Latest news with #WelshWineWeek
South Wales Argus
17-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Wine Week 2025 celebrates growing Welsh wine industry
Welsh Wine Week 2025 highlighted the diversity and quality of wines produced in the region, featuring vineyard tours, tastings, and trade events. 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.
Business News Wales
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Vale Food Trail 2025 Attracts 1,000 Visitors
Vale Food Trail Producers 2025 The third annual Vale Food Trail brought together an estimated 1,000 visitors and locals to explore and celebrate the rich gastronomic heritage and sustainable farming practices of the Vale of Glamorgan. This year's festival, held from May 25 to June 3 2025, featured more than 20 local businesses, offering a programme of 46 diverse events that showcased the best of local food and sustainability. Key highlights included: Garden tours and growing demos from pioneers like Ali's Edibles, Coed Organic and Ediculture, sharing low-impact techniques like 'no dig' gardening and forest gardening. Live demos & events including a steak cut demo with Farmer's Pantry at Rosedew Farm, a Children's 'Grow Your Own' demo at Pugh's Garden Village and 'Jazz on the Lawn' at Forage Farm. Lo & No alcohol events including a tea plantation tour at Peterston Tea, and a 'meet the local producers' event with Grounds for Good and Dirwest. Wine, gin and beer tastings from Barry Island Spirits Co and Craft Republic; St Hilary Vineyard and Tair Gafr Vineyard also offered tours of their vines to tie in with Welsh Wine Week. Interactive food experiences such as a mini farmer's market with Garlic Meadow, a sunset farm safari at Slade Farm Organics, and a guided deer walk at Llantrithyd Park. Three local craft drinks producers teamed up for a lo & no alcohol event Louise Denham, Sustainable Food Places Co-ordinator at Food Vale and one of the festival organisers, reflected on the success of the Vale Food Trail after the third year. She said: 'The 2025 Vale Food Trail not only celebrated local, sustainable food production, but also strengthened the local food community here; it was wonderful seeing producers joining up to collaborate on certain events, and to see venues like Forage Farm Shop putting on special events and tastings featuring local produce and suppliers. We hope that attendees of this year's trail were left with a greater appreciation for all of the amazing food being produced here in the Vale.' Plans are already underway for the 2026 Vale Food Trail, with a focus on expanding the range of activities and engaging even more local businesses and visitors. Community growers like Ali's Edibles opened their gardens to visitors Cath Smith, senior food and farming officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, added: 'Eating seasonal and local food is about much more than just great taste, it's about sustainable farming, fresh nutritious food and supporting local producers who work tirelessly to produce high quality locally made food and drink. If you missed this year's Vale Food Trail or are keen to find out more, Vale of Glamorgan Council recently launched the 'Taste of the Vale' directory, which aims to connect residents and visitors with local food producers. The directory, which can be found on the Visit the Vale website, highlights the county's food and farming heritage, and provides a guide to local producers, vineyards, dairies, bakeries, and more.' For more information and updates on next year's Vale Food Trail event, sign up for the newsletter here . To view the Taste of the Vale producer directory, visit here .
Business News Wales
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Welsh Vineyards Prepare for Welsh Wine Week 2025
Welsh Vineyards Prepare for Welsh Wine Week 2025 Welsh vineyards are preparing for Welsh Wine Week 2025, a celebration of the exceptional quality and diversity of wines produced in Wales. Now in its fifth year, Welsh Wine Week will take place from 30 May to 8 June. This week-long event aims to highlight the dedication and passion of Welsh vineyards, offering a variety of activities and events from vineyard tours, tastings, meet the producer sessions, promotions, and celebrations. Welsh Wine Week is organised by the Food & Drink Wales Drinks Cluster, part of the Welsh Government's clustering initiative and works in partnership with drinks producers and vineyards to promote the industry and its production of world-class products. Richard Morris of Ancre Hill Estates said: 'The Welsh wine industry has been growing over the past 10 years and is becoming an integral part of the Welsh economy. Welsh Wine Week represents a pivotal moment for the Welsh Wine Industry, shining a spotlight on the exceptional quality and unique character of our wines. 'It's a time when we come together to celebrate the fruits of our labour and the growing recognition of Wales as a distinguished wine-producing region. The week is about more than just wine; it's about community, culture, and the collective effort to elevate Welsh viticulture on the world stage.' The Welsh wine industry has seen remarkable growth and success in recent years. With around 50 vineyards now operating across the country, Wales has established itself as an innovative producer of high-quality wines and is becoming renowned for boutique-style wines using grapes suited to cooler climates. Gwen Davies of Vale Vineyard – Gwinllan y Dyffryn, said: 'We are thrilled to be part of Welsh Wine Week 2025. This event allows us to share our passion for winemaking with a wider audience and showcase the exceptional quality of Welsh wines. The Welsh wine industry means a great deal to us, as it represents not only our livelihood but also our beautiful country and commitment to sustainable agriculture. 'Welsh Wine Week presents a unique opportunity for us to connect with wine enthusiasts, educate them about our processes, and celebrate the collective achievements of Welsh vineyards. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our vineyard and sharing our story.' The unique microclimates and landscapes of Wales provide ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapes, resulting in award-winning red, rosé, white, and sparkling wines. The industry is also playing an increasing role in the visitor economy, with many vineyards becoming popular tourist destinations. The Welsh Government's Drinks Cluster has been instrumental in supporting the industry, aiming to increase the sector's value tenfold to £100 million by 2035. The drinks industry makes a significant contribution to the Welsh economy, with a turnover in excess of £800 million, a Welsh retail sales value of over £950 million, and employs 12,000 people. The week-long festivities will also feature a showcase event in Cardiff for trade and press, where attendees can sample a selection of wines while mingling with producers and fellow wine lovers.
