Pembrokeshire Vineyard Makes History with International Trophy Win

A Landmark Victory for Welsh Viticulture

The rolling hills of Pembrokeshire have long been celebrated for their natural beauty, yet there is a new, sparkling reason to toast this corner of Wales. Nestled near the historic market town of Narberth, Velfrey Vineyard is currently celebrating a monumental achievement that has sent ripples of excitement through the world of viticulture. Managed by the dedicated duo of Andy and Fiona Mounsey, this small-scale, family-run enterprise has officially placed Welsh wine firmly on the global map. By securing the prestigious Winter Warmer Trophy at the 2026 Glass of Bubbly Awards, Velfrey Vineyard has become the first producer from Wales to ever claim a trophy at this internationally renowned competition. It is a moment of pure triumph for a vineyard that spans just under three acres of land, proving that when it comes to crafting world-class bubbles, size is no barrier to excellence.

The heart of this celebration is their Cuvée Reserve 2022, the specific vintage that captured the judges' imaginations and secured the top honour. While the Winter Warmer Trophy represents the crowning achievement of their 2026 season, the accolades did not stop there. The vineyard’s Rhosyn 2023 and Velfrey NV were both honoured with silver medals at the same event, underscoring a consistent level of quality across their entire cellar. This international recognition serves as a powerful validation of the vision Andy and Fiona Mounsey have cultivated in Pembrokeshire, demonstrating to the global wine community that Welsh soil is capable of producing truly exceptional sparkling wine. This success arrives on the heels of a strong performance at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, confirming that Velfrey Vineyard is no flash in the pan but rather a serious player in the world of high-quality, sustainable winemaking.

Building Upon a Foundation of Excellence

To understand the significance of this year's win, one must look at the steady trajectory Velfrey Vineyard has maintained over the past few years. Long before the international judges arrived, local connoisseurs were already taking note. In 2024, the vineyard was awarded the title of Best Sparkling White Wine at the Welsh Wine Awards, a victory that provided an early sign of the high standards set by the Mounsey family. Furthermore, the Velfrey NV was previously highlighted as one of the UK’s Top 100 wines by WineGB, an organisation that champions the very best of British production. These earlier successes built a solid foundation of trust and reputation, paving the way for their current global breakthrough. It is clear that the commitment to meticulous care and sustainable practices on their three-acre plot has consistently paid off, translating the unique Pembrokeshire terroir into bottles that demand attention on the international stage.

For the UK wine industry, the rise of Velfrey Vineyard represents a significant shift in the perceived geography of quality. Traditionally, the sparkling wine narrative has been dominated by larger estates, yet here is a family-run business proving that boutique vineyards in Wales can compete with the best. This recognition highlights the growing maturity of the Welsh viticulture sector, which is increasingly gaining a reputation for precision, passion, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. The success at the Glass of Bubbly Awards is not merely a singular win; it is a signal that the Welsh climate and the dedication of its producers are creating a sustainable and bright future for the national industry. As more eyes turn toward the unique offerings coming out of the Welsh countryside, Velfrey Vineyard stands as a shining example of what is possible when craft is met with a clear, ambitious vision.

Pushing Boundaries into the Future

Looking ahead, the team at Velfrey Vineyard is not resting on the laurels of their 2026 success. Instead, they are looking toward the future with a spirit of innovation that promises to shake up the local landscape once again. In an exciting move for the industry, the vineyard is currently in the process of installing a new pressurised tank and a state-of-the-art bottling line. This infrastructure investment is a strategic step designed to facilitate the production of sparkling wine using the Charmat method. This approach is set to break new ground, as it will represent the first time the Charmat method has been employed for sparkling wine crafted entirely from Welsh-grown grapes. By embracing this technique, Andy and Fiona Mounsey are demonstrating their willingness to push the boundaries of their craft and offer new, distinct experiences for their customers.

The production of this innovative, Charmat-style wine is scheduled to begin in early 2027, signalling an optimistic next chapter for the Narberth-based vineyard. As the industry watches on, it is clear that Velfrey Vineyard is entering a period of significant growth and technological advancement. By balancing the traditional, meticulous nature of vine management with the bold adoption of modern winemaking methods, the Mounsey family is securing their legacy as pioneers in the Welsh wine scene. For those who appreciate the story of small businesses making a big impact, the future of this Pembrokeshire vineyard looks just as effervescent as the wines they produce. It is a story of ambition, hard work, and a commitment to excellence that continues to put the beauty and potential of Wales at the forefront of the global conversation.