A FAMILY-run vineyard at Lampeter Velfrey, near Narberth, has made Welsh wine history by winning a gold medal and a coveted category trophy at the prestigious international Glass of Bubbly Awards 2026.

Velfrey Vineyard's Cuvée Reserve 2022 was awarded gold and named winner of the Winter Warmer Trophy in the 10th Glass of Bubbly Awards, an outstanding achievement in a competition that attracts Champagne and sparkling wines from some of the world's most celebrated wine-producing regions.

Completing an exceptional evening for the small Pembrokeshire producer, Velfrey Rhosyn 2023 and Velfrey NV both received silver medals, giving the vineyard a clean sweep of awards for all three wines entered. The awards were presented at a ceremony in London on October 23.

More than 3,000 wines from over 30 countries have been assessed by the competition's international judging panels, and the judging process is particularly rigorous. Wines are tasted blind by panels drawn from international wine professionals. Each wine is initially assessed for its quality and medal rating. Award-winning wines are then evaluated again within distinctive categories reflecting their flavour profiles and the occasions on which they might best be enjoyed. Only the highest-scoring wine in each category receives the trophy.

Velfrey's trophy-winning Cuvée Reserve 2022 impressed the judges with its rich, layered character, securing the top award in the Winter Warmer category, which celebrates fuller-flavoured sparkling wines with depth, warmth and complexity.

The judges' tasting notes describe aromas of apple blossom, orange citrus, lemon peel and nuttiness, followed by layers of candied apple and freshly baked brioche. The wine finishes with rich flavours of baked apple, hazelnut praline, caramel and buttery shortbread. It is a style that demonstrates the sophistication and complexity now being achieved by Welsh sparkling wines.

Velfrey's success was reinforced by silver medals for two further wines. The vineyard's sparkling rosé, Velfrey Rhosyn 2023, was recognised in the Summer Days category for its fresh, vibrant and fruit-driven character. The judges identified delicate aromas of white cherry, cherry blossom and fresh rose petals, alongside red berries, ripe strawberries, pomegranate and a hint of brioche. On the palate, wild strawberry and redcurrant flavours give the wine its refreshing summer character.

Velfrey NV, the vineyard's non-vintage traditional-method sparkling wine, received silver in the Meditation category, which recognises wines that reward slow, thoughtful enjoyment and reveal greater complexity as they develop in the glass. The judges noted aromas of honey, mango, apple pastry, elderflower, pear and apricot, with a layered palate of brioche, croissant and biscuit, complemented by citrus and crisp golden fruits.

Fiona Mounsey of Velfrey Vineyard said:

"Before this year, no Welsh wine had ever won a trophy at Glass of Bubbly, so to achieve that distinction is wonderful. To achieve this competing against outstanding Champagne and sparkling wines from across the world, is beyond anything we could have hoped for.

"For a small, family-run vineyard in Pembrokeshire to achieve this recognition is hugely encouraging, and we hope it will help raise the profile of Welsh wine internationally.”