One of the county’s leading sparkling wine producers has struck a distribution deal designed to boost sales nationwide.

Gusbourne, based in Appledore, has partnered with Enotria & Coe, a major wine and spirits distributor.

The Kent vineyard says it expects the deal to see its wine reach more on-trade premises - such as restaurants, wine bars and pubs.

Since 2019, Gusbourne has handled all UK on-trade sales itself - forming partnerships with leading hotels, restaurants and bars.

But it has now struck a hybrid distribution agreement which will see it continue its direct sales approach while leveraging Enotria & Coe’s distribution network and industry expertise.

Jonathan White, CEO of Gusbourne, said: “Our high-performing direct Gusbourne sales team are looking forward to working closely with Enotria & Coe’s team of fine wine specialists to broaden our distribution into parts of the UK that we’re currently not able to reach.

“It is tremendously exciting to be pioneering the first hybrid distribution partnership of this scale in the UK and we are thrilled that this initiative will enable more sparkling wine consumers to be able to enjoy our wines in leading hotels, bars and restaurants throughout the UK.”

Enotria & Coe CEO Julian Momen added: “We are excited to be able to provide on-trade customers the opportunity to access Gusbourne, especially those who have been unable to purchase it before, due either to geographical limitations or an inability to meet a minimum order quantity.”