Kerry Vale Vineyard

Kerry Vale Vineyard: A Family-Run English Vineyard on the Welsh Border

If you find yourself driving west of Shrewsbury along the A489 towards Newtown, just 1.5 miles outside the village of Churchstoke, the road dips and the hedges open out to reveal one of the most quietly compelling small vineyards in England. Kerry Vale Vineyard sits on the English side of the Welsh border in Shropshire, with the field next door in Wales. It is a family-run business owned by Russell and Jan Cooke, producing still and sparkling English wines from 6,500 vines, welcoming visitors for guided tours, tastings and afternoon tea, and running a relaxed contemporary café and cellar-door shop full of local gifts. Croeso - welcome to border country.

Where to Find Kerry Vale Vineyard

The vineyard address is Pentreheyling, Churchstoke, Shropshire, SY15 6HU, and it is within easy reach of the West Midlands via the M54/A5 and Shrewsbury. It lies just outside the historic town of Montgomery in Powys, and is a popular stop on routes between Shrewsbury and Mid Wales, Ludlow and Montgomery, Welshpool and Bishop's Castle, as well as for walkers exploring Offa's Dyke and the wider Borderlands heritage trails. For sat-nav users, the postcode is SY15 6HU; visitors should also note that Kerry Vale Vineyard is 1.5 miles out of Churchstoke on the A489 towards Newtown.

The vineyard itself occupies what was once an old blacksmiths house called Brompton View, sixteen out-buildings and six acres of farmland. Today it offers free on-site parking (including accessible spaces close to the entrance on a level, compacted-gravel surface), step-free access to the café and shop, and assistance with parking and entry on request. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the vineyard and in the café garden but are not permitted inside the café or shop. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.

The Story: A Family-Run Vineyard since 2010

Kerry Vale Vineyard was born in March 2010, when 6,000 vines were planted on the six-acre site after consultation revealed ideal growing conditions for vines. The vineyard was founded by the Ferguson family, who tended it for ten years before husband-and-wife team Russell and Jan Cooke purchased the business in February 2020. Their family-run ethos is at the heart of everything that happens here.

Russell and Jan were inspired to take on Kerry Vale by a deep love of wine and a desire to share it with others: we love to share the vineyard with our guests and during your visit we welcome you to explore at leisure, take in the stunning countryside and experience the beautiful sense of space and tranquility the vineyard offers. The team has grown steadily since the takeover, with seven core staff members now looking after hospitality, marketing, the kitchen, front of house and the vines themselves.

Meet the team:

• Russell Cooke - Owner
• Nadine Roach - Marketing, PR & Events
• Hayley Kiddle - Hospitality Manager
• Nikita Angell - Assistant Manager
• Liz Dickeson - Kitchen & Front of House
• Andy Longman - Vineyard Supervisor

Roman Heritage and the Land Beneath the Vines

The land on which Kerry Vale Vineyard sits is of considerable archaeological interest. It was once part of the ancient Roman site of Pentreheyling Fort, a vicus (a provincial civilian settlement), and it sits on the edge of several Roman marching camps. Two decades of archaeological research show that the site was also once occupied by Bronze Age funerary monuments, a druid road and a medieval settlement - with Offa's Dyke just a field away.

The Roman fort, settlement and marching camps were first discovered by aerial photography in 1969 and 1973. Subsequent excavations have uncovered Roman pottery (including a large amphora handle), glass and metalwork, and coins, plus metalworking residue comprising iron smithing debris and litharge cakes - a by-product of extracting silver from argentiferous lead only known at a very few Roman sites in Britain (Bayley and Eckstein, 1998). The vineyard's Bronze Award-winning flagship red Offa's Shadow takes its name from the great earthwork that runs through this landscape.

The Vines: Four Varieties on a Double Guyot Trellis

Kerry Vale Vineyard is home to 6,500 vines of four varieties - Rondo, Pinot Noir, Phoenix and Solaris - all ideally suited to the English climate. The vines are spaced 1.2m apart in rows 2.3m apart, giving 62 rows with a combined length from first vine to last of just under 13 kilometres, or approximately 8 miles. To support them, the team uses just over 100,000 metres of wire, around 1,200 posts, wire tensioners and post anchors to keep the rows from falling over. The vines are pruned on a Double Guyot trellising system - French in origin, training the vines to adopt a T shape.

What's Happening on the Vineyard - Month by Month

The Kerry Vale team keeps a detailed vintage diary that visitors often find fascinating:

• January - February: Pruning begins - each vine is carefully examined to choose canes for the coming season and spurs for the following year. The team also samples the previous year's wines for the first time.
• March: Pruning continues; towards the end of the month, sap rising makes canes less brittle and easier to tie down.
• April: Final pruning. Two canes are tied down to produce a balanced crop, with a third 'spare' left in case of breakage or frost damage - it is removed later if all is well.
• May: Rapid shoot growth; tiny fruit clusters become visible. Weeds and grass grow quickly, so trimming and mowing start, and the first foliar feed is applied.
• June: Shoots must be carefully tucked into the parallel trellis wires to protect them and the developing fruit.
• July: Continued rapid growth and tucking in - critical for fruit set during flowering.
• August: As evenings cool, shoot growth slows and the vine's energy moves to swelling fruit; verasion (the onset of ripening) begins.
• September: The most exciting and anxious month - crossing fingers for an Indian summer. Sugar levels and acidity are checked regularly.
• October: Mid-to-late October sees harvest begin with the earliest varieties. Spectacular autumn colours follow.
• November - December: Pruning begins again.

A Vineyard with One Foot in England and One in Wales

Although Kerry Vale's vines grow in England, the landscape surrounding them is Wales, and that closeness is cultural as well as geographical. The vineyard is proud of its strong Welsh ties - in its wine, its food and the makers it works with. Croeso, the Welsh word for welcome, captures the spirit of the place. Two of the wines pay direct tribute to the language and beauty of Wales:

• Seren Star - a bright, elegant white named for the night skies that blanket the valley.
• Ceri Blush - Welsh for 'to love'; a soft, joyful rosé capturing the romance of the landscape.

The café menu uses Welsh produce wherever it can, and the shop stocks work by Welsh producers and craftspeople - including fine bone china by Wiggles and Florence (based in nearby Kerry), artisan jam and chutney from Heather's Harvest, and cards by local artists.

The Wines: Still Wines from English Vines

Kerry Vale produces a still range that runs from crisp whites to softly oaked reds and a fruit-forward chilled red - all made from grapes grown on site. Every bottle is available to buy individually or as a case of six from the online shop and cellar door.

White Wines

• Shropshire Lady - from £17.00. The flagship wine, made from hand-selected Solaris grapes. Crisp and dry, full of citrus flavours rounded off with melon and hints of green apple. Silver Medal, WineGB Awards 2023. Pairs with seafood, chicken, or roast pork with tangy apple sauce. 13% ABV, 2022 vintage.
• Ridgeway - from £16.00. Named after the Kerry Ridgeway, the ancient drovers' route that runs along the ridge south of the vineyard. Crisp citrus and herbaceous notes with hints of vanilla and smoke; softly oaked, smooth and refreshing. Solaris and Phoenix, 10.5% ABV, 2022 vintage.
• Summer Days - from £14.00 (currently on sale; 3 for £35). Tropical fruit, pineapple, banana and grapefruit, with softer pear and melon. Easy drinking; great with poultry, fish, fresh pasta or an aromatic curry. Solaris/Phoenix, 10.5% ABV, 2018 vintage.
• Seren Star - from £14.00. A slightly sweet, refreshing wine bursting with tropical fruit; ideal with spicy Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, fruit-based desserts and vanilla-driven puddings. Solaris/Phoenix, 11% ABV, 2019 vintage.

Rosé Wines

• Rare Hare - from £16.00. Packed with strawberry, raspberry and summer-fruit flavours and delicate soft floral notes. Rondo, 10.5% ABV, 2023 vintage.
• Ceri Blush - from £15.00. Light and fresh, with hints of raspberry and blackcurrant, herbaceous flavours and honeyed notes; slightly sweet, enjoy lightly chilled. Rondo/Phoenix, 10.5% ABV, 2024 vintage.

Red Wines

• 1140 - from £17.00. A bright, juicy and beautifully smooth lightly-chilled English red inspired by the Cooke family's years in Vienna. Made from Rondo and Solaris, it is vibrant, fruit-forward and crafted for relaxed summer drinking - soft red berry flavours, refreshing finish. Limited release. 10.5% ABV, 2025 vintage.
• Red Kite - from £18.00. Soft plummy notes with hints of liquorice and morello cherry; oak gives a rich yet delicate flavour and smooth finish with subtle tannins. Rondo, 11.5% ABV, 2021 vintage.
• Offa's Shadow - from £20.00. Bronze Award, WineGB 2025. Deep ruby red full of ripe blackberries and cherries on the nose; subtle hints of vanilla and spice from oak barrel ageing, with herbaceous notes, black fruit and pepper on the palate. Small-batch, limited stock; save £10 when you buy six. Rondo, 11.5% ABV, 2021 vintage.
• Rondo Reserve - from £18.00 (currently sold out). Deep ruby with intense aroma of roasted pepper, eucalyptus and spice, with a touch of vanilla and pleasant sweetness on the finish. Great on its own or with red meat, tomato-based dishes and cheese. Rondo, 11.5% ABV, 2017 vintage.

English Sparkling Wines - Made by the Traditional Method

Kerry Vale's three sparkling wines are made using the traditional Champagne method and spend a minimum of 24 months on lees, giving them the toasty, complex character that marks out the very best English sparkling.

• Kerry Vale Sparkling White - BRUT, from £28.00. Dry and light-bodied with crisp acidity, toasty notes and fine bubbles, finishing with a complex yet delicate character. Bronze Medal, WineGB Awards 2023. Phoenix, 11% ABV, 2018 vintage.
• Kerry Vale Sparkling Rosé - BRUT, from £28.00. Light in style with soft red fruits on the palate, very smooth with fine creamy bubbles and an elegant finish. Phoenix/Rondo, 11% ABV, 2018 vintage.
• Kerry Vale Sparkling Red - BRUT, from £28.00. Hand-crafted in small batches - a limited edition release of just 1,000 bottles. Deep colour, soft sparkle and dark forest fruit; great with duck, game, roast turkey with cranberry sauce or a BBQ. Rondo, 12% ABV, 2018 vintage.

Mixed Cases for Every Occasion

If you can't choose, the vineyard offers curated mixed cases delivered across the UK:

• Rosé Mixed Case - £86.00: 3 × Rare Hare, 3 × Ceri Blush.
• White Mixed Case - £92.00: 2 × Shropshire Lady, 2 × Summer Days, 2 × Ridgeway.
• Still Mixed Case - £98.00: 1 × Shropshire Lady, 1 × Summer Days, 1 × Ridgeway, 1 × Rare Hare, 1 × Red Kite, 1 × Offa's Shadow.
• English Sparkling and Still Mixed Case - £112.00: 1 × Shropshire Lady, 1 × Summer Days, 1 × Rare Hare, 1 × Red Kite, 1 × KVV Sparkling White, 1 × KVV Sparkling Rosé.
• Red Mixed Case - £111.00: 3 × Red Kite, 3 × Offa's Shadow.
• English Sparkling Mixed Case - £168.00: 2 × Sparkling White, 2 × Sparkling Rosé, 2 × Sparkling Red (Limited Edition).

Cellar-Door Liqueurs, Glasses and Gifts

The shop is not just about wine - it is also home to a small range of liqueurs and locally-made gifts:

• Orange Liqueur - from £6.50. Crafted from the distillate of Kerry Vale's finest Rondo wine, with zesty citrus notes and a smooth finish. 21% ABV; available in 5cl, 20cl and 50cl.
• Pear and Elderflower Liqueur - from £6.50. Rondo distillate blended with ripe pear and floral elderflower; smooth and aromatic, perfect for cocktails or sipping neat. 21% ABV; 5cl, 20cl and 50cl sizes.
• Kerry Vale Vineyard Mug - £12.00. Fine bone china, designed by local artist Wiggles and Florence.
• KVV Crystal Wine Glasses - £15.00. Hand-decorated in the UK using traditional sandblasting techniques; the Kerry Vale logo etched on each glass, presented in a gift box. Three designs available: Vineyard, Rough Day and Classy/Sassy.

Adopt a Vine

The Adopt a Vine package is one of Kerry Vale's most popular unusual gifts. From £50 for one person or £85 for two, the package includes:

• The opportunity to choose a vine to adopt for 12 months
• A Certificate of Adoption
• A personalised weatherproof sign next to your adopted vine (please allow 25 working days for installation)
• Lunch at the vineyard and a glass of wine
• A vineyard tour with wine tasting
• A bottle of wine to take away
• Unrestricted access for the day

Bookings for the vineyard tour and tasting included in the pack must be made in advance online or by telephone. Kerry Vale retains full control of all vines, grapes and wine; adoption does not confer any rights over the vine, its care or its produce.

Vineyard Tours and Tasting Experiences

Tasting wines and understanding how they are made is the heart of the Kerry Vale experience. Guided tours run from May to September, every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, and pre-booking is essential. Wine tasting is also available in the Vineyard Café every day during café opening hours. All tours can be booked online via Bookeo, and gift voucher holders (Virgin Experiences, Red Letter Days, Buy a Gift and Kerry Vale's own vouchers) can request a 2026 booking here.

Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting - £25 per person

Begin in the contemporary custom-built visitor centre with its bird's-eye view over the vineyard and surrounding countryside. Your guide will then lead you on an escorted tour of the vines, explaining the grape-growing process, the history of English wine and the harvest routine, as well as the secrets of the vineyard's Roman heritage. The tour ends with a guided tasting of four of the wines.

Vineyard Tour with Cheese & Wine - £40 per person

The standard tour and tasting, followed by a cheese platter of locally sourced cheeses (from Croome Cuisine in Whittington, just over the border) accompanied by tasty chutneys, pickles and crusty bread. You will also receive a complimentary glass of wine to enjoy with your cheese.

Vineyard Tour with Sparkling Afternoon Tea - £50 per person

The classic tour and tasting, followed by a lovely chilled glass of English sparkling wine and a traditional English afternoon tea: scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries and a pot of tea.

Self-Guided Audio Tour - £15 per person (available February - December)

Perfect for those short on time or unable to book a guided tour, the 30-minute self-guided audio tour uses engaging commentary to unlock the vineyard's history, culture and hidden gems. All you need is a smartphone and headphones. The package includes three 50ml wine samples on completion; upgrade to six samples for an extra £5, or add a cheese platter. Tours go ahead in most weather, so bring suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes.

Coach, Group and Private Tours

Kerry Vale is a popular stop for group tours travelling through Shropshire, Mid Wales and the Welsh Borders. Coach-friendly access with dedicated parking, flexible group sizes (ideal for U3A, WI, travel clubs, heritage tours and full coach groups), and fast, reliable booking for tour planners make it a standout addition to itineraries across the region. The team works closely with coach companies, tour operators, holiday providers and regional tourism partners such as MWT Cymru - tell them your group size and preferred date and they will handle the rest.

The Vineyard Café

The contemporary café at Kerry Vale serves homemade cakes, freshly-ground Shropshire coffee, artisan teas and light lunches prepared in the vineyard kitchen from high-quality locally-sourced food. Café and shop opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm (last orders for food at 2.30pm; hot drinks and cake available until 3pm). Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available daily, and the menu changes with the seasons.

The Spring 2026 menu is available to download. To book a table, use the reservation form (24 hours' notice requested) or call 01588 620627. Please note, groups of 8 or more incur a 10% service charge. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the café garden but not in the café or shop.

Afternoon Tea at Kerry Vale

Served Wednesday to Sunday (booking essential and 48 hours' advance notice with payment required), the traditional afternoon tea is a proper Shropshire treat:

• Traditional Afternoon Tea - £25 per person: finely cut sandwiches with classic fillings, freshly baked scones with strawberry preserve and cream, followed by a delectable selection of sweet treats, all served with a pot of tea or herbal infusion.
• Sparkling Afternoon Tea - £30 per person: the traditional afternoon tea paired with a glass of English sparkling wine.

The Afternoon Tea menu is available to view, and Afternoon Tea vouchers make a popular gift. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable due to food being purchased and prepared. Dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking.

Vineyard View Room Hire

The Vineyard View Room is a unique and flexible space available for corporate or private functions, suitable for up to 30 guests. With rustic wood panelling, a modern corrugated metal ceiling and panoramic vineyard views, it is the perfect venue for corporate meetings, parties, small conferences, team away days, press days and workshops. Private tours can also be arranged to enhance your event.

Room Hire Prices

• Half day - £75
• Full day - £125
• Tours - price on application

Catering Options (per person)

• Tea/Coffee + breakfast rolls - £8.00
• Tea/Coffee/Juice + pastries/cakes - £6.00
• Lunch one-course buffet - £12.50
• Lunch two courses (main & dessert) - £16.50
• Selection of soft drinks/juices - £2.00
• Glass of wine (125ml) - £5.00
• Tea/Coffee - £2.00

Facilities include an integrated projector screen, speakers, various seating options, free parking, on-site catering and modern, spacious surroundings.

Volunteering at the Vineyard

The vineyard is always grateful for volunteers who want to learn more about grape growing and get involved. Harvest is the busiest time - usually late September into October, sometimes November. Picking starts at 8am, with a mid-morning coffee break, a hearty lunch made from locally sourced produce, then an afternoon session finishing around 3.30 - 4pm with tea and cake. Volunteers also help with pruning (February - March), weeding and general maintenance (March - April), and thinning and tucking in the vines (June onwards).

Wear sensible shoes or wellies and comfortable clothing; bring gloves if you have them. The schedule is weather-dependent, so if heavy rain is forecast please call 01588 620627 before arrival, as days may be postponed.

Local Suppliers and Stockists

Kerry Vale is passionate about supporting small independent producers and tries to source locally and buy British wherever possible. Suppliers include:

• Shropshire Coffee - double-roasted barista coffee.
• Dairy Dreams - dairy ice cream milked and made on the farm next door.
• Bloomers Bakery - multigrain bread, baked and delivered daily.
• Croome Cuisine - award-winning artisan cheese from Whittington.
• The Shropshire Distillery - small-batch Shropshire gins.
• Coco Pzazz - hand-finished chocolate buttons and bars.
• Wiggles and Florence - fine bone china designed in Kerry.
• Heather's Harvest - artisan jam and chutney.
• Matt the Beekeeper - honey from bees in the field across the road.
• Penelope Timmis, Lyn Evan Designs, Carole Baker, Okami Makes - local artists and makers.
• Label Makers - print all the labels for still and sparkling wine.
• Fast Labels - produce the stickers and gift wrap.

You can also find Kerry Vale wines on the shelf at selected stockists in the region:

• Retail: Bentley's Wine Merchants, Ludlow; Derwen Farm Shop, Guilsfield; Chirbury Café Shop & Post Office; Ludlow Farm Shop, Ludlow; Spar, Montgomery; Bradley's Garage (Costcutter), Newtown / Caersws / Llanidloes.
• Restaurants and hotels: The Castle Hotel, Bishops Castle; Castle Kitchen, Montgomery; The Checkers, Montgomery; The Fisherman's Arms at Docklow Pools, Leominster; The Herbert Arms, Chirbury; Lake Country House Hotel and Spa, Builth Wells; Mellington Hall Country House Hotel, Churchstoke; Plas Dinam Country House, Llandinam; Plas Robin Rural Retreats, Llandyssil.

Shop Vouchers and Gift Ideas

Looking for a flexible gift? Kerry Vale offers a full range of vouchers, redeemable online or in the café and cellar-door shop:

• Café / Shop Vouchers - from £5.00: redeemable at the café and cellar-door shop (not online); available in £5, £10, £20, £25, £30, £40 and £50 denominations, sent with a complimentary gift card and personalised message.
• eGift Vouchers - from £5.00: redeemable online or in the café/shop; sent by email with a code for use at checkout.
• Afternoon Tea Voucher - from £25.00: choose Traditional or Sparkling afternoon tea; sent with a gift card and personalised greeting.
• Tour Vouchers: digital vouchers for tours and tastings can be purchased via the Bookeo booking site and customised with a personalised message.

Postage and Packing

Kerry Vale ships wine across the UK (overseas on application). Wine postage rates are:

• 1 to 5 bottles - £15.50
• 6 to 11 bottles - £10.00
• 12 to 17 bottles - £5.00
• 18+ bottles - Free

Tour bookings and eVouchers are sent free of charge; an eVoucher with a physical gift card adds £1.50; Adopt a Vine, mugs and glasses are charged at a flat £3.99 per item. The total is calculated automatically at checkout.

Accessibility Statement

Kerry Vale is committed to providing an enjoyable and accessible experience for all visitors. The car park includes designated accessible spaces close to the entrance on a level, compacted-gravel surface; assistance with parking and entry is available on request. The entrance door is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and the café and shop are on one level and fully accessible with wide aisles and movable seating. Accessible toilets are equipped with handrails and emergency pull cords, and large-print tasting notes are available on request.

Vineyard pathways are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. However, the tasting room - where the majority of the tour takes place - is upstairs and does not have a lift; alternative ground-floor tasting arrangements are offered to accommodate all guests. Visitors with specific access needs are encouraged to contact the team in advance on 01588 620627 or at info@kerryvalevineyard.co.uk.

Places to Stay Nearby

If you would like to turn your visit into a short break, Kerry Vale recommends a wide range of well-appointed hotels and friendly B&Bs across Shropshire and Mid Wales. Suggestions include:

• The Castle Hotel, Bishops Castle
• The Dragon Hotel, Montgomery
• Hicks Farm Holidays, Presteigne
• Luxury Lodges with Hot Tubs, Mid Wales
• Marrington Escapes, Chirbury (Marrington Mill, Camlad Barn)
• Mellington Hall Country House Hotel, Mellington
• Miller's Rest Camp Site, Churchstoke
• Moonrise Lodges, Shropshire
• Nant-y-Coed Lodges, Newtown
• Oaklands Glamping & Treehouse, Welshpool
• The Old Stores Bed & Breakfast, Montgomery
• Plas Robin Rural Retreats, Llandyssil
• Pooh Hall Cottages, Clun
• The School House B&B, Bucknell
• Valley View Holiday Park, Welshpool
• Visit Mid Wales - accommodation listings
• Wales Cottage Holidays
• Holiday Cottages, Wales

Plan Your Visit

• Address: Kerry Vale Vineyard, Pentreheyling, Churchstoke, Shropshire, SY15 6HU.
• Telephone: 01588 620627.
• Email: info@kerryvalevineyard.co.uk.
• Café and shop opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 3pm.
• Guided tours: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, May - September. Bookings essential online or on 01588 620627.
• Parking: Free on-site parking, including accessible spaces.
• Dogs: Welcome on leads in the vineyard and café garden; not permitted inside the café or shop (except assistance dogs).
• Accessibility: Café and shop fully accessible; tasting room upstairs (alternative ground-floor arrangements available).
• Follow: Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), TikTok.

Whether you come for a guided tour and tasting, a leisurely afternoon tea, a long lunch overlooking the vines, or simply to pick up a bottle to take home, Kerry Vale Vineyard is the kind of small, family-run place that quietly earns its keep. Tucked into the Welsh border with a Roman fort underfoot, 6,500 vines in front of you, and a glass of Offa's Shadow or 1140 in your hand, it is a slice of contemporary English wine country that feels a long way from anywhere - yet is, in reality, only an hour or so from Shrewsbury. Croeso.