English sparkling winery Bolney Wine reports best ever figures

English sparkling wine producer Bolney Wine Estate has reported a 16% increase in turnover – it’s best ever figure, it has revealed.

The Sussex-based winery, which was bought by sparkling giant Freixenet Copestick in January 2022, the first English fizz producer to join the prestigious wine group, attributed its success to a 43% increase in hospitality, and an 8% increase from wine and spirit sales to the domestic market and international trade.

General manager James Davis MW noted that 2022 has been “a fantastic year of growth” at Bolney with great progress in its own  café and restaurant.

“The Bolney wines are being poured in some of the country’s best bars and restaurants, and we have strong sales in international markets such as Japan and Norway, too,” he said.

The company is currently going through expansion to increase its retail space and increase its visitor capacity by 120%, along with improvements to its hospitality areas, adding additional tour rooms.

“We will continue supporting this growth and success with the innovative new products being developed at Bolney, as well as expanding and improving our hospitality offer.”

Chairperson Sam Linter added that the results couldn’t have been achieved without the “brilliant team”.

“The momentum we have built is set to continue in 2023, I look forward to supporting this in my new role as chairperson of Bolney Wine Estate, representing and showcasing our pioneering spirit and drive towards excellence,” she said.

Prior to joining the Freixenet group, Bolney Wine Estate produced between 250,000 and 300,000 bottles of traditional-method English sparkling and still wines per year.

As reported by the drinks business in September, 2022 is set to be a good year for still wine in England, according to Cara Lee Dely, head of Bolney’s production and operations.