UK Sparkling Wine Maker Sees Strong Sales as Millennials Shun Champagne for Fresher Vintages
Chapel Down, a Kent-based wine maker, has bucked the trend of declining sales to report a 19% increase in revenue last year. The company's chief executive, James Pennefather, attributes this growth to what he calls a "generational shift" towards sparkling wine among millennials.
These young consumers are increasingly opting for lighter, fresher, and crisper wines as they shun champagne for more authentic and artisanal products. English sparkling wines, in particular, have become a hit with these millennials who value heritage, craft, and authenticity – all qualities that Chapel Down's vineyard tours and fine dining experiences offer.
While the hospitality industry has been struggling to stay afloat due to cost-of-living pressures, demand for higher-end and premium wines, including rosé and sparkling options like Brut, is holding steady. According to Pennefather, this trend is being driven by wealthier consumers who are willing to pay more for quality and exclusivity.
With its prices ranging from £15 for still Bacchus to over £100 for top-of-the-line Coeur de Cuvée sparkling wines, Chapel Down has carved out a niche in the market. The company's growth has been particularly notable in the retail sector, where sales rose by 38% last year.
In an effort to meet increasing demand, Chapel Down plans to expand its distribution channels and offer more drinks-by-the-glass options. However, there are no immediate plans to grow the vineyard, as the company is content with its current 1,000 acres of land – a 30% increase since 2022.
The UK wine industry has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, with Britain becoming the fastest-growing wine region in the world. The demand for English wines is expected to continue growing, driven by innovations in viticulture and an increasing trend towards sustainable winemaking practices.
As Chapel Down looks to capitalize on this trend, it will be worth keeping a close eye on its sales figures and vineyard expansion plans – particularly with major champagne houses like Pommery and Taittinger already planting vines in England.
Chapel Down, a Kent-based wine maker, has bucked the trend of declining sales to report a 19% increase in revenue last year. The company's chief executive, James Pennefather, attributes this growth to what he calls a "generational shift" towards sparkling wine among millennials.
These young consumers are increasingly opting for lighter, fresher, and crisper wines as they shun champagne for more authentic and artisanal products. English sparkling wines, in particular, have become a hit with these millennials who value heritage, craft, and authenticity – all qualities that Chapel Down's vineyard tours and fine dining experiences offer.
While the hospitality industry has been struggling to stay afloat due to cost-of-living pressures, demand for higher-end and premium wines, including rosé and sparkling options like Brut, is holding steady. According to Pennefather, this trend is being driven by wealthier consumers who are willing to pay more for quality and exclusivity.
With its prices ranging from £15 for still Bacchus to over £100 for top-of-the-line Coeur de Cuvée sparkling wines, Chapel Down has carved out a niche in the market. The company's growth has been particularly notable in the retail sector, where sales rose by 38% last year.
In an effort to meet increasing demand, Chapel Down plans to expand its distribution channels and offer more drinks-by-the-glass options. However, there are no immediate plans to grow the vineyard, as the company is content with its current 1,000 acres of land – a 30% increase since 2022.
The UK wine industry has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, with Britain becoming the fastest-growing wine region in the world. The demand for English wines is expected to continue growing, driven by innovations in viticulture and an increasing trend towards sustainable winemaking practices.
As Chapel Down looks to capitalize on this trend, it will be worth keeping a close eye on its sales figures and vineyard expansion plans – particularly with major champagne houses like Pommery and Taittinger already planting vines in England.
... but now it's all about those fancy sparkling wines from England! I think it's fab that millennials are looking for something more authentic, you know? All that heritage and crafty stuff is really speaking to them 
. And Chapel Down is totally killing the game with its vineyard tours and fancy prices 
... £100 for a bottle of bubbly? It's no wonder they're seeing those 19% sales increases! 
. It'll be fun to see how Chapel Down and other UK wine makers compete with the big guys 
... or will they just raise their prices even more? 
Only time will tell! 
Just thought it's kinda cool that millennials are starting to appreciate English sparkling wine more than champagne... I mean, who doesn't love a good glass of bubbles? 
And Chapel Down's vineyard tours and fine dining experiences seem like a big part of the appeal - all about that heritage and craft vibe. 
. But Chapel Down seems like it's got a good thing going, offering that authentic and artisanal vibe...
. The fact that Chapel Down is experiencing a 19% increase in revenue last year is no surprise - their vineyard tours and fine dining experiences are giving customers the full authentic experience. I'm also loving how this trend is driving growth for smaller, independent wine makers like Chapel Down. Let's keep supporting these artisanal producers and see where this momentum takes us! 
UK's Champagne-sipping Millennials are turning to English sparkling wine 
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. Chapel Down is definitely on top of the game with its vineyard tours and fine dining experiences. But, I gotta ask, what's next? Are they gonna start adding a 'wine-and-cheese' option to their online store? 
! Millennials are ditching champagne for something more authentic and artisanal, and Chapel Down is REaping the benefits 
. I mean, it's not like they're just catering to the hipsters or anything... they've got a solid product that's resonating with consumers 
. I'm not surprised to see Chapel Down expanding its distribution channels and offering more drinks-by-the-glass options... they're already killing it in retail 
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, with Britain becoming the fastest-growing wine region in the world! The demand for English wines is expected to continue growing, driven by innovations in viticulture and sustainable winemaking practices 
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. Like, what's wrong with a good ol' English sparkling wine? We're not exactly sipping on grape juice here, you know? The fact that millennials are going for more authentic and artisanal products is a big deal - I mean, who doesn't love trying new things?