Two Pembrokeshire businesses will battle it out to win a ‘rural Oscar’ next month.

Rural businesses from across Wales that have been shortlisted for prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards, after thousands of nominations from across the country were whittled down to a final few.

There are five categories including: ‘best pub’, ‘best village shop/post office’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best for local food and drink’ and the ‘rural enterprise award’.

In the ‘best local food/drink’ category Velfrey Vineyard located at Lampeter Velfrey, Narberth specialises in the production of award winning sparkling and still white Welsh wines; whilst Carn Edward, based at Llanerch farm, Gwaun Valley in Fishguard specialises in mutton lamb and longhorn beef.

Winners will be chosen via a public vote and our Welsh judging panel in January and announced at the The Senedd, Cardiff Bay on Tuesday, February 2t. The winners of the Welsh final will go on to represent Wales at the House of Lords in the national champions reception in June of 2024.

The businesses are judged on a range of criteria including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local food and the energy and diversity of their business.

The ‘Rural Oscars’- as they are commonly known - are now in their 17th year. The awards celebrate rural businesses that go the extra mile, support their local economy and are the unsung heroes in every community.

Being nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards can have a real impact on rural businesses. Most importantly, those businesses which go on to become finalists or champions will receive regional and national recognition, strengthening the reputation of their brand.

Countryside Alliance Wales Director Rachel Evans said: “This year, we've received an abundance of nominations from the Welsh public, showcasing numerous outstanding businesses. Each business holds a meaningful story, and it’s vital to recognise and value them. What sets the Rural Oscars apart is their emphasis on honouring the individuals behind these businesses, rather than just their products or services.

“Given the challenging circumstances faced by many rural businesses, it's essential for all of us to demonstrate support in any way possible. We encourage as many people as possible to get voting today.”

It's now down to the general public to vote for their favourite rural businesses, which can be done via the Countryside Alliance website, here. 

The public can vote for one business in all of the categories, or for just one individual business in their respective category.