In the second of our series on our South Downs sparkling wine tour, we look at the history, family legacy and passion that drives Ridgeview sparkling wines. Well worth a trip once lockdown is over and staycations once again become the UK’s favourite hobby.

Life is for celebrating.

That was the original strap line invented by Mike and Christine Roberts when they founded Ridgeview in 1995. Today a second generation of Roberts is at the helm, and even though they rebranded two years ago, with a younger, fresher appearance, that same line can be still be found on the unwrapped label of every bottle produced in the Sussex vineyard. In just over 20 years, production has leapt from 20,000 to an estimated half a million by 2023, but even though the team has grown, it is still very much a family affair.

“At the start it was just me, Mike, Chris and Simon doing it all. Originally we produced 20,000 bottles to sell at farmer’s markets. Then we won an award and thought, hold on, we might have something here”

Mardie Roberts, wife of head winemaker Simon Roberts, son of founders Mike and Christine, is leading our tour of Ridgeview vineyard on a sunny September afternoon. In the distance are the rolling hills of the South Downs and the ‘ridge’ after which it is believed the wine is named. Although the truth behind the title of one of England’s most well-known sparkling wines, is a little bit more complicated.

“We were called Ridgeview instead of say ‘Downs View’ for a reason and that was to confuse people” says Mardie. “Simply to get people to taste it who had never tasted English Sparkling wine before. We wanted people to taste it blind, and we would line it up with Champagne and New Worlds. It wasn’t to say that we were better but that we could stand alongside the giants of the best sparkling wines of the world.  And our first label had a tiny UK on it. Now 20 years later, England is at the forefront of sparkling wine and it’s our biggest USP, and all those wonderful accolades that we have received, we can now be really proud.”

The Roberts family and the team at Ridgeview can indeed be proud, having been served at the Diamond Jubilee, Barack Obama’s state visit and are now exporting across the globe, recently finding a place on the wine list of the world renowned French Laundry by Thomas Keller.

Back in 1995, when the first vines were planted by Christine and Mike, it was simply a passion for champagne that led to starting Ridgeview, as an investment or retirement project. It was also never Simon’s intention to become a winemaker, but after helping out during his holiday from University, he discovered he had somewhat of a perfect palette, and the rest as they say is history. Mardie joined after meeting her now-husband Simon on a trip to Australia, her intention to stay for just a few years. 21 years later…

“If we weren’t constantly changing and evolving we’d probably all be a bit bored by now. My sister in law Tamara worked in the city for years and is a brilliant leader, she joined in 2004 to lead the company to where it is now. As a family it’s great as we all have different skills. My brother-in-law is technical manager and has a real eye for details. Simon is that natural winemaker, all about the making. I’m about marketing. And we have an incredible team. A real longevity of staff. People with passion and talent. We like to call it our Ridgeview family”.

That family extends beyond the hedges and vines surrounding Ridgeview’s beautiful tasting garden, where there is the chance to sample a tasting flight of their signature and limited release wines. Most of their suppliers are people that they have built sustainable relationships with and continue to form part of Mike Robert’s Ridgeview legacy.

“Our tanks are made in the Loire by another family business. Growers, manufacturers, suppliers. We want a long term relationship, so they generally tend to be a family business as well.”

The vineyards proximity to the prestigious Plumpton College, mean that over the years many of the students have spent time at Ridgeview, several staying for the long term. A third generation of Roberts are a little too young to be considered for full time employment, with the boys ranging from ages 12-16. Although according to Marnie, they do “love the family business, helping out at weekends and taking immense pride in what we have here”.

Mike Roberts, who unfortunately passed away in 2014, would have been incredibly proud to see the legacy that he left, not only surviving but thriving. Even during the pandemic, they have managed to reach out to worldwide markets, with repeat orders from both Taiwan and Singapore. It would seem that even in these dark days, there is still a time to celebrate life.

“It’s the passion that the family brings firstly to the growing of the grapes, then to the making of the wine. We think of it very much as a Ridgeview effort. When I look at the wine, it’s something that everybody has contributed to and it’s what we do together that makes it work.”

Mike Roberts, 1943-2014