Kerry Vale Vineyard sits on the Shropshire and Wales border near Montgomery. This small family run estate covers six acres of fertile pasture land once part of a Roman fort. The vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate in this rural valley, allowing the vines to thrive and produce distinct cool climate wines. It is an interesting location that combines ancient history with modern viticulture.
What You Can Do
Visitors can book guided tours that walk through the rows of Solaris, Ortega, and Rondo grapevines. The guides explain the annual cycle of the vines and the challenges of growing grapes in this part of Britain. Following the walk, tastings take place in the shop or the cafe, where visitors sample several estate wines accompanied by detailed explanations of their profiles. Cellar door sales are available for those wishing to purchase bottles directly.
What They Offer
The estate produces a range of still white, rosé, and red wines, along with sparkling varieties made using traditional methods. On site, there is a contemporary cafe, a well stocked shop, and a dedicated art gallery showcasing local artists. For accommodation, the vineyard features a comfortable self catering cottage located right next to the vines, providing a quiet place to stay with views across the valley.
Activities
The surrounding Shropshire Hills offer extensive walking trails and opportunities for bird watching. Visitors can explore the nearby historic town of Montgomery with its medieval castle ruins or walk along Offas Dyke Path. The vineyard also hosts seasonal events and art workshops in their gallery space throughout the year, making it a creative hub as well as a wine destination.
Food to Eat
The vineyard cafe serves lunch, light bites, and afternoon tea. The kitchen focuses on simple dishes prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from Shropshire and mid Wales producers. Visitors can pair their meals with a glass of crisp Solaris white wine or a light Rondo red. Cheese platters featuring regional cheeses are highly popular and designed to complement the wine flights.
Why Visit
This vineyard offers a quiet escape in a lesser known wine region of the United Kingdom. The combination of Roman history, local art, and quality winemaking makes it a rewarding stop for travelers exploring the Welsh Marches.
Review
Our visit to the estate was peaceful and informative. The staff showed genuine knowledge without being pretentious, and the wines were surprisingly complex, especially the dry white. The cafe service was slightly slow during the peak afternoon hour, but the quality of the local cheese platter made up for the wait. It is a lovely spot to spend a relaxed afternoon.