About Kerry Vale Vineyard
Kerry Vale Vineyard is a family-run business in Shropshire, owned by husband and wife team Russell and Jan Cooke since February 2020. The vineyard was founded in 2010 by the Ferguson family on the site of an old blacksmith's house called Brompton View, with its sixteen outbuildings and six acres of farmland.
Kerry Vale Vineyard: Site and Grape Varieties
The land holds remarkable archaeological significance, forming part of the ancient Roman site of Pentreheyling Fort and sitting on the edge of several Roman marching camps. Two decades of archaeological research have revealed Bronze Age funerary monuments, a druid road, and medieval settlements, with Offa's Dyke just a field away. Excavations have uncovered Roman pottery, glass, metalwork, and coins, making the vineyard a place where history runs deep beneath every vine row.
Consultation on the land revealed ideal growing conditions for vines, and 6,000 vines were planted in March 2010. Today, Kerry Vale is home to 6,500 vines across four varieties - Rondo, Pinot Noir, Phoenix, and Solaris - all suited to the English climate. Spaced at 1.2 metres in rows 2.3 metres apart, there are 62 rows with a combined length of nearly 13 kilometres. The vines are pruned using the Double Guyot trellising system and supported by over 100,000 metres of wire and 1,200 posts.
Visitors are welcomed to explore the vineyard at leisure, taking in the stunning Shropshire countryside and experiencing the beautiful sense of space and tranquility. The on-site café serves food and refreshments, while the shop offers the vineyard's wines. Guided tours provide deeper insight into viticulture and the site's fascinating history. An Adopt a Vine package offers a unique gift idea for wine enthusiasts.
The vineyard operates seasonally, with an annual winter shutdown typically from late December to early February. Russell and Jan's passion for sharing their vineyard shines through in every aspect of the visitor experience, making Kerry Vale a destination that combines exceptional wines with remarkable heritage in one of England's most peaceful settings.