A COUPLE who run a grape farm near Denbigh attended a prestigious reception at 10 Downing Street last week which celebrated “Community Food and Farming Champions".

Gwen and Rhys Davies of Vale Vineyard, which is based in Llandyrnog, were invited to the event by Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies.

Vale Vineyard is a successful family business, with Gwen managing the day-to-day management of the vines and business.

The whole family is involved, with the highlight being harvest days when they bring together wider family and friends to hand pick their precious crop.

Speaking after attending the reception, Gwen said: “It was a real honour to be invited to the Food and Farming reception, a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit 10 Downing Street and meet our local MP Dr James Davies and Defra Ministers Steve Barclay and Mark Spencer. 

“It was great to hear the Ministers celebrate our contributions to the rural economy and meet so many other business owners from across the country. 

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“It was a very memorable day, certainly different to the usual Tuesday spent wearing my wellies, working in the vineyard!”

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies said: “It is always a great pleasure to welcome businesses from the Vale of Clwyd to Parliament and I was delighted to have the opportunity to invite Gwen and Rhys to Parliament, and to celebrate their successful vineyard at the reception at 10 Downing Street.

“Vale Vineyard is a real asset to the Vale of Clwyd, and Gwen and Rhys deserve huge praise for all that they have achieved with their business.” 

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP said: “It was hugely enjoyable to meet so many people involved in putting world-class food on our tables and caring for our countryside at the 10 Downing Street farming reception, along with their local Conservative MPs.

“By coming together to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our rural economy and fishing industry, we can ensure we do everything possible to support the sectors, bolstering this country’s food security while also protecting and enhancing our treasured natural heritage for the benefit of generations to come.

Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP said: “Our farmers and fishing industry are crucial to keeping this country fed, so it was great to meet so many of those who work in both sectors, and the Conservative MPs who represent them, at Downing Street.