Planted in 2010 by husband & wife Geoff and June Ferguson the six acre vineyard, three miles south of Montgomery opened its shop and wine café this time last July.
Boasting a hard working and dedicated family team, Kerry Vale Vineyard continues to develop, attracting both local customers and tourists enabling them to successfully compete with larger, more established vineyards.
The last year has been a busy one for the small family business, last year saw Kerry Vale getting some serious attention from both local and national press, with reviews and editorial featuring in publications ranging from ‘The Independent’ to ‘Your Woman’ magazine. They also participated in interviews with BBC Radio and gained TV coverage on Midlands Today. Earlier this summer they won three prestigious awards at the 2014 UK wine industries national competition and 2014 also saw them showcasing their wine at Westminster in The Houses of Parliament.
Further evidence of Kerry Vale Vineyards success is found by looking at the prestigious venues now stocking their wine. From award winning wedding venue -Mellington Hall Hotel to The National Trust’s Powis Castle, The Castle Hotel in Bishops Castle, The Moat Shed in Wem, to specialist venues like the newly opened Deliciate Deli in Shrewsbury. The list of wine vendors rushing to stock these premium Shropshire wines is growing fast, and now Kerry Vale vineyard are boasting three National Awards it doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon.
Owner Geoff Ferguson commented, “Over the next year, we hope to increase our bookings with private groups and corporate customers. We also plan to work with local schools and colleges by offering educational day trips. We are getting great feedback from our visitors and we love exceeding our customers’ expectations. We take pride in the little things that make us unique and that enhance our visitors experience, we believe that this sets us apart from our competitors.
The immense success of the past year and the foundations for future growth are owed in great part to generous support from The Mercian and UK Vineyard Association and newly formed Welsh Vineyard Association
These organisations have provided instrumental advice and opportunities whilst the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development grant provided through DEFRA also offered invaluable financial support.
One thing is for certain, this past year has been one big success for Kerry Vale Vineyard, but it’s definitely not over yet, with many exciting events planned for the rest of 2014 and beyond, this charming Shropshire vineyard looks set for great success!