‘Telling the story of Welsh wine to the world’: Vineyard toasts award success

A vineyard is toasting national award success for telling the story of Welsh wine to the “rest of the world”.

Gwinllan Conwy have won in the ‘Local Food/Drink’ category at the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards for Wales.

Janet Finch-Saunders the MS for Aberconwy who nominated the business for the award, has praised its contribution to the local economy.

The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate rural businesses that go the extra mile, who support their region’s economy and are the unsung heroes in every community.

The vineyard was started by Charlotte Bennett and her husband Colin in 2012 at Llangwstenin, Llandudno Junction.

They decided to plant 100 vines on the hillside next to their home, unsure what to expect, and it has blossomed into a booming business with two acres growing 2000 vines, selling 4,000 bottles of quality wine to local businesses.

The competition judges said:  “Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard not only produces award winning Welsh wine but tells the story to the rest of the world.

“Vineyard tours have brought significant contributions to the local economy being one of North Wales’s best tourism stories.

“Not only content with creating their own wine, they have gone on to inspire and coach other vineyard owners across North Wales, strengthening the tourism industry and creating opportunities for others.”

‘Thrilled’ 

Janet Finch-Saunders said: “I have been thrilled to see Gwinllan Conwy continue to grow from strength to strength over these past few years, with their innovation and willingness to push boundaries certainly paying dividends.

“Knowing how hard Colin and Charlotte Bennett have worked; it was natural that I would nominate them for this prestigious award.

“That this latest win builds on the vineyard’s success of seventeen national and international medals in just five years highlights what a magnificent product that Colin and Charlotte have crafted.

“But more than that, a win at the rural Oscars also underlines their immense economic contribution to our local area, supporting tourism and building the North Wales brand.

“Their triumph at the Countryside Alliance Awards is wonderful recognition and I am simply delighted for the Bennetts at this time. I encourage local residents to raise a glass of their award-winning product to toast their continued success!”