The multi-awarded Classic Reserve sparkling white wine from Hampshire-based Hattingley Valley has been chosen by American retail giant, Whole Foods Market, to become one of only nine sparkling wines in its Holiday Wine Programme.
Available in all participating stores across the country between 31 October 2018 and 1 January 2019, the Classic Reserve is the first English wine to be on sale across the entire USA.
“We were truly impressed by the quality of Hattingley’s wines and we can see the UK emerging as a premium wine region of the world,” said Devon Broglie, Master Sommelier (MS) and global beverage buyer for Whole Foods Market. “We look forward to seeing this wine getting out onto our customer’s tables this holiday season and beyond.”
Since January 2017, Hattingley Valley has seen continued success in America thanks to its partnership with US importer and distributor Valkyrie Selections and the Classic Reserve is already available at a number of venues across the country including the Hearth and the Hound in LA, the Slanted Door in San Francisco, Waypoint and Deuxave in Boston, the Clocktower and Grand Central Oyster Bar in New York and Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.
The estate has even created a new label specifically designed for the US market by featuring a more contemporary look to appeal to a younger, more affluent audience.
“We’re very proud that we have been so well received in the US market, especially with the country now accounting for 13% of our overall sales,” said Gareth Maxwell, commercial director at Hattingley Valley. “The team has worked hard to raise brand awareness and fly the flag for the English wine category in the States and we see this new relationship with Whole Foods Market as a milestone achievement.”
Hattingley is forging ahead in other markets too, with a new national listing in Australia’s fine wine specialist Vintage Cellars (which has 70 stores nationwide) and the Classic Reserve will also be appearing in 100 Jacques Wine stores in Germany as part of the ‘rarities tasting’ in November and December. Hattingley is also anticipating strong peak sales in the UK through distributor Enotria & Coe as well as home delivery partners, Ocado and Waitrose Cellar.
“Hattingley Valley’s success is a perfect example of how desirable high-quality British products are in overseas markets, and we would encourage likeminded UK companies to follow in its footsteps,” said minister of state for the Department of International Trade, Baroness Fairhead. “The US has always been one of the UK’s greatest trading partners and is now one of the largest importers of British wines in the world. We will continue to strengthen trading relationships with the US and ensure businesses like Hattingley Valley are reaping the rewards from exporting overseas.”
