Hush Heath switches distribution to Liberty

English sparkling wine producer Hush Heath Estate has switched its distribution from Bibendum PLB to Liberty Wines, as part of a strategy to strengthen its presence in premium, on-trade and independent off-trade channels.

Hush Heath vineyard

UK-based Liberty Wines will take over the distribution of the estate’s still wines, newly released Balfour Leslie’s Reserve NV and Balfour Brut Rosé from 1 November 2015, and the Balfour 1503 sparkling wines from 6 January 2016.

“We would like to thank Bibendum Wine for their dedication and support in establishing Hush Heath Estate within the UK market since 2007″, said Hush Heath Estate founder Richard Balfour-Lynn of the changes made to its distribution. “As consumer demand for boutique English wines continues to grow, we believe that Liberty Wines’ reputation, expertise and customer base within the premium, on-trade and independent off-trade will enable us to strengthen our position across these channels.”

Hush Heath produces still and traditional method sparkling wines from 100% estate grown fruit, sourced from 15 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines surrounding its estate in Staplehurst, Kent.

On the growing popularity of English sparkling wine David Gleave MW, managing director of Liberty Wines, said southern England’s reputation as a reliable source of “exciting, top quality sparkling and still wines” was growing, with producers achieving higher quality wines each year.

“With this is mind, we are delighted that the addition of Kent-based Hush Heath Estate strengthens our English offering to customers and complements our existing portfolio, both in terms of price point and geographical location”, he said. “We have enjoyed tremendous success with Hattingley Valley (Hampshire), Bride Valley (Dorset), Nyetimber and Stopham Estate (West Sussex) over recent years and believe that there is plenty of scope for further growth within the premium wine sector.”