopping experience, complemented by monthly gardening events, restaurants, and more.
Sign up for free herb planting demonstration here!
The Orange Tree restaurant will be serving the Welsh food specials throughout the week - customers will be encouraged to visit the restaurant however there will be no booking available. Food sampling will be for all visitors to enjoy.
Free Demo’s and Tastings!
Forest Garden Tour & Plant Sale
Join us for an enriching experience at Ediculture's open garden event, featuring a forest garden tour and plant sale at the Coed Forest Garden. Established in 2009, our forest gardens and orchards boast an impressive collection of over 150 different varieties of fruit trees, along with a diverse range of medicinal herbs.
Indulge in the serene ambiance as you sip on herbal teas, savor delectable cake, and explore the array of plants available for sale. At midday, one of the forest garden founders will guide you through the enchanting forest garden, offering insights into its creation and maintenance.
FREE ENTRY (BOOKING REQUIRED)
Hog Roast on the Lawn
Indulge in farm-to-fork delight at Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen's 'Hog Roast on the Lawn' event. Enjoy a succulent hog roast with crackling, stuffing, and apple sauce served in a bun, complemented by sides of potatoes, salad, and coleslaw. While you savour the flavours, soak in the scenic views over the Thaw valley, whilst the kids let loose in the playground. Afterwards, explore the farm shop for a range of delightful Welsh goodies to take home. Forage prioritises sustainability through farming practices and reducing food miles; with a 120kwh solar array, the farm is also self-sufficient in electricity, and their farming system is designed for environmental regeneration. Located on Penllyn Estate, farmed by the Homfray family since 1846, Forage embraces sustainable practices and has planted over 50,000 trees since 1990.
No booking required!
Free entry - Hog Roast Bun with Crackling, Stuffing & Apple Sauce: £10
Growing Demos & Local Food Tastings
Join Pugh's Garden Village for a series of growing demos & local food tastings, whilst celebrating their 70th anniversary of serving the local community. Learn successful vegetable and herb growing techniques with demonstrations in the main garden center. Indulge in food tastings from Vale-based suppliers at the food hall, and savor Welsh specialties at the Orange Tree restaurant, highlighting the best of Welsh food and drink. Pugh's Food Hall prioritizes quality, local, and innovative products, supporting local suppliers to reduce food miles and protect the planet. With two family-run award-winning garden centers in South Wales, Pugh's offers a unique shopping experience, complemented by monthly gardening events, restaurants, and more.
Sign up for free herb planting demonstration here!
The Orange Tree restaurant will be serving the Welsh food specials throughout the week - customers will be encouraged to visit the restaurant however there will be no booking available. Food sampling will be for all visitors to enjoy.
Free Demo’s and Tastings!
Growing Demos & Local Food Tastings
Join Pugh's Garden Village for a series of growing demos & local food tastings, whilst celebrating their 70th anniversary of serving the local community. Learn successful vegetable and herb growing techniques with demonstrations in the main garden center. Indulge in food tastings from Vale-based suppliers at the food hall, and savor Welsh specialties at the Orange Tree restaurant, highlighting the best of Welsh food and drink. Pugh's Food Hall prioritizes quality, local, and innovative products, supporting local suppliers to reduce food miles and protect the planet. With two family-run award-winning garden centers in South Wales, Pugh's offers a unique shopping experience, complemented by monthly gardening events, restaurants, and more.
Sign up for free herb planting demonstration here!
The Orange Tree restaurant will be serving the Welsh food specials throughout the week - customers will be encouraged to visit the restaurant however there will be no booking available. Food sampling will be for all visitors to enjoy.
Free Demo’s and Tastings!
Fruit and Veg Farm Visit
Explore the world of sustainable horticulture at BonvilstonEdge Limited's Fruit & Veg Farm Visit. Started by Geraint & Emma Evans in 2021, this is a chance to learn about their transition into farming, their commitment to pesticide-free farming, and reducing plastic usage; their locally grown produce also adheres to organic principles, ensuring freshness and minimal carbon footprint. Experience planting vegetable seeds in recycled pots and taste their BonvilstonEdge honey, accompanied by homemade cake and tea/coffee.
£14 per adult - £5 per child
Fruit and Veg Farm Visit
Explore the world of sustainable horticulture at BonvilstonEdge Limited's Fruit & Veg Farm Visit. Started by Geraint & Emma Evans in 2021, this is a chance to learn about their transition into farming, their commitment to pesticide-free farming, and reducing plastic usage; their locally grown produce also adheres to organic principles, ensuring freshness and minimal carbon footprint. Experience planting vegetable seeds in recycled pots and taste their BonvilstonEdge honey, accompanied by homemade cake and tea/coffee.
£14 per adult - £5 per child
Sustainable Wine Tastings
Join Corc Wines for Sustainable Wine Tastings, samples of individual wines and mini-tastings featuring a selection of bottles. Their retail range prioritizes wines from small, local, and environmentally conscious producers. Founded by Nick and Emily, Corc is an independent wine shop and tasting room located on High Street in Barry. They offer an ever-evolving selection of interesting and unusual bottles focusing on quality and value, alongside wine by the glass and hosted tastings and events. Samples are complimentary, while mini-tastings will be available for £10.
No booking required. For more information or any questions, please contact via @corcwines on Instagram, or 01446 502330.
Wednesday - Saturday, 12 pm until close
Free entry and samples - Mini wine tastings: £10
"Six Inches of Soil" Film Screening
Join a screening of the captivating film "Six Inches of Soil," the inspiring journey of young British farmers who courageously challenge the industrial food system. Through their efforts, they strive to transform food production methods to heal the soil, enhance our health, and support local communities.
This special evening event will feature the screening of the film followed by refreshments and an engaging discussion session where attendees can share their thoughts and insights inspired by the film.
Free
Farm to Fork in the Vale
Discover 'Farm to Fork' food in the Vale with a collaboration between Rosedew Farm, Farmers Pantry Butchers, and the Acorn Cafe. Rhodri Davies of Rosedew Farm will share insights into their cattle rearing practices, supplying Farmers Pantry Butchers- who priortise sustainability and traceability, ensuring minimal food miles from farm to plate. Dawie Beyers from Farmers Pantry will discuss various steak cuts and their merits, followed by a BBQ demonstration (weather permitting). The Acorn Cafe will also serve a 'Vale Trail' themed menu featuring Farmers Pantry produce from May 29th to June 2nd (no booking required).
Free
Gin Tour & Tasting
Immerse yourself in the world of gin at Hensol Castle Distillery with their Gin Tour & Tasting, nestled in a 17th-century castle. Experience a guided tour of the distillery, learning about the castle's history, gin's origins, and the art of botanicals. Enjoy a gin tasting session and cap it off with a Gin and Tonic at the bar (or a takeaway if you're driving). The distillery prioritizes sustainability, employing measures like solar panels, electric buggies, and recycling old bottles into candles. Located just outside Cardiff, they offer various gin experiences, including Gin Making, Spiced Rum Making, and Cocktail Masterclasses. This event is limited to 20 guests.
£20 per person (Special Vale Food Trail £5 discount from normal tour prices)
Sheep's Milk Cheese Tasting & Goats Milk Soap making
Indulge in the flavors of the countryside at Garlic Meadow's Sheep's Milk Cheese Tasting & Goat's Milk Soap Making event. Explore a variety of sheep's milk cheeses while witnessing a demonstration on soap making using goat's milk. Additionally, discover locally sourced wool and enjoy some local craft beers. Garlic Meadow is committed to producing local food with minimal food miles, employing regenerative grazing principles. Founded in 2009 as a hobby, Garlic Meadow has blossomed into a small farming business offering sheep's milk cheese, goat's milk skincare, wool, and rugs.
£5 per person
Vineyard Tour (with optional wine tasting)
Situated just a mile from Cowbridge, St. Hilary Vineyard boasts a hectare of young vines blending farming tradition with modern techniques. Visit St. Hilary Vineyard for a guided tour of their vineyard, wildflower meadow, and orchard, where they will be showcasing the region's burgeoning wine industry. Learn about their sustainable farming practices, minimal intervention methods and sustainable principles, where they prioritise selling products like apple and grape juice locally to minimize food miles. As part of Vale Food Trail, the vineyard tour includes an optional wine tasting of locally sourced wines, as St. Hilary's own wines are still maturing.
£5 per person
Craft Beer Tasting
Embark on a journey through the world of craft beer at Craft Republic's May Tasting event. Led by co-owner Tim, explore five carefully selected beers from independent breweries, each showcasing different styles and stories. This intimate, community-style gathering invites both newcomers and craft beer enthusiasts to share feedback and stories while enjoying premium beers and snacks around a communal table. Craft Republic sources all beers from independent breweries committed to ethical practices.
£10 per person (including beers and snacks)
Welsh Wine & Cheese Pairing
Barry Island Spirits Co presents a delightful Welsh Wine & Cheese Pairing event to celebrate Welsh Wine Week. Explore the diverse flavors of Wales with five premium Welsh wines paired with carefully selected Welsh cheeses. Limited tickets are available for this over-18 event, promising an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Barry Island Spirits Co champion sustainability and local produce, aligning with their focus on promoting Welsh wines and food. Located in High Street, Barry, the Barry Island Spirits Co Shop and Tasting Room also offers award-winning Barry Island Gin, Rum, and Vodka.
£30 per person
Sunset Farm Safari
Experience the magic of summer twilight with Slade Farm Organics' Sunset Farm Safari. Join them for a journey through the farm on an accessible trailer as the sun sets, witnessing the abundance of the season and farm wildlife. Look out for farmland birds and raptors, with the chance to spot resident Barn Owls at dusk. Suitable for photographers, families, and adventurers alike, this tour offers a unique connection to the land. Slade Farm Organics is dedicated to sustainable organic farming in the Vale of Glamorgan.
£6 per person
Brewery Tour & Tasting
Experience the essence of Barrifornia at VOG Brewery with their Brewery Tour & Tasting. Delve into their authentic brewing process and local ethos, with most of their beer catering to the nearby market. Their fun and Welsh-themed branding adds a unique touch to the experience. Since 2005, VOG Brewery has crafted a diverse range of beers, from juicy East Coast Pales to robust imp stouts, available in cask, keg, bottle, and can formats. Passionate about their craft, they brew beers they love and hope you'll love too. Stay tuned for tour details on their website and social media. Join them at 42 Atlantic Business Park, Barry, for a taste of Barrifornia's finest brews.
£20 per person
Tea Plantation Tour and Tasting
Escape into the enchanting world of artisan tea with a delightful journey through Peterston's award-winning tea garden, where you'll uncover the fascinating process of tea making from bush to cup, all while gaining insight into a unique approach to growing tea right here in Wales. After the informative tour, indulge in a Welsh tea tasting experience accompanied by delicious homemade cake.
Peterston Tea is a small farm with big ideas; they take pride in growing organically, and are certified by the Soil Association. Through innovative practices like agroforestry, they create a beneficial microclimate for their tea plants, providing them with shelter and improving soil structure. By growing trees alongside their tea, they not only protect the plants but also foster a rich environment for wildlife to thrive.
£45 per person
Live Music and Street Food
Celebrate the RNLI's 200th year of lifesaving at the Festival of the Sea, featuring live music & local street food. Enjoy a weekend of free sea shanty music and family activities on Barry Island, alongside food and drinks from local, independent vendors. Delight in quality ingredients and products from the Vale of Glamorgan showcased by these businesses. This event promises a lively atmosphere and fun for all ages.
Free Entry - no booking required! More information available here
‘No Dig' Gardening Demo
Join Ali's Edibles for a 'No Dig' Gardening Demo and tour of their market garden. Discover an easier approach to gardening using no-dig methods and observe its application in their market garden. Ali's Edibles provides seasonal salads and vegetables to local villages grown sustainably with nearly organic methods which work in harmony with nature.
Sign-up by email: alisedibles@alisedibles.co.uk or at Contact (alisedibles.co.uk)
£2 per person
Vineyard Visit & Wine Tasting
Join Tair Gafr Wines for a Vineyard Visit & Wine Tasting experience. The vineyard opens at 1 pm with complimentary wine upon entry, allowing guests to freely explore, meet the resident animals, and take in the scenery. Admission is £5, with an optional guided tour for an additional £5 (booking essential due to limited space). Tair Gafr Wines, a small family-run vineyard in South Wales, prioritizes natural viticulture, ensuring their wines reflect the unique terroir. They offer wine tastings, vineyard tours, and the unique experience of walking alpacas, mini sheep, or pygmy goats through the vineyard. Their first vintage, a refreshing rosé, debuted last year, with a red wine coming soon!
Sign Up - Please send us an email to alpacavineyard@hotmail.com or fill in our form on our website https://www.tairgafrwines.co.uk/
£5 per person
Brewery Tour & Tasting
Experience the essence of Barrifornia at VOG Brewery with their Brewery Tour & Tasting. Delve into their authentic brewing process and local ethos, with most of their beer catering to the nearby market. Their fun and Welsh-themed branding adds a unique touch to the experience. Since 2005, VOG Brewery has crafted a diverse range of beers, from juicy East Coast Pales to robust imp stouts, available in cask, keg, bottle, and can formats. Passionate about their craft, they brew beers they love and hope you'll love too. Stay tuned for tour details on their website and social media. Join them at 42 Atlantic Business Park, Barry, for a taste of Barrifornia's finest brews.
£20 per person
‘No Dig' Gardening Demo
Join Ali's Edibles for a 'No Dig' Gardening Demo and tour of their market garden. Discover an easier approach to gardening using no-dig methods and observe its application in their market garden. Ali's Edibles provides seasonal salads and vegetables to local villages grown sustainably with nearly organic methods which work in harmony with nature.
Sign-up by email: alisedibles@alisedibles.co.uk or at Contact (alisedibles.co.uk)
£2 per person
‘No Dig' Gardening Demo
Join Ali's Edibles for a 'No Dig' Gardening Demo and tour of their market garden. Discover an easier approach to gardening using no-dig methods and observe its application in their market garden. Ali's Edibles provides seasonal salads and vegetables to local villages grown sustainably with nearly organic methods which work in harmony with nature.
Sign-up by email: alisedibles@alisedibles.co.uk or at Contact (alisedibles.co.uk)
£2 per person
Tour of Edible Landscaping Garden
Explore and sample the food forest and ornamental edibles in the Edible Landscaping garden in Dinas Powys. The garden combines an edible food forest, perennial and self-seeding veg as well as organic veg growing. It's also a wildlife haven giving a home to a huge variety of birds, insects, frogs and slow worms.
Location: Dinas Powys
FREE but BOOKING REQUIRED. Email Michele at ediblelandscaping@gmail.com to register - (there will be a cap of 15 participants).
Live Music and Street Food
Celebrate the RNLI's 200th year of lifesaving at the Festival of the Sea, featuring live music & local street food. Enjoy a weekend of free sea shanty music and family activities on Barry Island, alongside food and drinks from local, independent vendors. Delight in quality ingredients and products from the Vale of Glamorgan showcased by these businesses. This event promises a lively atmosphere and fun for all ages.
Free Entry - no booking required! More information available here
Vineyard Visit & Wine Tasting
Join Tair Gafr Wines for a Vineyard Visit & Wine Tasting experience. The vineyard opens at 1 pm with complimentary wine upon entry, allowing guests to freely explore, meet the resident animals, and take in the scenery. Admission is £5, with an optional guided tour for an additional £5 (booking essential due to limited space). Tair Gafr Wines, a small family-run vineyard in South Wales, prioritizes natural viticulture, ensuring their wines reflect the unique terroir. They offer wine tastings, vineyard tours, and the unique experience of walking alpacas, mini sheep, or pygmy goats through the vineyard. Their first vintage, a refreshing rosé, debuted last year, with a red wine coming soon!
Sign up - Please send us an email to alpacavineyard@hotmail.com or fill in our form on our website https://www.tairgafrwines.co.uk/
£5 per person
Tour of Edible Landscaping Garden
Explore and sample the food forest and ornamental edibles in the Edible Landscaping garden in Dinas Powys. The garden combines an edible food forest, perennial and self-seeding veg as well as organic veg growing. It's also a wildlife haven giving a home to a huge variety of birds, insects, frogs and slow worms.
Location: Dinas Powys
FREE but BOOKING REQUIRED. Email Michele at ediblelandscaping@gmail.com to register - (there will be a cap of 15 participants).
‘No Dig' Gardening Demo
Join Ali's Edibles for a 'No Dig' Gardening Demo and tour of their market garden. Discover an easier approach to gardening using no-dig methods and observe its application in their market garden. Ali's Edibles provides seasonal salads and vegetables to local villages grown sustainably with nearly organic methods which work in harmony with nature.
Sign-up by email: alisedibles@alisedibles.co.uk or at Contact (alisedibles.co.uk)
£2 per person
Coffee Roastery Tour and Tasting
Discover the art of coffee with The Welsh Coffee Co - renowned for their award-winning specialty coffee. Take a guided tour of the roastery, witness the roasting process, and learn about The Welsh Coffee Co's art of coffee production. Sample unique blends and immerse yourself in the world of specialty coffee. The Welsh Coffee Co prioritises quality and sustainability, sourcing high-grade green coffee globally with a focus on traceability and ethical practices. They minimize waste through custom roasting, compostable packaging, and upcycling materials.
Sign up - email: sales@welshcoffee.com
£5 per person
Food & Climate Conversations
Join Climate Conversations Llantwit Major for a focus on sustainable food production in the Vale and its impact on climate change and biodiversity. Explore ideas for a food hub/community kitchen and discuss how we can improve access to good quality, healthy food for all without harming the environment. Hosted by Llantwit Major Climate Conversations, the event highlights local actions to reduce the carbon footprint of food and make it more accessible. Guest speakers will share insights, and attendees can meet local food producers and contribute ideas for future actions. The event aims to promote affordable, sustainable, locally produced food for the health of the community, economy, and biodiversity.
No registration required.
Free