Ex sommelier to boost English sparkling

Former sommelier Rupert Taylor has joined Hush Heath Estate to increase the brand’s sales in the London restaurant sector.

Taylor (left), who joined the sparkling wine producer on 14 November, was previously head sommelier at The Boundary and Trinity restaurants in London.

Working alongside Hush Heath Estate’s distributor Bibendum Wines, Taylor is responsible for all sales activities, but will focus on the London on-trade.

“I’m extremely excited by the opportunity to work with the team at Hush Heath. The wines continue to go from strength to strength and the mood in the English wine trade is incredibly positive and progressive,” he said.

Hush Heath Estate is owned by Richard Balfour-Lynn, chief executive and one of the founding shareholders of the MWB Group, which owns and manages Malmaison and Hotel du Vin.

Hush Heath Estate’s first vineyard was planted in 2002 and today produces English sparkling Balfour Brut Rosé and a selection of still wines such as Nannette’s English Rosé and Skye’s English Chardonnay, as well as Jake’s Tree apple juice.

Balfour-Lynn said: “With the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee on the horizon this is a great time for English wines. I am very pleased Rupert is working with us in creating a wider distribution platform for our wines through personalised tastings and visits to our winery and vineyards at Hush Heath Estate.”