Excursion S.a.l.t. a taste of wales, velfrey vineyard tour at Fishguard

Enjoy a taste of Wales with an exclusive visit to the family run Velfrey Vineyard where the Pembrokeshire sunshine combined with coastal breezes provide the perfect ripening conditions.

Welsh Wine Tradition

The Romans are believed to have been the first to have planted vineyards in Wales circa 75 AD, followed by Welsh Monks who continued to grow vines and produce wine until the Vikings arrived.

In 1066 the arrival of William the Conqueror and his French Abbots with their wine making skills revived viticulture, but it gradually declined throughout the Middle Ages until Henry VIII's dissolution of monasteries and other ecclesiastical institutions in 1536 -41, rendered winemaking almost non-existent in Wales. It is also suggested that the British climate changed somewhat at that time, becoming very wet with cool summers and mild winters, which resulted in grapes not ripening, fungal disease and very poor yields.

From then, Welsh Wine was produced on a small scale as imported wine was more readily available.

A significant return to wine production in Wales occurred in the 19^th century when noblemen and landowners with the wherewithal invested in vineyards. One such investor was the Marquis of Bute, who in 1873 asked his head gardener to plant a vineyard at Castell Coch, north of Cardiff.

Since the 1970s - 80s Welsh wine production has steadily increased, and in the last decade, Wales has gained a reputation as a quality wine producer.

Velfrey Vineyard

Velfrey Vineyard, a family run vineyard, is a relatively new venture, which aims to produce the finest quality sparkling wines in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside. Velfrey was established in 2016 after the Mounsey family acquired the land with the intention of sheep farming. The sheep project was not fruitful, but the land, south facing, inland from the sea and not too high above sea level, was perfect for growing vines. There were drainage challenges, but with hard work and an ardent vision, these were overcome, and the first Velfrey vines were planted in May 2017. The first harvest wasn't ready until 3 years later. In January 2020, the first Velfrey wine was tasted!

Vineyard Visit

After approximately one hour scenic drive to Velfrey Vineyard, meet with one of the Mounsey family and discover how Velfrey Vineyard was established.   Follow a year in the life of the vineyard from winter pruning all the way through to grape harvesting. Learn how the wines are produced and see the vines up close before enjoying a wine tasting.   

Wine Tasting

The Vineyard currently produces one wine, their traditional method sparkling wine, but depending on the wine making process you may be one of the first to sample their first still white wine!   In addition, there will be an opportunity to sample some of the other Welsh wines, giving you a taste of the different types of wine available in this beautiful country.

Following your wine tasting, relax on the terrace (weather permitting) and enjoy delightful refreshments, all locally sourced, consisting of Welsh wines followed by high quality, locally produced Welsh cheese and charcuterie Grazing Boards.

Mounsey Family

The Mounsey family includes, Andy, Fiona, their son Ryan, his fiancée Sophie and dogs Archie, Billy & Bash.

The family moved to Pembrokeshire in 2014 and for two years used their smallholding for the traditional Welsh farm enterprise of keeping sheep.

After some research, they found that the gentle south-facing slope, the clay loam soil and a few other factors of the land made it a perfect place to grow vines.

Preparations began in 2016. Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir vines were the first to be planted, followed by Solaris vines.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Velfrey Vineyard, Mounsey Family, Wine Tasting

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket or coat, and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages.