Welsh Wine Week 2025 celebrates growing Welsh wine industry
The industry has seen a significant increase in wine production and international awards in recent years, with plans for further expansion.
A highlight of the week was the Cardiff tasting event, where seven Welsh vineyards showcased their wines to an audience of industry professionals.
The event also featured a selection of Welsh artisan foods.
With the summer season approaching, vineyards are preparing to welcome tourists eager to experience their products and landscapes.
The week was especially significant for Monmouthshire's White Castle Vineyard, which unveiled its new on-site winery.
Robb Merchant, owner of White Castle Vineyard, said: "The official opening of our new winery during Welsh Wine Week represents a significant chapter in the evolution of White Castle Vineyard.
"It is the result of years of strategic investment, commitment to quality, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of Welsh viticulture."
From innovation in the vineyard to its contribution to rural economies and tourism, the industry is playing an increasingly important role in shaping Wales' identity as a producer of high-quality, distinctive wines.
For more information, visit the Welsh Wine Week website.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
How the high street is faring in South Wales town of Usk
This picturesque town blends historic charm with entrepreneurial grit, drawing in countless visitors each year to its castle ruins, riverside walks, and vibrant community events like the Usk Show. Yet behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a more complex economic story. As Stephanie Pearson, of Hair by Stephanie Pearson, puts it: 'Anyone offering a service is thriving, but retail is struggling.' Her sentiment is echoed across town, where service providers, from hairdressers to hospitality venues, report being 'maxed out' with loyal customers, relying solely on reputation and word of mouth. Advertising and social media? Not necessary. However, retail is different. Outside of the town's dominant Co-op supermarket, Usk is dotted with independent shops, many of which operate on limited footfall. A photo of a 'closed for business sign' and inset another closed sign and a deserted main square. (Image: NQ) One shop in particular captures the spirit of Usk's retail eccentricity: a nameless bric-a-brac store run by a man few could name, until someone finally did. His name is Emrys, and his shop is a local legend. Overflowing with vintage oddities, this unnamed curiosity shop spills onto the pavement, its interior so densely packed that entry is nearly impossible. If it's closed, just ring the bell and Emrys will appear. No website, no signage, no schedule. Just Emrys, and a shop that has long been there. Mystery shop on Bridge Street. This shop does not play by the rules, it's pure Usk - only more so. (Image: NQ) Directly opposite sits Number 49, a three-storey powerhouse of creativity and commerce run by Martin Sholl. 'We work hard and provide many things,' Martin says, 'and we are doing well. We'll be opening a venture in Monmouth this year.' Number 49 is a café, dress agency, and interior design showroom all rolled into one. It's easier to list the things Number 49 doesn't do. Locals rave about its afternoon tea, and nearly everything inside, from the chairs to the crockery, is for sale. It's a business built on hard work, dedication, and a touch of eccentricity, much like Usk itself. Still, Martin acknowledges the challenges: 'Retailers find footfall is poor. People often point to a lack of parking.' On the day he spoke, every retailer in Usk was closed, except the Co-op. Across town, Christos Kyriakidis of The Mad Platter echoed Martin's concerns, albeit more bluntly: 'We have to attract more people to Usk. If you want to make anything work, you have to stay open.' Christos Kyriakidis of the Mad Platter, a bustling service business. He wants more people to visit Usk and action on issues like parking availability. (Image: NQ) However, Usk remains a hub of independent spirit. Shops like Sassy's, Parsons Bakery, The Copper Tree, and Gardenia Bridal offer everything from artisan breads and fashion to Welsh crafts and home décor. Outside town, Craft Renaissance supports over 50 local designer-makers with a gallery and café that draw steady crowds. Adding a dash of intellectual quirk to the hospitality scene is the Alfred Russel Wallace Restaurant, opened in 2024. It's named after Usk's own co-discoverer of natural selection. It's a tribute to Victorian science and culinary innovation and a symbol of Usk's ability to reinvent itself while honouring its past. Barstaff busy in the Wallace restaurant, Bridge Street, yet more confirmation that the town's economy is skewed to its thriving service sector. (Image: NQ) With a local employment rate of 76.1 percent, low unemployment, and high self-employment, Usk is quietly thriving. Weekly earnings average £620, slightly below the national average, but offset by a lower cost of living and an enviable quality of life. Challenges remain: limited public transport, an aging population, and rising costs for small businesses, but opportunities abound. Usk is well-positioned to expand eco-tourism, support rural enterprise, and improve digital infrastructure to attract younger residents and remote workers. Usk is a high trust town. Walk into a business and you will often find freedom to do and go as you please. Security and anxiety are not apparent. The town also has a strong sense of community, with groups like Usk in Bloom and the Women's Institute having a real presence. Ethel, of Usk in Bloom, asks us to remember how important free civil associations are and the role they play in our shared lives. Quality of life is good because of its culture, she reminds us. (Image: NQ) Ethel Wynard-Nadzo, of Usk in Bloom, said communal gardening helped her adjust when she first came to Usk: 'There's a strong sense of community. You don't have to be alone in Usk. There's always someone to talk to. 'Things can get tense here when it comes to judging gardens, but the rest of the time, the town is relaxed,' she said. In a world of rapid change, Usk's blend of tradition, innovation, and community makes it a model for sustainable rural growth.
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
North Wales café bar perfect for 'leisurely lunch' with posh Welsh rarebit
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Casual dining at its best, the recently opened Social café bar is a lively addition to Rhos on Sea's culinary scene - a "go-to" spot for every occasion. In just a few months this chic new venue in the centre of the charming little North Wales resort has established itself as a versatile destination, offering a selection of mostly classic British fare, with some surprises from other countries, that can be eaten in house or taken away. Customers can indulge in everything from hearty breakfasts, brunch, salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries to special Friday and Saturday night wood fired pizzas that sell like the proverbial hot cakes! There are veggie, vegan and gluten free options and dietary needs are catered for. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is laid back and prices are affordable. Delicious freshly prepared food in a spacious and inviting setting – Social really delivers - as my former hotelier friend Nerys and I found when we popped in for a leisurely lunch. I had taken the precaution of booking a table- a wise move, for when we arrived just after midday, the place was already busy with couples, groups and ladies who lunched, tucking into attractive looking platters of food and obviously enjoying themselves. (Image: Social) A mouth watering aroma of cooking and coffee filled the air.... all very promising, Nerys and I thought. The brainchild of husband and wife team Jon and Tessa Turner, who come from a well known local catering family, Social opened last March in what had been a branch of Nat West Bank and most recently Johnny Dough's pizza bar. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, remaining open until 8pm for the popular weekend pizza evenings. King of the kitchen is classically trained chef Tom Durkan, who has worked at Watsons Bistro in Conwy and on Disney cruise ships. Nerys and I liked the smart new decor that was an attractive mix of modern style and practicality. Comfortably seating more than 32 people at well spaced wooden topped tables, the ground floor café was spotlessly clean, bright and airy with cream painted walls, distinctive lighting and greenery on the window sills. Mega sized photographs of underwater scenes taken by Tessa's cousin in Australia highlighted the exposed brick wall at the far end of the room. With my friend's car safely parked in the street nearby, we got down to the serious business of deciding what to eat and drink from the extensive a la carte menu. Available until noon, the breakfast menu offered toasted crumpets, freshly baked croissants, poached or scrambled eggs on toast and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on crumpets with chopped cornichons. Served until 3pm, brunch/lunch dishes included full Welsh breakfast, avocado on sourdough, homemade welsh rarebit, a fruity breakfast bowl and even sriracha benny ie poached eggs with a spicy sauce that originated in Thailand . From noon onwards customers can also order cakes and pastries, sandwiches, including the famous New York deli and salads such as classic Caesar, honey glazed goats cheese, tofu and smoked salmon. Affrogato, burnt Basque cheese cake and luxury Welsh ice cream provided a sweet finish. Star attractions on Friday and Saturday evenings are the homemade wood fired pizzas. Vegan cheese is available at no extra cost. Eight different choices priced between £11.50 and £15.95 include classics such as margherita, pepperoni and Hawaiian as well as more unusual spicy beef, truffled mushroom and nduja calabrese piccante, topped with a fiery Italian salami. Licensed for alcohol, the drinks list features beers including artisan Nokota IPA from the Llandudno based Wild Horse Brewery, as well as lagers and cider. Also available are gins, alcoholic and mock cocktails, alternative milks, soft drinks and a carefully chosen selection of international red, white and rose wines sold by the glass from £5.50 for 250ml or bottle from £25. The most expensive vintage – an exceptional Australian red shiraz- was priced at £39. (Image: Social) As Nerys was driving, she selected a bottle of alcohol free Peroni lager and I opted for a latte coffee that went down well with my choice of a house favourite - Welsh rarebit. Priced at £10.95 this, however, was an upmarket version that came on two slices of toasted sourdough bread, topped with pieces of roast ham and finished with chilli jam. Piping hot, rich and creamy, the savoury sauce was given a real kick with a generous slug of Wild Horse Nokota beer. I could have added a poached egg for an extra £1.75 but the dish was fine as it was and went down a treat. Full marks to chef Tom! Nerys went for classic Caesar salad with lots of crisp green leaves and homemade parmesan and sourdough croutons tossed in a tangy dressing. Adding warm pieces of chicken breast for an extra £3.50 transformed the salad into a substantial main course. (Image: Social) 'Absolutely delicious, but far too much for me, I just can't manage it all," Nerys commented sadly. However, customers often take their leftovers away with them and our very helpful server provided my friend with a takeaway box so she could finish the dish at home. Social has a real "feel good" vibe that makes eating and drinking there a pleasure. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this delightful new café bar and plan a return visit in the near future to sample the pizzas. One for the notebook? Most definitely!
North Wales Live
4 hours ago
- North Wales Live
North Wales café bar perfect for 'leisurely lunch' with posh Welsh rarebit
Casual dining at its best, the recently opened Social café bar is a lively addition to Rhos on Sea's culinary scene - a "go-to" spot for every occasion. In just a few months this chic new venue in the centre of the charming little North Wales resort has established itself as a versatile destination, offering a selection of mostly classic British fare, with some surprises from other countries, that can be eaten in house or taken away. Customers can indulge in everything from hearty breakfasts, brunch, salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries to special Friday and Saturday night wood fired pizzas that sell like the proverbial hot cakes! There are veggie, vegan and gluten free options and dietary needs are catered for. Portions are generous, the atmosphere is laid back and prices are affordable. Delicious freshly prepared food in a spacious and inviting setting – Social really delivers - as my former hotelier friend Nerys and I found when we popped in for a leisurely lunch. I had taken the precaution of booking a table- a wise move, for when we arrived just after midday, the place was already busy with couples, groups and ladies who lunched, tucking into attractive looking platters of food and obviously enjoying themselves. A mouth watering aroma of cooking and coffee filled the air.... all very promising, Nerys and I thought. The brainchild of husband and wife team Jon and Tessa Turner, who come from a well known local catering family, Social opened last March in what had been a branch of Nat West Bank and most recently Johnny Dough's pizza bar. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, remaining open until 8pm for the popular weekend pizza evenings. King of the kitchen is classically trained chef Tom Durkan, who has worked at Watsons Bistro in Conwy and on Disney cruise ships. Nerys and I liked the smart new decor that was an attractive mix of modern style and practicality. Comfortably seating more than 32 people at well spaced wooden topped tables, the ground floor café was spotlessly clean, bright and airy with cream painted walls, distinctive lighting and greenery on the window sills. Mega sized photographs of underwater scenes taken by Tessa's cousin in Australia highlighted the exposed brick wall at the far end of the room. With my friend's car safely parked in the street nearby, we got down to the serious business of deciding what to eat and drink from the extensive a la carte menu. Available until noon, the breakfast menu offered toasted crumpets, freshly baked croissants, poached or scrambled eggs on toast and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on crumpets with chopped cornichons. Served until 3pm, brunch/lunch dishes included full Welsh breakfast, avocado on sourdough, homemade welsh rarebit, a fruity breakfast bowl and even sriracha benny ie poached eggs with a spicy sauce that originated in Thailand . From noon onwards customers can also order cakes and pastries, sandwiches, including the famous New York deli and salads such as classic Caesar, honey glazed goats cheese, tofu and smoked salmon. Affrogato, burnt Basque cheese cake and luxury Welsh ice cream provided a sweet finish. Star attractions on Friday and Saturday evenings are the homemade wood fired pizzas. Vegan cheese is available at no extra cost. Eight different choices priced between £11.50 and £15.95 include classics such as margherita, pepperoni and Hawaiian as well as more unusual spicy beef, truffled mushroom and nduja calabrese piccante, topped with a fiery Italian salami. Licensed for alcohol, the drinks list features beers including artisan Nokota IPA from the Llandudno based Wild Horse Brewery, as well as lagers and cider. Also available are gins, alcoholic and mock cocktails, alternative milks, soft drinks and a carefully chosen selection of international red, white and rose wines sold by the glass from £5.50 for 250ml or bottle from £25. The most expensive vintage – an exceptional Australian red shiraz- was priced at £39. As Nerys was driving, she selected a bottle of alcohol free Peroni lager and I opted for a latte coffee that went down well with my choice of a house favourite - Welsh rarebit. Priced at £10.95 this, however, was an upmarket version that came on two slices of toasted sourdough bread, topped with pieces of roast ham and finished with chilli jam. Piping hot, rich and creamy, the savoury sauce was given a real kick with a generous slug of Wild Horse Nokota beer. I could have added a poached egg for an extra £1.75 but the dish was fine as it was and went down a treat. Full marks to chef Tom! Nerys went for classic Caesar salad with lots of crisp green leaves and homemade parmesan and sourdough croutons tossed in a tangy dressing. Adding warm pieces of chicken breast for an extra £3.50 transformed the salad into a substantial main course. 'Absolutely delicious, but far too much for me, I just can't manage it all," Nerys commented sadly. However, customers often take their leftovers away with them and our very helpful server provided my friend with a takeaway box so she could finish the dish at home. Social has a real "feel good" vibe that makes eating and drinking there a pleasure. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this delightful new café bar and plan a return visit in the near future to sample the pizzas. One for the notebook? Most definitely!
