‘Business as usual’ for Ridgeview as English sparkling wine producer enters administration

Ridgeview Estate Winery, one of England’s most prestigious sparkling wine producers, has entered administration but will continue trading while a sale is completed, according to administrators FRP Advisory.

Ridgeview Estate Winery Limited has entered administration, with Phil Harris and Neville Side of FRP Advisory appointed as joint administrators on 22 September 2025, according to a statement published on the company’s website.

The award-winning Sussex estate, founded in 1995 by Mike and Chris Roberts, is widely regarded as a pioneer of English sparkling wine. It will continue trading during the administration process while a sale to a prospective buyer is completed, as per a statement shared with the drinks business.

Harris, partner at FRP Advisory, said: “Ridgeview is a highly respected name in English wine production with an excellent reputation built over many years. We’re pleased to have secured funding to continue operations and are working closely with the prospective buyer to complete the sale process.”

He added that the firm’s “priority is to maintain business as usual for customers, suppliers and the wider trade”, confirming that Ridgeview’s management team remains in place to oversee vineyard operations, production facilities and customer service.

Continuity through challenge

The administrators have confirmed that secured funding is in place to maintain operations throughout the sale process. According to FRP, “the management team remains in place and committed to delivering the same high standards that Ridgeview is known for.”

The company’s registered office was changed on 1 October 2025 from its Ditchling Common site in East Sussex to Aspect House, 84–87 Queens Road, Brighton, as recorded at Companies House. Ridgeview’s company filings list it under the growing of grapes, the manufacture of wine from grapes, retail sale of beverages in specialised stores and licensed restaurants.

The administrators, who are bound by the Insolvency Code of Ethics, are managing Ridgeview’s affairs, business and property as agents of the company without personal liability.

The sector shows resilience

Ridgeview’s situation unfolds against a backdrop of growth and strain across the English wine industry. According to WineGB’s 2025 Industry Report, English wine sales rose 3% in 2024, with still wine sales up 10% and sparkling wine maintaining previous volumes despite challenging economic conditions.

WineGB chief executive Nicola Bates said the growth represents “a notable achievement given the current economic climate, recent regulatory changes and the fact that our producers continue to face considerable economic barriers not seen in mature markets.”

The report also showed an increase in vineyard numbers, up by 74 to 1,104, and 25 new wineries, bringing the national total to 238. Plantings have now reached 4,841 hectares, reflecting a 510% increase since 2005.

The rise of English wine

As per the drinks business, the split between sparkling and still wine production last year was 69% to 31%, in line with long-term averages. Average yields were the lowest since 2016, but total production still reached the fourth-highest level on record, with 10.6 million bottles produced.

Kent remains the most planted county, with Essex rising to third place behind West Sussex, buoyed by high-profile ventures such as the partnership between Domaine Duroché and Danbury Ridge Wine Estate.

WineGB reported that full-time equivalent roles across the industry have reached 3,300, with 90% of producers expecting to expand staffing by 2028. Bates called for greater government support through initiatives such as Wine Tourism Relief and improved grants for education, R&D and marketing.

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