Press and Media
Facts, history and contacts for journalists and producers. Please feel free to contact us if you would like any more information.
Y wasgQuick Facts & Story Angles for Bloggers
The Vegan Angle
Looking for artisan wines that don't compromise on ethics? Virtually the entire Celteg wine and liqueur line is 100% vegan-friendly because they strictly avoid animal-based fining agents.
The Hyper-Local Ingredient Story
From fresh elderflowers picked right outside the winery doors to traditional Welsh recipes, the flavours are deeply rooted in the West Wales landscape.
A True Family Business
Founder Neal Shipp is the inspiration behind the "Old Grumpy's" line, and his family still runs the daily operations from top to bottom.
The Perfect Day Trip
Highlight The Leeky Barrel bistro, Bedwen Plants nursery, and the winery shop as a "must-visit" hidden gem in Ceredigion.
About Us, Short Version
The story of Celtic Country Wines Limited began on a family smallholding, driven by founder Neal Shipp’s lifelong passion for crafting exceptional fruit wines. What started as a small-batch passion project has matured into a thriving family-run enterprise. Today, operating from our custom premises in Henllan, Ceredigion, Neal’s family works alongside a dedicated team managing production, front-of-house, and administration.
Over the years, we have seamlessly bridged tradition and modernity. Under our flagship Celteg brand, we offer time-honoured country products reimagined for the modern palate. In parallel, our Old Grumpy’s range serves as a nostalgic, affectionate tribute to Neal, preserving heritage recipes like our celebrated piccalilli, scrumpy cider, and signature Blackcurrant and Elderberry Wine.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us a place on the national stage, including features on the BBC’s Great British Menu. More than just a winery, our Henllan estate is a vibrant visitor destination, encompassing our artisan production facilities, a regional gift shop, Bedwen Plants nursery, and The Leeky Barrel bistro.
About Us, Long Version
From Smallholding to National Stage: The 35-Year Journey of Celtic Country Wines
The story of Celtic Country Wines Limited is a masterclass in how a lifelong passion can blossom into a celebrated national brand. Founded over 35 years ago by fruit wine enthusiast Neal Shipp, the business began as humble, small-batch experiments on the family’s rural smallholding in West Wales.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to traditional methods and local ingredients, word quickly spread. Today, Celtic Country Wines operates from a thriving, purpose-built estate in Henllan, Ceredigion. While the operation has grown to include dedicated front-of-house, production, marketing, and administration teams, it remains fiercely independent and family-run, with multiple generations of the Shipp family working full-time side by side.
Bridging Heritage and Modernity: Celteg & Old Grumpy’s
As the winery evolved, the family modernised their traditional country offerings for the 21st-century palate. The result was the launch of their flagship brand, Celteg, a sophisticated range that pairs award-winning, heritage fruit profiles with sleek, contemporary presentation.
Complementing Celteg is the Old Grumpy’s range, created as an affectionate family tribute to founder Neal. Old Grumpy’s embraces pure nostalgia, housing deeply traditional, robust products including a famously sharp piccalilli and their signature, rich Blackcurrant and Elderberry Wine.
A Sustainable, Award-Winning Destination
Quality is at the core of everything the Shipp family touches. Their products regularly top expert “best of” lists, hold prestigious Great Taste Awards, and have been showcased on national television, notably featuring on the BBC’s Great British Menu. Furthermore, reflecting modern consumer values, all Celteg wines and liqueurs are crafted without animal-derived fining agents, making virtually the entire range fully vegan-friendly (with the natural exception of their traditional honey mead).
Today, the Henllan winery is far more than a production facility. It is a vibrant West Wales tourist destination. Visitors can tour the grounds, browse the curated regional visitor shop, explore the Bedwen Plants nursery, and dine at The Leeky Barrel Welsh Bistro, which serves locally sourced dishes alongside the winery’s own award-winning selections.
In the Media
Television appearances and awards on record.
BBC Great British Menu
Celteg featured two years running.
The Royle Family Christmas Special
Our rhubarb wine was used in the BBC comedy's Christmas special.
Great Taste and Welsh True Taste
Three gold stars for the Sloe Gin in 2008; Great Taste winner for Medieval Mead in 2021; Welsh True Taste award winner.
Celteg logo, light backgrounds
Celteg logo, dark backgrounds
The Leeky Barrel logo
Old Grumpy's logo
Sparkling wine group shot
Mead, product shot
Spirits beach shoot
Shop and coffee shopPermitted Use
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