Leading winemaker Chapel Down has reported a strong growth in sales for its sparkling wine – as English grapes continue to steal market share from ‘king of the fizz’ Champagne.

The Tenterden-based vineyard says its traditional sparkling wine sales grew by 25% in 2023 to £12 million – up from £9.6m in 2022.

It was helped in part by a 12% price increase.

The company secured planning permission last year to create a new £32m winery in Canterbury – a move it sees as essential to increasing its capacities and fuelling its future success.

It has also previously stated its intention to plant more vines on land between Wye and Chilham this year.

According to research firm Nielsen, English sparkling wine sales grew by 16% in the UK off-trade last year – in stark contrast to Champagne sales dipping by 9%.

And Chapel Down’s share of that market was maintained at 35.4% according to Nielsen.

However, it did see a decline in its still wine sales – dropping by 7%. It saw a similar decline in its spirits sales – a sector it is seeking to withdraw from in early 2024.

Chapel Down CEO Andrew Carter – who oversaw the firm’s listing on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) in December – said: “It is great to see the strategic and operational progress we have delivered and the continuing sales momentum we have.

“In line with our 2023 targets, the business achieved double-digit net sales revenue growth, driven by the exceptional performance of our traditional method sparkling wine and with growth across all our UK and international trade channels and our direct-to-consumer business.

“Chapel Down continues to grow profitably – a core strength which, along with our strong balance sheet, makes us resilient and underpins our ambitious plans.

“Our continued outstanding performance, and the fantastic, record-breaking 2023 harvest, means our passionate and highly skilled team carries significant momentum into the new financial year.”