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The Ultimate Guide to Velfrey Vineyard
The first whispers of dawn are often the most profound at Velfrey Vineyard, nestled in the gentle, south-facing slope of the Lampeter Vale in Pembrokeshire. Before the morning mist fully lifts, a symphony begins: the rustle of leaves as a coastal breeze sweeps through over 4,000 vines, the distant call of a cuckoo, and perhaps the soft padding of Archie, Billy, and Bash – the vineyard dogs – on their morning patrol. Here, the air carries a crisp, earthy scent, hinting at the clay loam soil famously found in some of the world’s most prestigious wine-growing regions.
This isn’t just a farm; it’s a testament to patience, passion, and the surprising rise of Welsh viticulture, where Pembrokeshire sunshine and coastal breezes conspire to produce wines of the highest quality.
The Journey Begins: A “Complete Fluke”
Velfrey Vineyard’s story is, as co-founder Andy Mounsey puts it, “a complete fluke!”. For years, Andy and his wife Fiona ran a specialist publishing company, far removed from agriculture. Their dream was simply to relocate to Pembrokeshire, near the coast Fiona longed for. An initial foray into sheep farming with twenty animals proved to be a “stupid idea,” leading them to look for an alternative use for their land.
Inspiration struck after tasting a “totally delicious” still white wine from a nearby Carmarthenshire vineyard. They discovered, by serendipity, that their field was “absolutely perfect for a vineyard”—a sheltered, south-facing slope with ideal elevation. In May 2017, the first vines were planted, and as Andy says, they “haven’t looked back since!”.
A Focus on Sparkling Wine
The decision to specialize in sparkling wine was a strategic one. While it costs more and takes longer to produce, high-quality sparkling wine commands a higher price and improves with age, reducing immediate sales pressure. This focus allowed them to cultivate grape varieties known for producing “world top quality sparkling wine,” such as Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc.
Their commitment to their Welsh identity is proudly displayed on their labels. Their rosé is named ‘Rhosyn’ (Welsh for rose), and their flagship Velfrey NV is labeled ‘Gwin Pefriog Sir Benfro’ (Pembrokeshire Sparkling Wine). This embrace of the Welsh language is a key part of their unique selling proposition.
The Velfrey Philosophy: Low Intervention, Maximum Flavour
Velfrey’s winemaking philosophy centres on low-intervention methods to maintain healthy vines and maximize ripeness. They meticulously prune for quality, using natural products like plant tisanes, compost teas, and seaweed to keep the vines thriving. Leaves are stripped away to enhance sunlight exposure and air circulation, and the harvest is intentionally late to ensure maximum flavour development. This blend of “art and science” has proved remarkably successful.
Their commitment to a distinct Welsh wine identity is core to their mission. As a representative for another Welsh vineyard aptly put it, “We could have planted Chardonnay… but France already does that well. We need to make our own stamp on wine. Not copy another region.”
A Showcase of Awards and Recognition
Velfrey Vineyard’s dedication to quality has not gone unnoticed, earning them significant accolades and cementing their place among Wales’s top producers.
- Producer of the Year: Named the Food and Drink Wales Small Drinks Producer of the Year.
- Best Sparkling White: Their flagship Velfrey NV was crowned Best Sparkling White at the prestigious 2024 Welsh Wine Awards.
- National Recognition: The Velfrey NV was also chosen as a Top 100 UK Wine by WineGB, a rare honour for a non-vintage sparkling wine.
- International Medals: The vineyard has secured Silver and Bronze medals at both the WineGB Awards and the International Wine Challenge for their Velfrey NV, Solaris 2023, and ‘Rhosyn’ 2021 rosé.
Furthermore, their Velfrey NV Traditional Method Sparkling Brut and ‘Rhosyn’ 2021 Traditional Method Vintage Sparkling Brut Rosé were awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in November 2023, giving customers an official assurance of the wines’ Welsh provenance and quality.
The Visitor Experience: A Taste of Pembrokeshire
Beyond winemaking, Velfrey Vineyard has cultivated a robust tourism offering. The vineyard shop at Velfrey Vineyard is open from Tuesday to Saturday all year round, inviting visitors to purchase wines directly. For a more immersive experience, they offer:
- Wine Tastings: A 30 to 45-minute session guiding guests through tasting notes and a brief vineyard talk.
- Vineyard Tours: Available on select weekdays and every Saturday from mid-April until October, these 90-minute tours include a presentation, a walk through the vines, and a tasting of two or more wines.
- Local Produce Pairings: Guests can enhance their tour by adding Welsh grazing boards featuring Monmouthshire charcuterie and artisan cheeses from West Wales.
This integrated approach to agri-tourism is vital. As Andy Mounsey notes, he loves “that moment when you’re tasting with customers and you see their faces light up when they take that first sip. Usually, their first word is ‘WoW’, which, appropriately enough, stands for Wine of Wales!”.
The vineyard also offers an “Adopt a Vine” package, a popular gift for wine lovers, and maintains a blog that provides a glimpse into the daily life and seasonal rhythms of the vineyard, creating an authentic connection with their audience.
The Future is Bright for Welsh Wine
Looking ahead, Andy Mounsey describes the future of Welsh sparkling wine as “bright!”. He envisions a distinct Welsh offer, driven by climate-suitable varieties, minimal intervention, and traditional methods, resulting in “deliciously diverse and different” wines.
Velfrey Vineyard, through its family leadership, award-winning wines, and thriving tourism operation, serves as a beacon for the industry, demonstrating how a deep connection to local provenance and a strong customer experience can propel a small, family-run business to national recognition. Their journey is a testament to the fact that Welsh wine is “no April Fools joke – and it’s delicious”.
Discover More About Welsh Wine
The story of Velfrey Vineyard is a perfect example of the passion and innovation driving the modern Welsh wine scene. If you’re interested to learn more about the rich, developing culture surrounding Welsh viticulture, from its ancient history to other pioneering vineyards, we invite you to explore our Ultimate Guide to Vineyards & Wineries in Wales.
