Welcome to Walpole

Introducing Gusbourne, our latest Walpole member

Learn a little more about our new Walpole member, Gusbourne, in our interview with the English vineyard's Chief Winemaker, Charlie Holland
29th Jun 2023
Welcome to Walpole Introducing Gusbourne, our latest Walpole member

In 2004, when the first vines were planted at Gusbourne Estate, the team had a clear vision and a single goal: to create English sparkling wines that would stand up alongside the very finest offerings from across the globe. Gusbourne has had its eyes set on perfection ever since.

Focusing on just the classic grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Gusbourne ensures the quality of grapes used in its winemaking by growing them on self-owned vineyards in Appledore, Kent – next door to fellow Walpole member Goodwood in West Sussex. 

Learn a little more about Gusbourne, in our interview with the Kent vineyard's Chief Winemaker, Charlie Holland.

 
 
 
 
Charlie Holland, Chief Winemaker, Gusbourne

Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand...

Charlie Holland: In just two short decades, Gusbourne has seen unbelievably exciting growth and development. The roots of Gusbourne, based in Appledore, Kent, run deep. Our vineyards were founded on the site of the original Gusbourne Estate which dates from 1410. It’s here you’ll find the origins of our brand’s goose logo, which comes from the de Goosebourne family crest.

The modern era of Gusbourne began in 2004, when we planted our first 20 hectares of vines. We grow classic grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – however, we use predominantly Burgundian clones, which promote fruit flavour above yield.

Our vineyard holdings have increased significantly in recent times – essential, as we only use estate-grown fruit. In Kent, we now have 60 hectares; in 2013 we began planting in Sussex, where we now hold 30 hectares. These two discrete locations mean we can create our blends from both chalk and clay terroirs. The chalk gives the fruit freshness and vibrancy; clay brings richness and depth of flavour.

In the winery, our most significant development came in 2013 when the winemaking was brought in house, allowing us total control over the process. We opened an additional site in 2020, where secondary production takes place.

Another sign of maturity in the business, and industry, came in 2017 when we opened our “cellar door” visitor facility, The Nest. We’ve just completed an upgrade to our event spaces, allowing us to host bespoke events, masterclasses and tasting lunches alongside more casual tourism.

What is your brand best known for?

We’re best known for producing top-quality vintage-only fine wine. Both our still and sparkling wines are industry leading, thanks to our relentless pursuit of quality, attention to detail and constant innovation in the vineyards and winery.

What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?

For me, the launch of our prestige bottling Fifty One Degrees North was a huge moment. Although we’d been nurturing the idea of releasing a wine of this calibre for several years, it wasn’t until 2022 that the timing felt right. The quality of the wine, the incredible vintage and – perhaps above all else – ever-heightening expectations from consumers of English wine meant that we were ready. And the reception it got from press, critics and customers was overwhelming. To hear Fifty One favourably compared with serious world-class vintage Champagnes such as Krug was an honour.

Why do you love the brand?

Because it’s filled with such energy and potential. Right now, Gusbourne is on the cusp of something tremendously exciting – it feels like the momentum which has built over the past two decades is about to be unleashed.

We’re part of this young, vibrant region, which means we can learn from tradition, but we’re not constrained by rules or conventions. We have the freedom to challenge the norms, to take risks, to test and experiment and learn. And I think that’s why we’re able to attract such brilliant young winemakers and viticulturalists – people who are ambitious and filled with new ideas. Together we’re constantly pushing to make incremental gains and move the quality of everything we do as far as we possibly can. And that energy is palpable; it comes from everyone involved. Gusbourne’s people believe in what we do – and we’ve only just begun to tap the potential here. There’s so much more to uncover.

Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?

For us, being a luxury brand comes down to craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail and time. We give all three of these qualities to our wines – and experiences – unfailingly and in abundance.

We take all the time we need to ensure our products and experiences are as good as they can possibly be. It means that our approach is long-term and sustainable. We are building something for the future. Our customer service is exceptional and generous. Our products are world-class – and we’re always working to make them even better. This takes attention to detail: tiny refinements, marginal gains, constant progress.

Naturally, we look and feel luxurious too – our beautiful design, packaging, photography and touchpoints are all rooted in a luxury aesthetic. Thoughtful craft and careful design are integral to our brand.

What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?

There’s nothing so inspiring as being in good company – and I believe we have something to learn from each and every Walpole member. I look forward to many rewarding conversations ahead.

If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose (and what would you like to do)?

The roster of Walpole members is a rollcall of brands we’d love to collaborate with. To cherry-pick just a few: McLaren Automotive, dunhill and Ettinger are all brands which share our pioneering spirit and demonstrate a willingness to challenge convention in the pursuit of great British craftsmanship.

Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?

There’s lots to look out for. Following on from the sell-out 2014 vintage of Fifty One Degrees North, we’ll be launching the new 2016 vintage this summer. In my view, this new vintage builds on the foundations of 2014 and offers something really special which will mature beautifully for years to come. Excitingly, this will also be offered in bond through Berry Bros. & Rudd, giving fine wine collectors a chance to add it to their cellars.

Elsewhere, we’re starting to prepare for our 20th anniversary – which we’ll be marking by planting new vineyards in Kent, amongst a host of other ground-breaking plans.

View Gusbourne's Walpole member profile below
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