June 5th – Searcys, Great Britain’s oldest caterer, has unveiled their new English Sparkling Wine, just in time for English Wine Week. English wine is fast becoming the nation’s favourite tipples, with plantings increasing by 74% over the past five years, and Great Britain is now home to 943 vineyards and counting – with over 1,500 football pitches worth of wines* Launching 17th June, this premium vintage will be available at all Searcys venues and online.
This is Searcys second English sparkling wine – the first having been created in 2022 for the brand’s 175th anniversary. The grapes for this vintage were harvested in 2016, bottled in July 2017, and aged on lees for over six and a half years. The grapes for this wine were hand-picked, fermented and contained in stainless steels tanks to preserve fruitiness and freshness. This elegant and complex sparkling wine boasts layers of vibrant apple and citrus fruit flavours along with a delightful richness and toasty aromas from the extended lees ageing. Wonderfully soft and dry, the wine serves as a beautiful aperitif but equally pairs with lighter seafood dishes. The new English sparkling wine’s dosage is 6g/litre, somewhat lower than might be expected, reflecting the ripeness of the 2016 vintage and allowing the wine’s natural fruit to sing.
Searcys English sparkling is produced by a Surrey vineyard Greyfriars. Mike Wagstaff, MD of Greyfriars, says: “We have worked exclusively with Searcys on this vintage – 2016 was an excellent crop for English sparkling wine, and the notes and flavours are complex and exciting. We use the best techniques – from production to fermentation to storage – to ensure every bottle is of the utmost quality. We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Searcys and continue to create the perfect blends with them.”
Nicola Bates, CEO of Wine GB, comments: “English Wine Week is the perfect opportunity to support the UK’s fastest growing agricultural sector. What better way to spend your holidays and weekends with a stay or trip to your local vineyard, celebrating at a wine festival, and then taking home a couple of bottles to share your experience with friends. Searcys, is an excellent supporter of British wines and their portfolio is a testament to homegrown talent. On our Wine GB website you can find a list of the events taking place, from wine launches and picnics to tastings and festivals. Your palate will thank you and your support will make a difference.”
In time for summer parties and picnics, the vintage wine can be enjoyed at Searcys Brasseries and Bars – from Searcys at St Pancras to The Pump Room by Searcys in Bath. Also available at Searcys events venues including 116 Pall Mall, 30 Euston Square and The HAC. You can also shop online at Searcys online gift shop – a sparkling addition to any picnic hamper.
*source Wine GB
Searcys
The UK’s oldest British caterer, Searcys is the brainchild of one man: John Searcy, who founded the company in 1847. A creative and culinary force of nature, John began his illustrious career as the confectioner for the Duke of Northumberland, before taking his talents to London to establish the go-to events company in the capital. In residence at unique historical venues across the UK including The Pump Room at the Roman Baths, The Gherkin, and St Pancras International, Searcys prides itself on offering a taste of indulgence, serving fresh, seasonal dishes that focus on sustainability, alongside extensive Champagne and wine lists, paired with world-class service and expert event catering.
Champagne Bars and Restaurants
- Searcys Champagne Bar and Brasserie at St Pancras International
- Searcys at the Gherkin
- Searcys Champagne Bar at Battersea Power Station
- The Portrait by Richard Corrigan at the National Portrait Gallery
- Searcys Champagne Bar at 116 Pall Mall
- Barbican Brasserie and Barbican Bar+Grill
- The Brigade Bar + Kitchen
- The Pump Room, Bath
Events venues
- {10–11} Carlton House Terrace
- 30 Euston Square
- 41 Portland Place
- 116 Pall Mall
- The Barbican
- Church House, Westminster
- Searcys at The Gherkin
- The HAC
- Horizon 22 Events
- The Inner Temple
- IET London: Savoy Place
- No. 11 Cavendish Square
- National Army Museum
- One Moorgate Place
- St Pancras by Searcys
- Stationers’ Hall
- Surveryors House, RICS Westminster
- Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
- The Royal Institution
- The View at the Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Vintners’ Hall
