English sparkling wine producer Ridgeview Estate Winery has welcomed new owners, three months after entering administration.
The 31-year-old company, which is based in the southern county of Sussex, was forced to appoint administrators at the start of November, citing “financial pressures, linked to rising costs and working capital constraints”. Earlier today (12 February), however, Ridgeview announced that an “investor consortium led by The Quantum Beverage Co” had bought the business.
Financial details behind the transaction were not disclosed.
Quantum Beverage co-founder Gregg Ainsworth will assume the position of CEO at Ridgeview, with the investment start-up’s CFO, Allan Beattie, taking on the same role for the wine company.
“Ridgeview is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Ainsworth. “It’s a standard bearer and pioneer in English sparkling wine, a category enjoying strong growth and set to see a robust future. We aim to build on the strong foundations laid by the Roberts family, the founders of the estate, who will continue to be involved in the business.”
According to Ridgeview, all employees will retain their positions. “It is business as usual for customers, suppliers and the wider trade, with the Ridgeview brand and estate continuing to operate under new ownership,” the company added.
Last month, English wine peer Chapel Down estimated that its full-year sales for 2025 will come in at around 19% up on the year prior.
