A natural winemaker with a skilled palate, Simon likes minimal intervention as a Winemaker and would rather let the grapes speak for themselves. Simon has trained at Plumpton Wine College and also gained experience in Australia.
In this informative English wine tasting Simon talks through Ridgeview’s sparkling wines and shares stories from the brands impressive history.
Ridgeview has led the way in the English sparkling wine revolution, crafting classic method wines since 1995. Established near the picturesque village of Ditchling in Sussex, this second-generation family business was crowned the globes best in the ‘International Wine & Spirit Competition’ in 2018 and named No. 36 in the ‘Top 50 Worlds’ Best Vineyards’ in 2019.
Focusing on the production of wines of the highest quality using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meuiner, grapes are sourced across Southern England as well as from Ridgeview’s own 25 year old vineyards on site. Ridgeview have one of the largest purpose built underground sustainable cellars in England, perfect aging and developing autolysis flavours.
The family are incredibly proud to have had their English sparkling wines served at a collection of Royal occasions including to former USA President Barak Obama at Buckingham Palace and Her Majesty’s own Diamond Jubilee. Ridgeview’s sparkling wines are now exported and enjoyed around the globe.
Despite Ridgeview's success it is still very much a family business and the family message, which is found written in the neck foil of every bottle that; ‘Life is for Celebrating’ is at the centre of what they do.