Kerry Vale Vineyard near Montgomery is in the hands of new owners for the first time in a decade after its sale was completed.

A decade after setting up the vineyard, which has won a number of awards, owner Geoff Ferguson has handed it on to Russell and Janet Cooke, who have relocated from the USA to take it over.

“After a number of years working overseas we are delighted to be back in the UK” Mr Cooke said.

The Cookes are no novices to the industry. Throughout their careers the Cookes have found themselves living in the lesser-known, but nevertheless popular, wine making regions.

“One of the favourite places we lived was Vienna, which is surprisingly richly populated with vineyards, but whose wine is rarely exported," Mr Cooke said.

"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."

He added: “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 vineyard cafe and shop will re-open on Thursday, March 26, and will welcome both existing and new customers to visit and meet the new owners.