Wealden MP Nus Ghani has expressed her support for the booming Wealden sparkling wine industry after visiting Bluebell Vineyard as it enters its 2018 harvest.
Bluebell Vineyard is home to the award-winning range of Hindleap sparkling wine, who have been producing popular wines that match the very best in the world since 2005, winning 16 awards. This year they have planted a further 9 hectares of vineyard, taking their total plantings to 34 hectares (84 acres).
This year’s crop will be bottled at the end of September. Their output continues to grow, and this year includes their first multi-vintage Classic Cuvee blend, as well as their first vintage of still wines.
In total, 5 million bottles of English sparkling wine are produced across the country each year, predominately in the south east. Wealden is home to many successful vineyards, including Bluebell, Fox & Fox and Downsview vineyards.
Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, said: “The sparkling wine industry in East Sussex has been a truly sparkling success and have put Wealden on the map.
“Bluebell Vineyard is a fine example of Wealden wine and it’s wonderful to see them continue to grow and prosper. The team at Bluebell work incredibly hard all year round and it’s fantastic to see their dedication and commitment repeatedly rewarded.
“If you haven’t tried any of their Hindleap sparkling wines yet I would urge you to pick up a bottle – it will match the very best from across the world!
“Since I was first elected I have supported this thriving industry both in Wealden and Westminster, and I was delighted to help secure a freeze on sparkling wine duty in last year’s budget. I will continue to make sure this booming Wealden industry’s voice is heard in Westminster.”