On 17 November, the Welsh Vineyards Association (WVA), part of WineGB, hosted the Welsh Wine Awards 2025 at the renowned Llanerch Vineyard, bringing together vineyards, winemakers, industry experts, and supporters from across Wales to celebrate a landmark year for Welsh viticulture. Nearly 60 wines were entered into the awards from vineyards across Wales.

A celebratory judging panel 

This year’s judging panel included Oz Clarke and Jane Rakison. Both have long been advocates for the rapid rise of Welsh viticulture, and their expertise brought prestige and insight to the 2025 awards.

Oz Clarke, one of the UK’s most recognisable wine commentators and proud of his Welsh heritage, delivered an unforgettable speech during the ceremony. In it, he praised the extraordinary progress of the Welsh wine industry, highlighting the confidence, character, and increasing international competitiveness of Welsh producers. 

“What we are witnessing in Wales today is the same spark I once saw in emerging regions like Tasmania, Oregon, New Zealand… Places that dared to believe they could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established wine nations. And they did! Wales is now stepping proudly onto that very same stage,” he said.

His speech culminated in a rousing and emotional recital from Dylan Thomas, a moment that captivated the room and encapsulated the pride and passion driving the nation’s winemakers. The applause that followed reflected not just admiration for Oz Clarke, but for the flourishing industry he celebrated.

The panel was strengthened by two further experts: returning judge Sara Hobday of Vin Van Cymru, known for her deep knowledge of Welsh artisan producers, and Hugh Currell of Avant Wines, a respected voice in independent wine retail. Together, the four judges brought a balance of international perspective and local understanding, ensuring a fair, rigorous, and inspiring evaluation of this year’s entries.

The 2025 winners are:

  • Champion Wine of Wales – Gwinllan Llaethliw, Ceredigion
  • Best Overall Sparkling Wine – Gwinllan Llaethliw, Ceredigion
  • Best PDO/PGI Wine – Gwinllan Llaethliw, Ceredigion
  • Best Sparkling White – Gwinllan Llaethliw, Ceredigion
  • Best Sparkling Rosé – Jabajak Vineyard, Carmarthenshire
  • Best Overall Still Wine – The Dell Vineyard, Monmouthshire
  • Best Still White – Vale Vineyard, Denbighshire
  • Best Still Rosé – The Dell Vineyard, Monmouthshire
  • Best Still Red – Llanerch Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan

Celebrating the winning vineyards

This year’s Welsh Wine Awards honoured an exceptional group of vineyards whose dedication, innovation, and craftsmanship exemplify the very best of Welsh viticulture.

Gwinllan Llaethliw emerged as the standout producer of the 2025 competition, securing an impressive four major titles: Champion Wine of Wales, Best Overall Sparkling Wine, Best PDO/PGI Wine, and Best Sparkling White. These achievements reflect the estate’s uncompromising commitment to quality and its growing reputation as one of Wales’ most dynamic and consistent wine producers. 

Jabajak Vineyard claimed the award for Best Sparkling Rosé, showcasing the estate’s flair for crafting vibrant, elegant wines with a strong sense of place. 

The Dell Vineyard took home Best Still Rosé and Best Overall Still Wine positioning The Dell as an emerging force in the still wine arena.

Vale Vineyard received the title of Best Still White. Its success reflects the vineyard’s focus on cool-climate expression.

Llanerch Vineyard, the host of this year’s awards, secured Best Still Red. As one of Wales’ most established and influential estates, Llanerch continues to demonstrate the depth and potential of Welsh-grown red varieties. 

Collectively, this year’s winners showcase the diversity, ambition, and rising quality within Welsh wine. Their achievements reflect an industry reaching new heights and earning greater recognition both nationally and internationally.

WVA Chair Andy Mounsey praised the achievements of this year’s entrants, saying: “The 2025 awards underline the exceptional progress of Welsh winemaking. The quality, creativity, and commitment we’ve seen this year reflect a sector continuing to strengthen its identity and push new boundaries.” The event was also attended by Huw Irranca-Davies (Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs) alongside David Morris (Deputy Head – Food and Rural Affairs). Their presence reflected Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting this thriving industry and the WVA were honoured to host them for the evening.

Llanerch Vineyard provided a fitting backdrop for the celebration, offering guests the opportunity to taste medal-winning wines, meet producers, and experience firsthand the energy driving Welsh wine forward.