Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has warmly congratulated two outstanding Pembrokeshire businesses on their success at the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, held at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
Coterie Leather and Velfrey Vineyard were named Welsh Champions in their respective categories, ‘Rural Enterprise’ and ‘Best for Local Food and Drink’, triumphing over strong competition from across Wales. Their victories not only highlight the excellence of their individual enterprises but also reinforce Pembrokeshire’s impressive reputation as a beacon of rural innovation and enterprise.
Now in their 17th year and often dubbed the “Rural Oscars”, the Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate businesses that go the extra mile in supporting their local economy, nurturing community spirit, and driving rural development.
As winners, both Coterie Leather and Velfrey Vineyard will go on to represent Wales at the UK-wide Countryside Alliance Awards final, which will take place at the House of Lords in London on 18 June.
Following the awards ceremony, Samuel Kurtz said:
“A huge congratulations to Velfrey Vineyard and Coterie Leather on their well-deserved wins at the Countryside Alliance Awards. This is a truly remarkable achievement and a clear indication that Pembrokeshire continues to set the standard for rural excellence and enterprise.
“These awards are not just about outstanding products or services; they celebrate the people, passion, and perseverance that underpin them. Both businesses exemplify the very best of what our rural communities have to offer.
“Pembrokeshire’s thriving rural businesses are gaining the recognition they deserve, and rightly so. Now, as they head to the national finals at the House of Lords, we’ll all be cheering them on. Their success is a credit to our county, and we couldn’t be prouder.”