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News
Shropshire vineyard sold to new owners
The founders of a Kerry Vale Vineyard in Shropshire have sold the operation to new owners who hope to expand the event side of the business.
Geoff and June Ferguson established Kerry Vale in 2010 as a family business. The vineyard is planted with disease-resistant grapes including Phoenix, Solaris and Rondo and all wines are made by Halfpenny Green Wine Estate in south Staffordshire.
After making the decision to sell the business in February, the Fergusons announced that the new owners were Russell and Jan Cooke, who have relocated from the US.
Commenting on the news, Russell Cooke said: “After a number of years working overseas we are delighted to be back in the UK.
“One of the favourite places we lived was Vienna, which is surprisingly richly populated with vineyards, but whose wine is rarely exported. The ‘Heuriger’ culture enjoyed in Vienna (which sees family and friends relishing the local wine with simple local food) would be great to replicate here in Shropshire.
“Our last four years were spent living in New York, which surprisingly has over 50 vineyards on the east of Long Island. Jan and I are both really excited to be joining the UK wine industry as it continues to grow.”
The new owners will continue to run the vineyard café and host weekly vineyard tours. All existing staff will be retained including the Fergusons’ daughter, Nadine Roach, who will continue to head up marketing and PR. Geoff will continue as a consultant to provide guidance for the new owners.
Jan Cooke added: “Building on the success of the past will be crucial, and we are thrilled that the vineyard’s experienced team will be with us on this journey. We very much hope that existing customers continue to enjoy our wine and café and we look forward to working with local businesses and suppliers as we plan our future.”
The Cookes are planning to increase the number of weddings held at the site. The shop and café are set to reopen on 26 March.
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