Bloomsbury NV
£34
Bright and fresh with citrus, melon and honey: a timeless Classic Method aperitif.
1995
Hassocks
Blanc de BlancsBlanc de NoirsNon-VintageSparkling RoséSparkling WhiteStill WineTraditional MethodVintage
Ridgeview was established in 1995 when Mike and Christine Roberts planted their first vines near Ditchling in Sussex. At a time when few believed England could produce sparkling wine of international quality, their ambition was to create wines capable of standing alongside the world’s finest. The estate’s first wine was released in 2000 and was immediately named English Wine of the Year. Ridgeview subsequently became one of the defining names in the development of English sparkling wine, earning international recognition and helping establish the reputation the category enjoys today. Among its landmark achievements, Ridgeview’s Blanc de Blancs 2006 was named Best Global Sparkling Wine by Decanter in 2010. Its wines have also been served at state occasions, royal celebrations and official events in the UK and internationally. Today, Ridgeview continues to combine traditional-method winemaking with contemporary expertise, sustainability and a distinctly English sense of place.
Ridgeview’s home estate lies near Ditchling at the foot of the South Downs in Sussex. Its heritage vineyard is planted with the three classic sparkling-wine varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The estate’s clay-rich soils, sheltered position and cool southern English climate allow the grapes to retain the natural acidity required for elegant traditional-method sparkling wine. Fruit from the home vineyard is complemented by grapes sourced from carefully selected partner vineyards across southern England. Grapes are hand-picked and gently pressed before individual parcels are fermented, assessed and blended. This varied collection of vineyard components gives the winemaking team the range and complexity needed to maintain Ridgeview’s distinctive house style.
WINEMAKER
Simon Roberts grew up alongside the Ridgeview vineyard and became Head Winemaker in 2014, continuing the pioneering work begun by his parents, Mike and Christine Roberts. Working with Ridgeview’s winemaking team, Simon oversees every stage of production, from the selection of vineyard parcels and harvest decisions through to pressing, fermentation, blending and extended ageing. His approach combines traditional-method winemaking with an understanding of the individual character contributed by vineyards across southern England. In 2018, he received the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s International Winemaker of the Year award—the first time the title had been awarded to an English winemaker.
The Collection
£34
Bright and fresh with citrus, melon and honey: a timeless Classic Method aperitif.
£36
Expressive red berry and almond aromas with a fresh, fruit-forward palate and elegant structure.
£40
Wild raspberry and honeyed redcurrant lead to sherbet freshness and a creamy, lingering finish.
General enquiries are currently handled Monday to Friday, 8am–4.30pm. Visitor and restaurant hours vary, so check before setting off.
Tours and restaurant visits are booked separately, and availability can change, so it is worth planning ahead.