There is global momentum for English Sparkling Wine. With export growth of 35% in a year, key international wins for our wines, and now adding to the growing number of accolades.
For the first time, the Réunion des Gastronomes toasted the hospitality sector at its annual banquet in Lambeth Palace with English wine instead of the traditional Champagne. Greyfriars Reserve Rosé 2014 was served to guests on arrival in magnum, having won multiple gold medals and the 2019 International Wine Challenge English Sparkling Rosé Trophy. The meal was then finished with another English wine; Hattingley Valley Entice Dessert Wine.
WineGB CEO Nicola Bates provided the response to the new President of the Réunion; Martin Dibben, AKA “Mister Bubbles” and Drinks Ambassador at Searcy’s. Nicola was invited to speak about the success and challenges faced by UK wines and took the chance to point to where we can learn from Europe and how other countries support their wine industries.
Nicola Bates said: “We still have much to learn from the world about wine, especially ways governments can drive a wine market. These learnings can be immediately implemented with the UK Budget coming up and a freeze on duty is the minimum requirement when hospitality and wine are suffering. Wine is not the traditional accompaniment to a ‘smorgasbord’, so it certainly won’t suit this week’s budget. It is sad to have to remind people that the UK has the highest duty rate in Europe for a domestic wine producing nation.”
To hear that English Sparkling wine has been welcomed by such leading figures within the on-trade is surely a sign of good things ahead.
Nicola continued: “We are honoured that the Réunion des Gastronomes has chosen to celebrate with our wines. With exports expanding at pace, some of the biggest awards coming to English producers all of these incredible opportunities really highlight the understanding of the quality of English wines, especially by overseas audiences. We are thrilled to showcase the fantastic quality of our wines to these more traditional audiences and shake things up. All these events demonstrate the strength we have as a sector and we will build on this as we enter 2026.
Martin Dibben, President Réunion des Gastronomes said: “Our hospitality industry is having difficult times due to the economy, but innovation and a focus on quality will enable us to fight back. At this special dinner, I wanted to celebrate English wines that have achieved so much through their own innovation and production of quality wines that have gained world recognition. Lets’ all raise a glass to our resilient and talented winemakers whom we need to support this Christmas.”
A couple of other English wines challenging the norm:
This opportunity comes on the back of Chapel Down’s success in the US last month where during a blind tasting, 67% of participants preferred the English Sparkling wine to Champagne. The tasting was hosted by French television presenter and well-known wine enthusiast Fred Sirieix, to challenge American perceptions about English wine.
This growing enthusiasm for English Sparkling wines was also seen in the summer with Hundred Hills and Leonardslee Family Vineyards served to guests at the King’s official birthday Party at the British Embassy in Paris, and the inaugural Brit Pop event in the same city, which showcased the growing interest and quality wines coming out of the UK.
The number of wines achieving global recognition continues, this is illustrated in the WineGB Golden 50 Wine List, including Nyetimber’s success at the International Wine Challenge where it was crowned Sparkling Wine Champion. In addition, two English wineries have just been named in the World’s 50 Best Vineyards.