On a lovely sunny day a group of wine and beer loving Wellington Rotarians ventured to Shropshire’s Welsh Border to enjoy the delights of the Kerry Vale Vineyard. Planted in 2010 the vineyard extends to six acres in an area of exceptional beauty. Kerry Vale is a small family run English vineyard part of which covers the Roman fort of Pentrehayling with the boundary being contiguous with that of two Roman marching camps.
At 12 noon the owner gave us an interesting and informative tour of the vineyard. Three varieties of grape are grown – Rondo, Phoenix & Solaris – all of which are ideally suited for our English climate. The vines were full of fruit and awaiting picking which begins in two to three weeks time. The tour was followed by a tasting of the four wines produced at the site after which a superb buffet lunch was taken. We all had enjoyed an inspiring day in this area of outstanding natural beauty. [Alec Owen]