Celebrating 25 Years of Ridgeview in 2020
In an era where English wine is winning global accolades and English winemaking is now considered one of the most exciting new areas of growth within the world’s wine industry, there has been one family-run wine estate that has been a constant. Twenty-five years ago, the Roberts family made their dream a reality by planting a vineyard in Sussex and, from that point, helped pioneer a hugely burgeoning English sparkling wine industry and in turn change the reputation of English wine. 2020 is set to be a tremendous year for the award-winning Ridgeview as it celebrates 25 years of English winemaking, headed up by second generation CEO Tamara Roberts and her brother, Head Winemaker, Simon Roberts.
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex in England, Ridgeview has been at the forefront of crafting traditional method English sparkling wines solely from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Their wines have been regularly served at a collection of Royal occasions, State Banquets and globally acclaimed restaurants. Ridgeview has been a powerful force in the incredible evolution of English Sparkling Wine since its inception 25 years ago, and it continues to be an industry leader as an influential business and with the quality of wine being produced. The ultimate reward for their utmost dedication was bestowed on Ridgeview when they were acclaimed ‘International Winemakers of the Year’ in the IWSC, a historical first for English Wine. 2019 continued to be a ground-breaking year for Ridgeview, crowned No. 36 in the World’s Best Vineyards (the only English winery to be listed) and CEO Tamara Roberts elected as President of the IWSC alongside being named as Sussex Businessperson of the Year.
Throughout 2020, Ridgeview will be celebrating 25 years, thanking those that have been a part of their past, as well as nurturing the next generation of industry pioneers and wine enthusiasts. In Spring the new winery will officially open at the estate, allowing production to double in order to keep up with phenomenal demand, and May will also see an exciting new label launched to the collection. Throughout the year, Ridgeview will also celebrating long term partnerships, vineyard dinners with fabulous chefs, restaurant collaborations, export visits including a stand at the World’s leading wine trade fair Prowein, and of course, Ridgeview’s annual summer festival Ridgefest will be back, bigger and better than ever in August – general tickets have just been released on their website and are selling very fast.
Tamara Roberts, CEO, says ‘We are very excited to celebrate Ridgeview’s 25th Anniversary in 2020. In a quarter of a century, through dedication, hard work and fun we have built our reputation as one of England’s leading sparkling wine producers whilst remaining true to our values both as a family and as a business. We’re looking forward to a year full of celebrations with all the people that have been a part of Ridgeview’s journey, while also looking forward to the next 25 years by helping shape the future generation of the English wine industry.’
As well as the larger activations, Ridgeview will also be focusing on sharing everyday moments that matter, tying in with its motto ‘Life is for Celebrating’ (which can be found on a message revealed inside the opening foil on every bottle). Whether with family or friends, Ridgeview firmly believes that the some of the smaller moments deserve a toast just as much as the classic celebratory milestones. Whether it’s moving into your new home, baby’s first steps, celebrating friendship or finishing a project at work, Ridgeview invite people to share the moments that matter to them as Ridgeview is for sharing and ‘Life is for Celebrating’.
Information on all the celebrations will be released in more detail throughout the year, and the Ridgeview website will be regularly updated on news as it breaks.
A small film Ridgeview has produced for social media with thoughts on ‘Celebrating 25 years of Ridgeview’ can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njg7Ct–ugs