As Wine Enthusiast unveils its list of The Best Wines of 2025 (spoiler alert, we're very, very near the top!), we take a moment to reflect on a glittering awards season for Gusbourne.
Understated luxury is in our DNA, so shouting loudly about our awards doesn’t come naturally. However, this autumn has brought a succession of accolades too exceptional to keep to ourselves.
Gusbourne has been recognised across some of the most respected stages in wine and luxury – milestones that reflect the dedication, craft and spirit of our entire team.
Jonathan White, Gusbourne’s CEO, reflects on the significance of this moment: “We weren’t the first to plant vineyards in England and we’re by no means the largest producer, but our ambition has always been to craft wines that stand confidently among the world’s best. This season’s recognition shows just how far English sparkling wine has come – and how Gusbourne continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry.”
We’re incredibly proud to share the following highlights.
Success at the 2025 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships
The Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships is the world’s most respected competition dedicated solely to sparkling wine. This year, Gusbourne made history by becoming the first English producer ever to win the Chairman’s Trophy – a leading honour awarded for consistent excellence across an entire portfolio. It is one of the greatest accolades that English sparkling wine has achieved to date.
In addition, Gusbourne earned six of the eleven gold medals awarded to English wines, and three Best in Class titles:
- Best English Blanc de Blancs Vintage – Agrafe 2020
- Best English Brut Blend Vintage – Brut Reserve 2021
- Best English Blanc de Noirs Vintage – Blanc de Noirs 2020
Mary Bridges, Gusbourne’s Head Winemaker, comments: “To have our wines recognised at this level, across the breadth of our portfolio, is an incredible moment for our team. The Chairman’s Trophy reflects years of hard work in the vineyards and winery – it’s a real milestone for English sparkling wine.”
Listed in The World’s Best 50 Vineyards in 2025
Announced this week, we are proud to have secured our second listing in the World’s Best Vineyards Top 50, 28th in 2025. This prestigious international ranking celebrates not only the wines themselves but the hospitality, landscape and experience behind them. To appear again alongside the world’s most celebrated estates is a testament to the care and welcome poured into every visit to our home in Appledore as well as the world-class quality of our wines.
Forbes names Gusbourne one of the World’s Best Wineries in 2025
Gusbourne was ranked #29 in the Forbes Top 50 Wineries – the highest-placed English producer on the list. This internationally recognised ranking positions Gusbourne among the world’s elite, shining a spotlight on English wine on a truly global stage.
Walpole celebrates Gusbourne as 2025 British Luxury Brand of the Year
On Monday 10 November at The Dorchester, the British luxury community gathered for the Walpole Luxury Awards – the most prestigious honours in the UK luxury calendar. Gusbourne was named British Luxury Brand of the Year 2025, joining a lineage of some of the country’s most iconic names.
Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, emphasised the importance of the award in her remarks: “Luxury isn’t an indulgence – it’s an economic and cultural force, rooted in craft, creativity and excellence.”
Jonathan added: “To be recognised by fellow leaders in British luxury is truly special. It highlights the detail, quality and craft that define Gusbourne.”
Fifty One Degrees North 2016 Ranks #2 in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines of 2025
The season culminated with a remarkable achievement when Wine Enthusiast announced its Enthusiast 100 for 2025, featuring Gusbourne Fifty One Degrees North 2016 at #2. This is one of the most influential global rankings in wine and marks the highest position ever reached by an English wine.
Taken together, these moments tell a really special story about our wines and our position on the global stage. We're incredibly proud to have been so recognised this year. We hope you’ll join us in raising a glass to an exceptional 2025 season – and to everything still to come.
