Kerry Vale Vineyard has launched 1140, a vibrant new English red wine, to coincide with English Wine Week 2026.
Crafted in small batches on the Shropshire–Wales border, 1140 is a wine shaped by heritage, place and a touch of European inspiration. A wine born in Vienna and brought home to Shropshire.
Between 1996 and 2000, vineyard owners, the Cooke family, called Vienna, Austria home. It was there that Russell Cooke first discovered his passion for vines.
Vienna, while renowned as a culturally rich capital, is also a city encircled by vineyards. Russell spent many afternoons in traditional Heuriger taverns – relaxed, welcoming places where local winemakers serve their own young wines and guests linger over food, conversation, and countryside views.
These taverns embody gemütlichkeit – a sense of warmth, friendliness, and belonging – and it is this spirit that Kerry Vale Vineyard strives to bring to the Shropshire border.
On a recent return visit to Vienna, Russell was captivated by being served slightly chilled red wine in several Heuriger. The idea for a new style of English red was sparked: lighter, vibrant, refreshing and perfect for warm summer days.
Why 1140? It’s the postcode of the Viennese district the family once called home.
“1140 is a wine that tells our family story, but it’s also a celebration of how far English wine has come,” said Russell. “English Wine Week is the perfect moment to share it.
“Visitors are increasingly curious, engaged and excited to discover what’s being grown and made here. 1140 captures that energy, a chilled red for long summer afternoons.”
1140 is crafted from grapes grown on the ancient Roman site of Pentreheyling, where the vineyard now stands. Bright, juicy and designed to be served lightly chilled, it takes inspiration from Austrian red styles while remaining unmistakably English.
Produced in limited quantities, it reflects the vineyard’s small‑batch ethos. Visitors can taste 1140 in the vineyard café, enjoy it as part of a self‑guided tasting, or purchase bottles from the cellar door and online shop.
Throughout English Wine Week, Kerry Vale Vineyard will be showcasing 1140 in tastings and welcoming visitors for tours, lunches, and vineyard walks.
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