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Gusbourne, England's Finest Sparkling Wine

  • 14 minutes ago
  • 5 min read


If English traditional method sparkling once felt like a curiosity, Gusbourne is a big part of why that conversation has shifted so powerfully in recent in years.


In 2004, Andrew Weeber set out to reimagine a historic Kent farm (first recorded in 1410) as a serious, estate-driven winery. From day one, Gusbourne committed to 100% estate fruit and vintage-only releases – a bold call in a marginal climate where consistency isn’t a given, and a philosophy that leans closer to Grower Champagne than large-house blending.


Today, Gusbourne manages 93 hectares under vine across Kent and Sussex, all planted to chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier, clones of which are more or less equally split between Burgundian and traditional sparkling.


The interplay between sites does much of the heavy lifting: Kent’s clay-rich soils build breadth and texture, while West Sussex’s greensand and chalk tighten the frame, bringing line and salinity. The vineyard approach is increasingly regenerative, with cover crops, biodiversity corridors and careful soil management siting alongside a broader commitment to renewable energy and reduced inputs.


Winemaking is measured, detail-focused, and largely hands-off where it counts, with a focus on building complexity through extended lees ageing. Driving this is a young, highly focused team, led by Head Winemaker Mary Bridges and Head of Estates AJ Benham, complemented by the expertise of ambassador and communications leader Laura Rhys MS.


(L-R): Mary Bridges, Alastair Benham, and Laura Rhys MS
(L-R): Mary Bridges, Alastair Benham, and Laura Rhys MS

Now considered the benchmark for English fine wine, Gusbourne was the country's first producer to be awarded the Chairman's Trophy at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (2025), is a 3x winner of the IWSC English Wine Producer of the Year and was ranked #28 in the World's Best 50 Vineyards in 2025. Additionally, their flagship cuvée 51 Degrees North 2016 positioned at #2 in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2025.

We're incredibly excited to partner with Gusbourne. The inaugural Australian shipment will arrive mid-2026, and we're now inviting initial orders of the below wines. Please reach out to your Saint Wine rep for more.



Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2021

Kent & Sussex, England

Gold Medal Winner, Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2025

16.5/20 Points, Jancis Robinson


A traditional method blend of 62% chardonnay, 28% pinot noir and 10% meunier, sourced from clay and sandy soils in Kent, and chalk soils in West Sussex.Whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel and old French oak. Bottled in June 2020 and aged on lees for 24+ months prior to disgorgement. 9g/l residual sugar.

Bright citrus and orchard fruit notes on the nose, with lemon, orange peel and green apple. The palate is dominated by orchard fruits with ripe apple and pear, hints of white peach and apricot highlighting subtle notes of toasted brioche and delicate sweet spice. The wine is elegant and round, with a lively freshness and lingering mineral note on the finish.



Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2019

Kent & Sussex, England

94 Points, Wine Spectator

94 Points, Vinous


Available in magnum only. A traditional method blend of 62% chardonnay, 28% pinot noir and 10% meunier, sourced from clay and sandy soils in Kent, and chalk soils in West Sussex.Whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel and old French oak. Bottled in June 2020 and aged on lees for 24+ months prior to disgorgement. 9g/l residual sugar.

Bright citrus and orchard fruit notes on the nose, with lemon, orange peel and green apple. The palate is dominated by orchard fruits with ripe apple and pear, hints of white peach and apricot highlighting subtle notes of toasted brioche and delicate sweet spice. The wine is elegant and round, with a lively freshness and lingering mineral note on the finish.




Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2019

Kent & Sussex, England

96 Points, Wine Enthusiast

95 Points, Decanter

100% chardonnay sourced from clay and sandy soils in Kent, and chalk soils in West Sussex.


Whole bunch pressed and naturally settled; fermentation in stainless steel with a small percentage in old oak barrels. Bottled in June 2020; matured on lees for 39+ months. 7.5g/l. 


Bright citrus notes of ripe lemon and orange peel, along with green apple and Williams pear. On the palate, the wine is focused and elegant, driven bymore citrus and orchard fruits, with stone fruits notes of white peach. The fruit sits alongside a richer, pâtisserie character of toasted nuts, brioche andlemon meringue pie. The mouthfeel is linear and fresh, leading to a zesty mineral note on the long finish.



Gusbourne Blanc de Noir 2020

Kent & Sussex, England

97 Points, Wine Enthusiast


A blend of 65% pinot noir, 25% meunier and 10% chardonnay, sourced from Gusbourne's vineyards in Kent (64%) and Sussex (36%). 


Whole bunch pressed and cold settled prior to fermentation in mostly stainless steel, with 10% in old oak. Bottled in June 2021 prior to lees ageing for 35 months. 8.5g/l residual sugar.


Bold blue and red berry fruit, with soft spice and red floral notes. The palate is brimming with ripe raspberry, red apple and blueberry, alongside ginger and sweet spices. The wine feels plush and round, with concentrated fruit, softer toasted, nutty notes and a smoky mineral streak leading to a long, complex finish.





Gusbourne Rosé 2019

Kent & Sussex, England

96 Points, Wine Enthusiast


54% chardonnay, 36% pinot noir, 10% meunier.


Whole bunch pressed and naturally settled for 12–24 hours. Primary fermentation and 100% MLF in stainless steel with a small amount of barrel-aged red wine blended prior to secondary fermentation. Aged on lees for 36+ months. 9g/l residual sugar.


Pale pink in colour, with a light, delicate mousse. The nose showcases lots of red fruit and stone fruit notes, citrus zest and fresh flowers. The palate is dominated by red fruits, with strawberries and crushed raspberries, redcurrants and rhubarb, alongside red apple, nectarine and orange notes. The wine feels elegant and juicy on the palate, with bright fruits, hints of pink peppercorn and a delicate mineral note, leading to a long, zesty finish. 




Gusbourne 51 Degrees North 2016

Kent & Sussex, England

#2, Wine Enthusiast Best 100 Wines of 2025

98 Points, Wine Enthusiast

18/20 Points, Jancis Robinson


67% chardonnay and 33% pinot noir sourced from clay and sandy soils in Kent, and chalk soils in West Sussex.


Hand-picked and pressed to stainless steel (80%) and old French oak for fermentation. Full MLF. Secondary fermentation occurred in bottle, with 80 months on lees prior to disgorgement. 10g/l RS. 


Ripe citrus and stone fruit aromas on the nose, with candied lemon, orange peel and white peach, toasted macadamia nuts and fresh pastry. The palate is rich and opulent, with honeyed citrus, green apple, ripe pear and soft stone fruits alongside more tertiary notes of brioche and caramel, and a streak of mineral, saline acidity.





Gusbourne Guinevere Chardonnay 2023

Kent, England


100% hand picked chardonnay; clones 95 and 548, sourced from the clay and sandy loam soils in Appledore, Kent.


100% whole bunch pressed to French oak (16% new), fermented at cellar temperature. Nine months maturation and bottled in February 2025.


Pale gold in colour, with a nose dominated by bright citrus and orchard fruit character. On the palate, the wine is elegant and vibrant, showing notes of honey, lemon, green apple and ripe pear, alongside a stony, saline minerality. Fermentation and ageing in barrel bring a lovely toasted, sweet spice note and some added weight in the palate, leading to a beautiful freshness on the finish.

 
 
 

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