Golden Road Gin, an independent Pembrokeshire spirits producer founded by husband-and-wife team Philip and Jennifer Wheeler, has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the world's most respected judging events for wines and spirits.
The award was presented following a blind tasting by an expert panel of judges and recognised the quality and craftsmanship behind the Welsh-made gin. According to Food & Drink Wales, Golden Road Gin was the only Welsh gin to receive a Gold Medal in this year's competition, making the achievement an important milestone for both the business and the wider Welsh spirits industry.
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, established in 2000, attracts thousands of entries each year from producers around the world. Its medals are widely recognised within the drinks industry and can help raise the profile of both established brands and independent distilleries seeking to reach new markets.
Inspired by the Preseli Hills
Golden Road Gin takes its name from the ancient Golden Road, a prehistoric trackway that crosses the Preseli Hills in north Pembrokeshire and has connected communities for thousands of years.
The brand was founded by Philip and Jennifer Wheeler, who live and farm in the area. Jennifer, a Cordon Bleu-trained cook, developed the recipe with the aim of creating a gin that reflects the landscape surrounding the family farm.
The spirit is distilled using traditional copper pot methods and includes carefully selected botanicals, among them fresh bay leaves picked from the farm, pink peppercorn and a distinctive cherry tea blend. The founders say these ingredients were chosen to create a balanced gin designed to complement food as well as being enjoyed on its own.
International recognition for Welsh craftsmanship
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is regarded as one of the world's premier spirits awards, with entries assessed through blind tastings by experienced judges from across the drinks industry.
Gold Medals are reserved for products that achieve consistently high scores, recognising outstanding quality within their category. For independent producers, success at the competition can provide valuable international exposure and strengthen confidence among retailers, hospitality businesses and consumers.
While Wales has become increasingly well known for its craft distilleries, competition on the international stage remains intense. Golden Road Gin's success demonstrates that Welsh producers can compete alongside some of the world's best-known spirits brands.
Wales' craft spirits sector continues to grow
The award also reflects the continuing development of Wales' craft drinks industry.
Over the past decade, Welsh distilleries have expanded significantly, producing a diverse range of premium gins, whiskies, vodkas, rums and liqueurs. Many have built their brands around local ingredients, distinctive landscapes and Welsh heritage, helping to create products with a strong sense of place.
International awards have become an increasingly important way for producers to demonstrate quality, particularly when entering new export markets or introducing their products to specialist retailers and hospitality venues.
Food & Drink Wales has identified the drinks sector as an important contributor to the country's wider food and drink industry, supporting innovation, collaboration and export growth through initiatives such as the Welsh Drinks Cluster.
A proud moment for Welsh food and drink
Golden Road Gin's Gold Medal is more than an individual business success. It highlights the quality and ambition of Welsh producers who continue to compete successfully on the world stage while remaining rooted in their local communities.
As consumers increasingly seek out products with authentic provenance and craftsmanship, awards from internationally recognised competitions help reinforce Wales' reputation as a producer of high- quality food and drink. For Golden Road Gin, the latest accolade marks another chapter in the story of a family business inspired by the landscapes of Pembrokeshire and committed to producing a spirit that reflects its Welsh origins.
Sources
Business Wales – Food & Drink Wales: Golden Road Gin awarded Global Gold at San
Francisco World Spirits Competition.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition – 2026 competition information and judging
methodology.
Golden Road Gin – producer information.
