Ridgeview makes push on US market

English sparkling wine producer Ridgeview has teamed up with US-based New Horizon Wines in a bid to develop a market for its wines in the US.

Ridgeview sparkling wine

New Horizon Wines specialises in developing opportunities for wine brands, acting as a brand ambassador to help bring wines to new export markets.

With its CEO originally from London, but having lived in Virginia for almost 20 years, the company is primarily focused on developing a market for Virginian wines in the UK. However it is now looking to diversify, embarking on a project with Ridgeview to bring English sparkling wine to the US. 

The English wine industry recently hailed a record-breaking 2014 harvest, which yielded 47,433 hectolitres, or 6.3 million bottles, of English wine – up 42% on 2013. English Wine Producers (EWP) and United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) estimate that at least two-thirds of the production is sparkling wine.

“I have been monitoring the growth the English sparkling wine industry for some time and have been very impressed by the quality and elegance of the wines I have tasted, said Chris Parker, CEO of New Horizon Wines. “We are very excited to be working with Ridgeview Wine Estate, one of the finest producers of English sparkling wines, to develop the US market.

“Chris is an extremely important part of our strategy to expand our exports and develop our brand in the USA”, said Tamara Roberts, CEO of Ridgeview Wine Estate.

“His experience in bringing Virginian wines into the UK, focusing on quality, sustainable wineries, gives him a huge advantage in developing the US market for Ridgeview. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable and pioneering brand ambassador working for us in the US.”

Ridgeview, based in Sussex, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, unveiling a redesign of its entire range.