Gusbourne Estate raises £2m funding to help expand vineyards and winery

By Richard Siddle

Published: 19 December, 2013

Gusbourne Estate, the Kent-based English sparkling wine producer, has acquired a £2m loan from Barclays bank to help develop the winery and overall business.

The money has been raised through the Funding for Lending Scheme and will go towards expanding both the company's vineyards and winery in Appledore, Kent.

Gusbourne Estate produces and distributes a range of premium still and sparkling wines from grapes grown on its own vineyards. The 143 hectare estate includes 20 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes which were first planted 10 years ago. The money will go towards expanding these

Ben Walgate, chief executive of Gusbourne Plc, said: "We are delighted to be able to expand and further develop the Gusbourne Estate business which has already achieved great success with its wines. We see further market growth opportunity for the company's premium English still and sparkling wine products both domestically and internationally. The expansion of the business at Gusbourne Estate in Kent will involve further vineyard plantings as well as an enlarged winery and visitor centre to attract the growing interest in wine tourism. We are very proud to be part of the Kent community and will remain closely involved with it as the business expands."

Kevin Moule, relationship director at Barclays Kent, said: "Over the last few years, Gusbourne Estate has developed a strong reputation for producing quality wines, winning many international awards. This expansion and investment will increase production, create new jobs, attract visitors to the area and allow the wines to be more widely available."

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