Pembrokeshire vineyard wins prestigious Glass of Bubbly trophy and gold medal, plus two silvers, competing against Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world.
A family-run vineyard in Pembrokeshire 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, an outstanding achievement in a competition that attracts Champagne and sparkling wines from some of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions.
Before this year’s competition, no Welsh wine had ever won a trophy at Glass of Bubbly, making Velfrey’s success a landmark moment for the country’s growing wine industry.
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 Friday 23 October.
Competing with the world’s finest
Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Glass of Bubbly Awards is a prestigious international competition dedicated exclusively to Champagne and sparkling wines.
The competition attracts entries from established and emerging wine-producing regions worldwide, with wines from more than 30 countries represented across its history. More than 3,000 wines have been assessed by the competition’s international judging panels.
Unlike competitions restricted to British wines, Glass of Bubbly places Welsh producers in direct competition with Champagnes and other sparkling wines from some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
The judging process is particularly rigorous. Wines are tasted blind by panels drawn from international wine professionals, including experienced sommeliers, wine educators and other specialists.
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.
These categories range from Classic & Elegant and Gastronomic to Summer Days, Meditation and Winter Warmer.
Only the highest-scoring wine in each category receives the trophy, making a category win an especially significant distinction.
A gold medal – and a trophy – for Velfrey Cuvée Reserve 2022
Velfrey’s trophy-winning Cuvée Reserve 2022 impressed the judges with its rich, layered character, securing the top award in the Winter Warmer category.
The category celebrates fuller-flavoured sparkling wines with depth, warmth and complexity – wines particularly suited to relaxed enjoyment on a winter’s evening.
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.
Winning both gold and the Winter Warmer Trophy is a landmark achievement not just for Velfrey, but for the growing Welsh wine industry.
Two more international medals for Pembrokeshire
Velfrey’s success was reinforced by silver medals for two further wines.
Velfrey Rhosyn 2023 – Silver, Summer Days category
The vineyard’s sparkling rosé was recognised 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 – Silver, Meditation category
Velfrey’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.
The two silver medals underline the consistency and versatility of Velfrey’s sparkling wine range.
A proud moment for Welsh wine
Fiona Mounsey of Velfrey Vineyard said: “This is an extraordinary moment for us and something we’re immensely proud of.
“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.
“What makes this particularly special is the international nature of the competition. These are not awards specifically for Welsh or British wines. Our wines have been judged blind, on their own merits, alongside some of the world’s most respected Champagne and sparkling wines.
“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.
“We are also delighted that all three of our entries won medals. It is a tremendous endorsement of the quality and consistency of the wines we are producing here in west Wales.”
Welsh wine on the international stage
The latest awards add to a growing list of accolades for Velfrey Vineyard, whose wines have previously received recognition at the Decanter World Wine Awards, WineGB Awards and Welsh Wine Awards.
Velfrey NV has also previously been selected among WineGB’s Top 100 UK wines and was named Best Sparkling White Wine at the 2024 Welsh Wine Awards.
Situated in the Pembrokeshire countryside, just a few miles from the coast, Velfrey is part of a new generation of Welsh vineyards demonstrating the potential of the country’s emerging wine industry.
The latest international recognition comes at an exciting time for the business, which is continuing to develop its wine production capabilities with a newly installed winery at the vineyard.
Its sparkling wines are produced using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle – the same method used to produce Champagne. The vineyard has also recently announced plans to pioneer the production of Charmat-method sparkling wine in Wales, using the technique made famous by Prosecco, as part of its investment in the new on-site winery.
The vineyard grows grapes suited to the Welsh climate, including Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir, and places a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability and expressing the character of its west Wales location.
With a historic gold medal, an international trophy and two silver medals, Velfrey has demonstrated that Welsh sparkling wine can compete successfully on the world stage.
