Toasting a new tourist attraction
A new vineyard in Churchstoke is celebrating after securing grant funding from Defra which will help turn it into a 'sparkling' tourist attraction.
The grant is part of Defra’s Rural Economy Fund and has been awarded to the Kerry Vale Vineyard, set up in 2010 by husband and wife team Geoff and June Ferguson.
Launched to boost tourism and other rural enterprises, the Rural Economy Grant (REG) covers up to 40% of funding and will be used by Kerry Vale Vineyard to build a shop and visitor centre, from which tours will be run and wine sold. The remaining costs will be matched privately.
Mr Ferguson, co-owner of Kerry Vale Vineyard, said: “This funding is fantastic as it coincides with our first year of wine production. It will enable us to build a cellar door shop on the vineyard, which we hope to open this summer so visitors can sample and learn about the wine and find out about the rich history of the land where the vineyard is situated. We hope this will boost tourism locally and bring increased business to the area.”
Kerry Vale Vineyard occupies six acres of land just two miles west of Churchstoke and is home to 6,000 vines. Set in an area of great archaeological importance, part of the vineyard covers the east side of what was the Roman Fort of Pentreheyling, whilst another section formed the edge of two Roman marching camps.
The site is also home to the remains of Bronze Age funerary monuments, a druid road, a medieval settlement and Offa’s Dyke is just a field away.
The part grant-funded, purpose-built shop is an exciting new project for the vineyard, inspired by a Dutch barn that once stood on the land. It will welcome visitors offering a selection of wines – red, white, rose and sparkling - and locally produced food, with tasting and tour experiences.
For more information about the vineyard or to find out about tours available, which will run from July onwards, contact June or Geoff on 01588 620627.
PICTURE: Geoff and June Ferguson toast the success of their vineyard venture.
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