Velfrey Vineyard: A Taste of Wales in Every Glass
In the heart of Pembrokeshire’s gentle countryside lies Velfrey Vineyard – a name that has quickly become synonymous with premium Welsh wines of elegance and authenticity. Just a few miles inland from the dramatic coastline of West Wales, Velfrey Vineyard combines passion, craft, and respect for nature to produce wines that reflect both the land and the vibrant spirit of Wales.
Though a young vineyard by global standards, Velfrey Vineyard has already gathered an impressive array of awards and a loyal following, winning recognition not only in Wales but on the national and international stage. Whether you’re discovering Welsh wine for the first time or seeking new favourites, Velfrey offers a memorable journey in every bottle.
Our Location and Terroir
Velfrey Vineyard is situated near the village of Lampeter Velfrey in Pembrokeshire. South-facing slopes provide excellent sunlight exposure—a crucial advantage in this cool-climate region. Meanwhile, the mild maritime air rolling in from the nearby coast helps moderate temperatures, reducing frost risk and allowing a longer growing season.
Our soils consist of sandy clay loam over shale imparting subtle mineral notes to our wines. This unique terroir, combined with careful vineyard management, produces fruit of superb quality and vibrant character.
Our Story and Philosophy
Velfrey is a family vineyard managed by Andy and Fiona, their son Ryan and his wife Sophie. It began as a dream to produce exceptional wines that showcase the potential of Wales as a wine region. Inspired by the growth of British viticulture and driven by a desire to craft wines with true regional identity, we set out to plant vines that could thrive in Pembrokeshire’s unique climate and soils.
From the very first vines planted, Velfrey has remained committed to sustainability, quality, and innovation. Every decision, from vineyard practices to winemaking techniques, is guided by respect for the land and a passion for producing wines of purity and finesse.
And amid all the hard work, you’ll often spot Archie, Billy and Bash, our vineyard dogs —faithful companions who are as much a part of the team as the people tending the vines.
Our Wines
Velfrey Vineyard offers a carefully crafted portfolio of still and sparkling wines. Many of our wines carry the prestigious Welsh PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, affirming their authentic origin and quality.
Velfrey NV
Our flagship traditional method sparkling wine, Velfrey NV, is a crisp, elegant expression of Pembrokeshire fruit. It shows notes of green apple, citrus, and delicate brioche from extended lees ageing, with a lively mousse and refreshing finish. In 2024, Velfrey NV was awarded Best Sparkling White from Wales at the Welsh Wine Awards, underlining its benchmark quality and has been honoured in the UK Top 100 Wines at WineGB and won silver in the Glass of Bubbly Awards. More recently, in 2025 the wine was awarded bronze in the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards.
Cuvée Reserve
A limited-release traditional method sparkling wine, Cuvée Reserve is crafted from our finest parcels of fruit and aged longer on lees for greater complexity. Expect refined bubbles, subtle pastry notes, and a beautifully balanced palate. Cuvée Reserve has been recognised with medals at competitions including the Glass of Bubbly Awards and Decanter.
Rhosyn
A delicate sparkling rosé, Rhosyn offers aromas of summer berries, wild strawberry, and a hint of creaminess. The name “Rhosyn” means “rose” in Welsh, perfectly reflecting both its colour and floral notes. This elegant wine, which has medalled in Glass of Bubbly and been described as world-class by a leading UK wine writer, has captivated judges and wine lovers alike, contributing to our reputation in the sparkling rosé category.
Pinc
Pinc is our vibrant still rosé, bursting with aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, and hints of watermelon. Crisp, dry, and refreshingly bright, it’s a wine made for summer days, picnics, and casual enjoyment. Pinc’s lively character has quickly made it a favourite among our customers.
Solaris
A still white wine that truly showcases Wales’ potential for cool-climate whites, our Solaris delivers fragrant aromas of citrus, elderflower, and tropical fruit. The palate is clean, fresh, and zesty, with vibrant acidity and a touch of minerality reflecting our Pembrokeshire soils. Solaris has achieved consistent recognition, and regularly sells out within three months of launching, such is the reputation for quality it has achieved.
Naturiol
Meaning “natural” in Welsh, Naturiol is our innovative wine crafted with minimal intervention, aiming to preserve the purest expression of our vineyard’s fruit and terroir. Naturiol is an unfiltered, dry white wine fermented using only the naturally-occurring yeasts on the grape skins and offering complex aromas and a lively texture. It’s a wine for those seeking authenticity and a true sense of place.
Winemaking Approach
At Velfrey, our winemaking philosophy combines modern precision with traditional techniques, always seeking to let the fruit speak for itself. We practise:
- Hand Harvesting: All grapes are harvested by hand to protect fruit integrity.
- Gentle Pressing: Pneumatic pressing ensures delicate extraction.
- Controlled Fermentation: Temperature management preserves pure aromas and flavours.
- Extended Lees Ageing: Especially for our traditional method sparkling wines, which develop complex autolytic notes over time.
- Minimal Intervention: Most notably for wines like Naturiol, where we allow the natural character of the grapes to shine through.
Our attention to detail ensures each wine meets the high standards we set for ourselves—and our customers expect.
Awards and Accolades
In a short time, Velfrey Vineyard has achieved remarkable recognition across multiple prestigious competitions:
- Best Sparkling White from Wales – Welsh Wine Awards 2024 for Velfrey NV.
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 Bronze Medals – for Velfrey NV and Cuvée Reserve 2020, confirming quality at an international level.
- Glass of Bubbly Awards – accolades for our sparkling range, including NV, Cuvée Reserve and Rhosyn.
- UK Top 100 Wines at WineGB – showcasing Velfrey as a standout producer among the UK’s finest.
- Rural Oscars (Countryside Alliance Awards) – Winner for Wales 2025 – celebrating excellence in rural enterprise and community contribution.
- Food and Drink Wales Small Drinks Producer of the Year – recognising excellence in wine production from a boutique scale vineyard.
The vineyard has also been a finalist in the BBC Food Programme Awards, been served in the Palace of Westminster, represented Wales in the House of Lords, welcomed honoured guests at receptions hosted by the Welsh Government, been profiled on national TV and in the national press, and much more. These honours reflect our commitment to producing wines that can stand proudly on any stage.
A Destination for Wine Lovers
While primarily a working vineyard and winery, Velfrey welcomes visitors by appointment. Guests can enjoy:
- Guided vineyard tours exploring the vines, grape varieties, and sustainable viticulture.
- Winery insights into our sparkling and still wine production.
- Tutored tastings featuring our current releases.
- Direct sales of our award-winning wines.
Visitors often remark on the peace and beauty of our vineyard, set against the backdrop of Pembrokeshire’s lush countryside.
Committed to Wales and Community
Velfrey Vineyard is proud to be part of the growing Welsh food and drink community. We collaborate closely with local suppliers, restaurants, and retailers, helping to showcase the best of Welsh produce alongside our wines. We believe in supporting sustainable rural economies and contributing to the unique cultural and culinary identity of Wales.
Our Welsh PGI-certified wines are a testament to our dedication to regional authenticity, ensuring every bottle reflects the land, climate, and craftsmanship of Pembrokeshire.
Looking to the Future
The future at Velfrey Vineyard looks bright. We have expanded with additional planting, our vines are maturing and as our experience deepens, we continue exploring new grape varieties, winemaking styles, and sustainable innovations. Our goal remains constant: to produce wines that speak of our land and bring joy to those who taste them.
With growing national and international recognition, we’re excited to introduce more wine lovers to the flavours of Wales. Whether you’re raising a glass of our crisp sparkling NV, sipping a refreshing Solaris, or discovering the unique character of Naturiol, we invite you to be part of the Velfrey story.
Join Us
At Velfrey Vineyard, wine is more than a beverage—it’s an expression of place, passion, and people. We look forward to sharing our wines and our story with you, wherever you are in the world.
For more information about our wines, awards, and visiting Velfrey Vineyard, please visit our website or connect with us on social media.
