Ridgeview founder Mike Roberts dies

Mike Roberts MBE, founder of English sparkling wine estate Ridgeview in Sussex and chairman of English Wine Producers, has died.

Mike Roberts MBE with Jancis Robinson MW

The news was announced in a statement on the Ridgeview website on Friday, which read: “It is with great sadness that we need to inform you that Mike Roberts has passed away.

“As some of you are aware he had been ill for a period of time but this still comes as an almighty shock to all of us.

“Mike was a huge and proud part of the English and Welsh wine community, serving as the chairman of the English Wine Producers for many years.

“We will organise an occasion to celebrate his life – what we’d ask you to do today is to raise a glass to Mike and say ‘cheers’ to what has been a wonderful, fun and hugely fulfilling life. We’ll miss him massively.”

Tributes have started to come in for Roberts, who died in the early hours of Friday 14 November.

“In Mike I had the privilege of working with an industry giant, an inspiring example of leadership and direction, a mentor, a wise advisor and friend,” said Julia Trustram Eve, marketing director of English Wine Producers.

“Few will realise just how much time he gave to the role of chairman. His vision and leadership made EWP what it is today and reinforced the strong commercial voice within the industry,” she added.

“Mike was an inspiration for us in defining what’s possible. It is a great loss for us all, but his work has inspired many and he will not be forgotten,” said John Rowe of Westwell Vineyard.

People also took to Twitter to send their condolences. “A very sad day for Upperton Vineyards, after the passing away of Mike Roberts of Ridgeview, who has guided us since the very beginning. Already missed.”

Bob Lindo Camel Valley in Cornwall wrote: “So very sorry to hear the news. A great leader, innovator and family man Mike Roberts has passed away. Very sad.”

Ridgeview was founded in 1994 by Mike and Chris Roberts and produced its first commercial vintage in 1996.

Working with traditional Champagne varieties, the estate produces a brut nv, blanc de blancs, blancs de noirs, and a rosé, along with blends made exclusively for Laithwaites and Marks and Spencer.