MONTHS of conservation work culminate on Saturday, June 20th with the opening of the 16th century Croft Barn at White Castle Vineyard near Llanvetherine when members of the public can visit the Wine and Heritage Alive in Monmouthshire (WHAM!) project, between 2pm and 5pm.

Nestled alongside the River Trothy and reached off the B4521 Abergavenny to Skenfrith Road, the unusual wattle panelled Croft Barn is a grade II listed building which has been restored thanks to a partnership between local buildings preservation trust, The Village Alive Trust and vineyard owners, Robb and Nicola Merchant.

Funding has been received from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw to save the barn which was on the listed buildings at risk register. It now offers a space for people of all ages to visit and learn about heritage and viticulture at free open days or through a paid for event. Full details of this summer's programme are available at wineandheritage.org.uk

Saturday's free open day includes homemade teas, a talk on the barn's heritage at 3.30pm, craft and children's activities and a tour of the vineyard at 3.45pm. Whitecastle Vineyard wine tasting is offered at 4.30pm for £10 per person at the vineyard's Cellar Door.

The barn has already been tested by local schoolchildren during tuition for maypole dancing undertaken by Rev Dr Jean Prosser, the Trust's secretary. Schools will be able to use the venue for curriculum-based activities ranging from ecology to history and geography. Information can be obtained by emailing wham.villagealive@btinternet.com