Chapel Down Records Milestone in English Sparkling Wine Sales

Chapel Down has achieved a significant milestone by selling over one million bottles of its English sparkling wine for the first time. This accomplishment positions the winery, the largest in the UK, on a pathway to realise its ambitious goal of capturing one per cent of the global champagne market by 2035. The one million sales account for approximately 0.4 per cent of champagne’s total market share, with aspirations to increase this to 0.7 per cent by the end of the decade.

James Pennefather, the Chief Executive of Chapel Down, noted that the company has various strategies to accelerate this growth, although it is contingent on changes in the wider champagne market. Traditionally, champagne has been associated with formal celebrations; however, Chapel Down is broadening the occasions for consuming high-quality sparkling wines. This strategy has contributed to the overall expansion of the category.

The company, backed by billionaire Lord Spencer of Alresford, cultivates more than 1,000 acres of vineyards in south-east England, producing both still and sparkling wines. Chapel Down has formed partnerships with notable events, including Ascot, The Boat Race, and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

In a testament to the increasing demand for English sparkling wine, Chapel Down’s revenues surged by 19 per cent, reaching £19.4 million for the year ending December 31, 2025. Sales through supermarkets soared by 38 per cent, amounting to £9.4 million, driven by a five per cent increase in listings. Meanwhile, sales through pubs, bars, and restaurants rose by five per cent to £2.6 million, benefiting from new account acquisitions.

International sales notably climbed by 49 per cent to £1 million, attributed to strategic partnerships, including one with Jackson Family Wines in the United States, along with enhanced visibility in British airports and at St Pancras International station. This growth trajectory has enabled the company to return to profitability, with pre-tax profits rising to £469,000, up from a £1.4 million loss the previous year.

As a result of this strong financial performance, the board indicated that the company is on track to meet net sales projections of £22.1 million for the current year. Despite having limited sales in the Middle East, there has been no immediate impact from the ongoing conflict in Iran; however, Pennefather acknowledged that sustained increases in fuel costs could affect profitability.