Bolney Wine Estate has reported a “record year of turnover”, with 2022 seeing an increase in both UK and international sales.  In its newly-released January business update, the Sussex-based winery noted a 16% increase in turnover in 2022 compared to the previous year. Turnover from hospitality alone saw a 43% increase, while turnover from UK and international trade rose by 8%. James…

Family-owned Bollinger Group, owner of Champagne Bollinger, has bought Sancerre estate Hubert Brochard. The estate was created by the Brochard family around 120 years ago and is currently managed by the 4th and 5th generation. The estate comprises 60 hectares of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Bollinger Group said the acquisition is “well aligned” with its strategy to offer its customers and consumers a “portfolio of top-quality…

Wine company Freixenet Copestick has bought Sussex-based Bolney Wine Estate, as it looks to strengthen its position as a specialist in sparkling wine. The company said late Friday (January 14) that the deal took place that day. Financial details were not disclosed. Freixenet Copestick is the UK and Ireland arm of Henkell Freixenet. Dr Andreas Brokemper, CEO of Henkell Freixenet, said: “As producers of…

Iconic Napa Valley winery Charles Krug has appointed Top Selection to distribute its wines in the UK. Owned by the famed Mondavi family, this is the first time in its 160-year history that Napa Valley’s oldest estate will commercially export its wines to Europe. Prussian immigrant Charles Krug established his eponymous winery in 1861, building a reputation for innovation in winemaking and viticulture which exists…

Majestic Wine has finished rebranding over 20 of its stores to bring them in-line with the company’s new direction. The move affects 10% of its nationwide estate and is part of a wider strategy based around improving its physical presence, as the UK emerges from lockdown.  The sites, which are scattered across the country including Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Harrogate and elsewhere, had been adapted to…

Hush Heath Estate & Winery has launched two new beers under the Jake’s Drinks range. Jake’s Lager and Jake’s IPA are available in 33cl cans, and they join others in the range including Jake’s Kentish Cider, Jake’s Orchard Cider and Jake’s Tree Apple Juice. The craft beers are created at Balfour Winery at the Hush Heath Estate by the Balfour winemaking team, father and son…

A book focussing on two pioneering winemaking families in Sussex has been launched in time for International Women’s Day 2021. Sussex by the Glass, by wine writer Liz Sagues, is the story of wines, vines and two pioneering families of Ridgeview Wine Estate and Bolney Wine Estate. It includes interviews with the people behind both wineries and a focus on their leading female chief executives.