Sales of Chapel Down's sparkling Kent wines are soaring in the US as it launches its latest premium bottle across the pond.

The Tenterden-based grape-grower says in the three years it has marketed its products in the US in premium restaurants, bars and hotels, sales continue to rise by 50%.

And it has high hopes for its Chapel Down Three Graces, a vintage sparkling wine which will retail in the US for more than $65 (£50).

Its success was highlighted, along with a host of other British luxury brands represented by the Walpole Group, at a series of special events in New York.

They included an event at the residence of the British Consul-General, Anthony Philipson, and a thought-leadership forum for British Luxury Hospitality at the Whitby Hotel.

During that, Chapel Down's CEO Frazer Thompson was joined by acclaimed wine writer Jancis Robinson to discuss the progress and prospects for English sparkling wine.

And it was rounded off with the US launch of the Three Graces 2014 wine the following day.

Mr Thompson said: "We’ve been truly humbled by the response to our wines in the US.

"There's been great early momentum as a growing number of friends recognise the world-class quality of the wines and love the association to all things British.

"The special relationship is alive and kicking.”

Jancis Robinson added: “Chapel Down's award-winning Three Graces has a good balance, is well made, and overall is a very good effort.

"Chapel Down are showing no doubt that the quality of the wine produced from vineyards in England is better than it has ever been.”

Three Graces won the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Wine Challenge competition held in the US, earlier this year.

Chapel Down has partnered with ABCK Corp in the US, run by Arnaud Brachet, former Global Veuve Clicquot marketing director, who in turn is working with the fine wine divisions of Southern Glazer’s Wines & Spirits ensuring the Kent brand a strong national footprint.

The results have been impressive landing high profile By The Glass listings in high end accounts such as The Pierre Hotel in New York, Top of The Hub in Boston, Wolfgang Puck in Dallas and Sunset Marquis in Los Angeles.

Chapel Down is now eyeing further potential in the US, which is now the number one export market for Champagne.

Read more: For the latest business news for Kent