Roebuck Estates continues to fly high, having been announced as British Airways’ official business class wine partner – a reflection of the growing global momentum of English sparkling wine.
Roebuck Estates – one of the UK’s leading producers of English sparkling wine – has been selected as a British Airways’ business class wine partner, becoming one of just four wines featured within the airline’s quarterly rotation programme.
The West Sussex producer will see its Reserve 2020 served onboard until the end of March 2026, with a scheduled return in Q1 2027. The listing marks the first time Roebuck Estates has been poured on British Airways flights and represents a significant milestone in the the category’s ongoing growth.
British Airways’ wine programme is known for its rigorous selection process, overseen by The Institute of Masters of Wine and industry experts who blind taste hundreds of wines each year.
Inclusion within the rotation reflects not only product quality but also the increasing stature of English sparkling wine within the premium global market.
A CATEGORY TAKING OFF
Reserve 2020 is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, aged for a minimum of three years on its lees to develop texture and complexity. The wine displays notes of baked apple, ripe apricot, and almond, balanced by freshness and precision — hallmarks of England’s cool-climate sparkling character.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for English wine; according to recent reports, overall sales of English wine increased by three percent despite ongoing global economic pressures. Demand continues to be supported by consumer interest in provenance, sustainability, and quality.
By contrast, Champagne shipments to the UK have fallen by 13 percent, with Cava experiencing similar declines. English sparkling wine, however, has maintained steady momentum, strengthening its position both domestically and in export markets.
ACHIEVING COMMERCIAL MOMENTUM
Roebuck Estates has mirrored this wider category growth. In 2025, the company doubled its sales volumes compared to the previous year, with momentum continuing into January 2026. The British Airways listing marks a further step in this upward trajectory.
Michael Kennedy, CEO of Roebuck Estates, believes that the partnership is not only a powerful endorsement of English sparkling wine, but also a reflection of the growing appreciation for the craftsmanship, character, and global competitiveness of wines produced on home soil.
In addition to its presence onboard, Reserve 2020 is available nationwide through Roebuck Estates’ retail partnership with Majestic Wine, further broadening consumer access.
As English sparkling wine continues to gain ground against long-established international competitors, partnerships of this scale reinforce the category’s evolution from emerging player to credible global contender.
