In a stunning victory that confirms England's place among the world's elite wine-producing nations, Kent-based Gusbourne Estate has been crowned Supreme Champion at the prestigious International Wine Challenge's 2024 Sparkling Wine Awards.
The English wine producer triumphed over fierce competition from renowned Champagne houses and global sparkling wine producers to claim the competition's highest honour. This marks a significant milestone for the English wine industry, demonstrating its ability to compete and excel on the international stage.
A Celebration of Excellence
Gusbourne's winning entry was their Blanc de Blancs 2018, which impressed judges with its exceptional quality and character. The competition, recognised as the world's largest and most influential sparkling wine awards, saw entries from traditional Champagne regions in France, Prosecco producers in Italy, and sparkling wine makers from across the globe.
This victory represents more than just a single award - it signals a coming of age for English sparkling wine, which has been gaining international recognition for its quality in recent years.
The Rise of English Wine
The achievement highlights the remarkable progress of England's wine industry, particularly in the sparkling wine category. English vineyards have been increasingly celebrated for producing wines that rival those from more established regions, with the chalky soils of Kent and Sussex proving particularly well-suited to traditional Champagne grape varieties.
- Gusbourne defeated competitors from France, Italy, Spain and beyond
- The win confirms England's status as a world-class wine region
- Kent's terroir proves ideal for premium sparkling wine production
This landmark achievement is expected to further boost the reputation and commercial prospects of English sparkling wine both domestically and internationally, opening new markets and attracting further investment to the sector.
