The perception of English sparkling wine has undergone a transformation in recent years. Once a niche curiosity, it is now recognised as a serious contender among the world’s finest sparkling wines. At the forefront of this evolution is Gusbourne , an award-winning producer renowned for its uncompromising approach to quality and craftsmanship. With vineyards in Kent and West Sussex, Gusbourne’s wines are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and distinct expression of English terroir. Their commitment to estate-grown fruit, meticulous winemaking, and sustainability has placed them among the most respected names in English wine today.
We spoke with Simon Bradbury , Chief Commercial Officer, to explore the rise of English sparkling wine in luxury hospitality and why more five-star hotels are choosing to feature it on their wine lists.
Growing Demand in Luxury Hospitality
Over the last decade, English sparkling wine has gained significant traction within the luxury hospitality sector. Increasingly, hotels and sommeliers recognise the value of offering a product that not only embodies exceptional craftsmanship but also reflects local provenance and sustainability. The growing shift towards supporting sustainable, locally sourced products has placed English sparkling wines in the spotlight, positioning them as serious contenders alongside renowned names like Champagne.
For luxury hotels, English sparkling wine presents a unique opportunity to elevate their wine offerings. Guests today are seeking more than just quality – they want to experience something that has a strong connection to its origins and tells a compelling story. Offering English sparkling wine aligns perfectly with this shift, combining world-class quality with the added value of sustainability and locality.
Notable Trends in Luxury Hotels
Several exciting trends have emerged as luxury hotels increasingly incorporate English sparkling wine into their offerings. For one, many high-end properties are listing English sparkling wines by the glass, making them accessible for a range of occasions, from casual aperitifs to fine dining pairings. This shift is often supported by Coravin or sparkling wine preservation systems, ensuring that the wine stays fresh without compromising on quality.
Many luxury hotels are now choosing to feature English sparkling wine as a house pour, not just as an alternative to Champagne, but as a premium product in its own right. This is particularly notable in UK-based luxury properties where provenance is a key selling point. It’s about offering guests a sophisticated wine that carries with it a story of place, craftsmanship, and heritage.
Additionally, English sparkling wine, particularly Rosé, is increasingly becoming the go-to choice for afternoon tea, offering a sophisticated and elegant alternative to traditional Champagne pairings. Some hotels are even creating English wine flights for guests, allowing them to explore different styles and vintages, which further enhances the guest experience. This fits perfectly with the broader hospitality trend of offering unique, immersive experiences.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is no longer a trend – it’s a necessity, especially in the luxury hospitality industry. With climate change affecting wine regions worldwide, many wineries, including ours, have shifted their focus to regenerative practices that not only improve soil health but also enhance biodiversity. Sustainability is embedded in every part of the winemaking process, from water conservation to energy efficiency and waste reduction.
For luxury hotels that prioritise sustainability, offering English sparkling wine is an easy way to align with responsible sourcing practices. It’s not just about the quality of the wine – it’s about the commitment behind it, which resonates with guests who are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices.
What Hoteliers Should Consider When Selecting English Sparkling Wine
When selecting an English sparkling wine for their menu, luxury hoteliers should consider several key factors. Reputation is crucial – wines from renowned producers, like Gusbourne, with a track record of critical acclaim and industry recognition, ensure that quality is guaranteed. A balance of wine styles is also important; having a range of options from Brut Reserve to Blanc de Blancs and Rosé offers versatility for various food pairings and guest preferences.
With sustainability becoming a core consideration in luxury hospitality, selecting wines from producers who prioritise environmental responsibility is essential. Estate-grown fruit, regenerative vineyard practices, and accreditation from organisations like Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) reflect a commitment to both quality and sustainability.
Additionally, hoteliers should look for producers who offer tailored staff training, bespoke experiences, and materials that help tell the story of the wine. Gusbourne, for example, provides training to ensure teams feel confident discussing and serving English sparkling wine, helping to create an enriching guest experience.
A Global Future
Looking ahead, I’m confident that the global reputation of English sparkling wine will continue to grow. What started as a curiosity has now evolved into a respected and sought-after category, particularly in markets like the US, Japan, and Scandinavia, where there is a strong appreciation for premium sparkling wine.
As awareness and demand for high-quality, sustainable wines rise, English sparkling wine will continue to secure its place on the world’s finest wine lists. For luxury hospitality professionals, this is more than just an opportunity to offer a great product – it’s about providing an experience that is in tune with the values of today’s discerning, sustainability-conscious guests.
