CEO Jonathan White on Gusbourne's journey since winning Walpole British Luxury Brand of the Year

At last year's Walpole British Luxury Awards, English sparkling winemaker Gusbourne took home the trophy for British Luxury Brand of the Year – our highest accolade of the evening. As the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2026 approaches on Monday 9th November, we catch up with Gusbourne's CEO Jonathan White to discuss the what the year since winning has been like for the brand, what the future holds, and his expert advice for fellow luxury brands hoping to win at this year's ceremony.

There's still time to send us your entry for British Luxury Brand of the Year, as well as the other five awards we're accepting nominations for this year – but hurry, entries close on Monday 3rd August. More information here

Walpole: What was it like for you personally to accept the award on the night?

Jonathan White: Accepting the award was both a daunting and a genuinely humbling experience. Looking around the room at the calibre of the brands and leaders in attendance and to have Gusbourne recognised alongside some of Britain's most iconic luxury names was immensely rewarding. More than anything, it felt exciting that we have established ourselves among such exceptional company and it left me excited about what the future holds for our brand.

What did winning the award mean for Gusbourne?

As I said in my acceptance speech, it was a watershed moment for Gusbourne. For many years, our wines have been recognised internationally for their quality, but this was the first major accolade to recognise the strength of our brand with the same conviction. That distinction is incredibly meaningful.

The award belongs to everyone who has contributed to building Gusbourne over the past two decades. From those who have shaped our brand strategy and shared our story, to our vineyard and winemaking teams, our colleagues at The Nest and those representing Gusbourne around the world, it was a wonderful moment of recognition for the collective care, expertise and commitment that sits behind every bottle.

Have you done any activations to mark your win or customer outreach? If so, what have you done and why was that important for you?

We have proudly shared the award across many of our communications channels, both internally and externally. It has featured in our marketing, trade communications and at our brand home, and has given us another opportunity to tell the story of what Gusbourne represents.

Importantly, it has also been something we have celebrated with our shareholders, many of whom have supported the business over a number of years. The award validated the long-term work that has gone into building not just world-class wines, but a world-class British luxury brand.

Where is your trophy displayed?

It has pride of place at The Nest, our brand home in Kent. It's a wonderful reminder for both our team and the many visitors we welcome each year of what can be achieved through patience, ambition and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

What have been the highlights for Gusbourne since winning the award?

The past year has been one of continued momentum for the business. We have seen strong revenue growth in the first half of 2026, while continuing to strengthen our presence in both domestic and international markets.

More broadly, we've continued to invest in every aspect of the business, from our vineyards and winemaking to the experiences we create for visitors. Winning British Luxury Brand of the Year 2025 gave us real confidence to continue building for the long term.

What has been your proudest achievement at Gusbourne in the past year?

One of the highlights has been the launch of our partnership with British Airways, with Fifty One Degrees North 2016 being served in First cabins. To see one of our flagship wines enjoyed by travellers at the very highest level of international hospitality is something the whole team is immensely proud of and reflects how far English sparkling wine has come on the global stage.

What advice would you give to brands entering the British Luxury Brand of the Year award this year?

Take the time to tell the complete story of your brand. Luxury is built over many years and the judges want to understand not only what you've achieved, but how you've achieved it and what makes your brand distinctive. Winning this award is an extraordinary honour. The application process is an opportunity to reflect on your journey, and the recognition, should you receive it, is more than worth the effort.

Can you share an exciting development or partnership for Gusbourne in the year ahead?

This year marks 20 years since our first harvest, an important milestone in Gusbourne's journey. We'll be celebrating that anniversary through a series of special moments, including exclusive tastings, cellar releases and events that honour the people, places and wines that have shaped the business over the past two decades.

One of the greatest benefits of becoming part of the Walpole community has been the opportunity to build relationships with other British luxury brands. We are proud to work closely with 15 fellow members. Those connections continue to open new conversations and collaborations, and we're excited about what those partnerships will bring as we enter the next chapter of Gusbourne's story.

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