Government picks Ridgeview for GREAT Britain reception

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 09 February, 2016

Wines from the family-owned Sussex winery Ridgeview were the featured serve at an official reception last week as part of the government's GREAT Britain campaign to celebrate what the UK has to offer the world.

The event, held at Lancaster House in London, was supported by the prime minister, David Cameron, as well as a range of senior figures from government, the arts and industry, promoted both the quality of the UK's exports and its attractions as a place to study, vacation or invest.

Canapés were provided by chef Angela Hartnett to pair with Ridgeview's award-winning 2013 Cavendish and 2011 Fitzrovia Rosé sparkling wines.

Tamara Roberts, chief executive of Ridgeview, attended the event, along with Ridgeview's winemaker, Simon Roberts, and co-founder Chris Roberts.

Tamara said: "For many years Ridgeview has looked at export as the future for the English sparkling wine industry. We have aimed to be at the forefront and export now amounts to approximately 15% of our production.

"We seek to develop and maintain long-term, mutually respectful relationships with restaurants, the chefs themselves and retailers.

"To see our wines served at such a prestigious event such as this GREAT Reception at Lancaster House, as well as recent events such as the State Banquet dinner for the Chinese president, is a testament to our wonderful team at Ridgeview, and the support we have had from the wine trade and consumers over the last two decades."

Ridgeview Cavendish

Ridgeview Wine Estate was founded in 1995 by Mike and Chris Roberts.

Mike Roberts, who was awarded an MBE for his contribution to the wine industry in 2011, passed away in November 2014.

The winery was awarded the UK Wine Guild's Highest Achievement Award in November 2015.

It plans to double its output by 2020, and has planted over 80 ha of new vines to expand production.

Ridgeview's wines are available to both the on- and the off-trade in the UK, and are now exported to some 14 countries worldwide, including the US, Japan and Australia.

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