Chapel Down to launch tasting experience in 5-star west London hotel

Execs at English winery Chapel Down are putting the brand on well-heeled tourists’ radars by launching a series of pop-up tastings at Le Méridien’s five-star hotel in Piccadilly.

The tastings, which will run from 24th July, will take place on Le Méridien’s “hidden” balcony, and will feature both still and sparkling expressions from the Kentish producer, including a Pinot Noir rosé, Bacchus, and Kits Coty Chardonnay — its first single-vineyard wine range.

An expert from Chapel Down will be on-hand to explain the production process and the intricacies of winemaking in the UK.

The event is Chapel Down’s only scheduled summer pop-up this year.

The news comes after Chapel Down announced that its first foray into international trade has been successful. Earlier this year, Chapel Down revealed that the decision to enter the US market last year had paid off, having reached its target of selling 10,000 bottles of sparkling wine within its first full year in the country.

According to the producer, it now represents over half of the growth in English sparkling wine in the UK off-trade.

Sales across its entire portfolio, which includes beer brand curious Brew, a vodka, a gin and its wine range, rose by 15% in 2017 to £11.8 million.

Wine sales alone were up 20% to £8.12 million, compared to £6.8m in 2016. Its beer and cider sales, sold by its Curious Drinks brand, also experienced growth, and were up by 7% to reach £3.68m, up from £3.44m the previous year.