Gusbourne Estate potentially up for sale

English winemaker Gusbourne may soon be under new ownership as stakeholder Lord Ashcroft, who holds a 67% stake in the company, announced he is exploring strategic options for his shareholding such as a sale or a strategic merger with a similar company. However no talks with potential buyers are underway as yet.

Gusbourne Estate is valued at around £40m, and has the most expensive English sparkling wine on the market, Fifty One Degrees North, at £195 a bottle.

CEO Jonathan White expressed gratitude to Ashcroft for his support in establishing Gusbourne. Jonathan has been instrumental in the development and global expansion of the Gusbourne brand and its cellar door and direct to consumer sales channel. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in January 2024.

Meanwhile, Chapel Down is also conducting a strategic review and Treasury Wine Estates’ denial of interest in acquiring the Tenterden firm add to the current climate of speculation in the English wine industry.