A vineyard has signed a deal with an agent in the USA to distribute its wines across the pond.

Gusbourne Estate, based in Appledore on Romney Marsh, has appointed importer Broadbent Selections to distribute its vino in the States.

Founded in 1996, the company is the exclusive US national importer for some of the world’s most sought-after family wineries, including Chateau Musar, Warwick Estate, Spy Valley, Ferreira and Quinta do Crasto.

In the coming weeks, Gusbourne will dispatch its first pallets to the States, which will be sold by independent retailers in the likes of New York, Washington DC, Houston, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The vineyard has also won two platinum gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Its Blanc de Blancs 2011 won the trophy for the Best English Sparkling Wine, while its Pinot Noir 2014 picked up the prize for the Best English Red Wine.

Decanter attracts thousands of entries from around the globe and is judged by some of the most experienced critics on the planet.

It comes less than a month after the vineyard announced it had won three medals at this year’s Sommelier Wine Awards – two gold, one silver.

Chief executive Ben Walgate said: “We are thrilled with these results which reflect the passion and dedication of our remarkable team and our distinct vineyard sites.

"If there is any doubt that England is now producing world class wines, I believe this further recognition from the industry clearly demonstrates that our role on the world stage, as producers of exceptional wine, is confirmed.”

He added: “We believe now is the perfect time to be taking our wines to the American market.

“As the English Wine Producer of the Year, there is no better position from which to take our latest British export – the understated English Sparkling Wine – to the United States.

“By partnering with Broadbent Selections, we have every confidence that our American dream will soon become a reality.”

The original Gusbourne Estate in Appledore dates back to 1410.

It planted its first vines in 2004 and sold its first vintages in 2010. It was listed on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange in 2013.