A remarkable vintage born from the earliest flowering in the Estate’s history
April 9, 2026 — Gusbourne, one of England’s most celebrated wine estates, has released its 2025 English Rosé – a wine that speaks eloquently of an extraordinary growing season and the singular character of its Kentish terroir.
Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, hand-harvested from Gusbourne’s Lower Mill Hill and Heartbreak vineyards on the ancient south-facing escarpment above Appledore, the 2025 vintage is defined by precision, vibrancy and an exceptional natural balance that is the hallmark of truly great English rosé.
Head Winemaker Mary Bridges says: “Rosé is often thought of as the simplest of wines – pale, refreshing and uncomplicated. But achieving this apparently straightforward style is one of the more delicate exercises in winemaking.
“Not all wines are built to age for decades, and nor should they be,” says Mary, who adds, “It’s perfectly all right to make wines that are just upfront and delicious. They bring a little bit of joy to the moment. Our English Rosé is designed to do just that. It’s intended to capture the brightness of the vintage, ready to be opened just as we enjoy the first warm evenings of the year. It’s the kind of bottle that disappears almost as quickly as it is opened.”
A Season to Remember
The 2025 growing season was one of note from the very outset. Budburst on 4th April marked a promising start to the 2025 season. Flowering followed on 5th June – the earliest ever recorded on the estate – during a prolonged spell of warm, dry weather that encouraged vigorous vine growth and excellent canopy development. July remained hot and dry before welcome rain arrived in early August. Veraison was recorded on 5th August and, despite some disease pressure later in the month, careful vineyard work ensured the fruit remained clean and healthy. Harvest ran from 9th September to 1st October, with each parcel picked at its optimal moment, delivering fruit with excellent balance and strong phenolic ripeness.
Winemaking
Harvested by hand in September 2025.
Parcels of Pinot Noir were destemmed, and the berries were gently pressed after a short maceration. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 16 °C.
Bottled in February 2026.
Technical Information
100% Pinot Noir
12.5% ABV
Acidity 7.5g/L
pH 3.22
The new English Rosé 2025 is available now from Gusbourne, priced £29 per bottle (£25 for members). To purchase, click HERE.
For more on the making of Gusbourne’s English Rosé 2025: in conversation with Head Winemaker Mary Bridges, click HERE.
Join Gusbourne for A Long Rosé Lunch in celebration of Great British Rosé Week.
Enjoy a relaxed wine-led Sunday on 3rd and 10th May 2026, when a sparkling wine reception will be served by the vines, before a seasonal three-course lunch, alongside a selection of award-winning still and sparkling rosé wines.
This experience offers an unhurried and sociable afternoon on the estate, centred around great wine, food and conversation. For further information, click HERE.
