ASC Fine Wines and Rathfinny Estate today announced a exciting new partnership in the wine industry in China and for the English sparkling wine industry. The agreement is based on a strategic partnership to build category of English sparkling wines in China and introduce Chinese consumers to the outstanding quality that these wines represent.

China is gradually recovering from the impacts of the global pandemic and with consumer interest in wine stronger than ever, this partnership offers an exciting new category of exceptional quality wines for Chinese consumers to explore.

Rathfinny occupies a top five position within the domestic UK wine market, both in terms of sales and reputation and will be investing with ASC to achieve the same result in China. ASC, China’s leading importer and marketer of wines in China, with its particular strength in supplying the fine dining sector, is the optimal partner for Rathfinny in this pursuit, bar none.

Releasing their first sparkling wines only in 2018, Rathfinny’s staggering success in the UK market has been especially noteworthy. With listings at The Dorchester, Dinner by Heston, The Fat Duck, Claridge’s, The Savoy, Le Gavroche, The Ritz, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridge’s, to name a few, Rathfinny is proving its viability to be present in the finest dining and retail establishments in the world. The new partnership with ASC, who specialize in servicing the premium on-trade channel, will position Rathfinny perfectly for a replication of such success across China’s top cities, home to some of the world’s greatest restaurants.

Sarah Driver, Co-Owner of Rathfinny Estate who was educated and brought up in Hong Kong is thrilled to be selling Rathfinny wines in China through ASC: “I first visited Beijing in 1979 with my Father on a semi-official visit with the HK Urban Council and who would have thought that all these years later we be selling our Sussex sparkling into China, I'm thrilled.”

Mark Driver, Rathfinny Co-Owner added, “We are delighted to announce that we have appointed ASC Fine Wines as our exclusive distribution agent for our Sussex Sparkling wines in China. It has always been our aim to be one of the On-Trade’s favourite English sparkling wine producer and ASC, who probably have the best reach of any wine importer are a perfect distribution partner for Rathfinny.”

He went on to say that "ASC have been described by Robert Parker as 'China's greatest fine wine importer'. They have one of the finest portfolios of wines and will allow our wines to be served in the top restaurants, bars and hotels across China."

Husband and wife, Mark and Sarah Driver, established the Rathfinny Wine Estate in 2010 on a working arable farm with the express intention of producing some of the world’s finest quality sparkling wines.

Located on a breath-taking south-facing slope in the South Downs of Sussex, the estate is found on the same band of chalk that forms the Paris Basin, running from Northern France into Southern England. Here, the semi-continental climate, with high levels of sunshine, long, warm sunny days and less rainfall than the rest of the UK, along with the free-draining chalk soils and southern aspect, form the perfect ‘terroir’ for the production of world-class sparkling wines.

The first 50 acres of vines were planted in 2012 and there are now 230 acres under vine predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Rathfinny low-intervention, Traditional Method, vintage Sussex Sparkling wines are a true expression of their Sussex terroir. Produced from hand-harvested grapes that are whole-bunch pressed and patiently matured, on lees and in bottle to develop rich, autolytic notes, with a low dosage that emphasises the purity of the fruit.

Pinot Noir’s rich flavours and multi-layered texture combined with a low dosage and long lees ageing characterizes the Rathfinny wines which are fast building a reputation for being the finest Pinot-Noir based sparkling wines in the UK. Indeed, Neal Martin writing for Vinous has quoted: “Impressive energy and sophistication are clear to see in what might be one of England's best Blanc de Noirs.”

Makoto Nagae, Chief Executive Officer of ASC Fine Wines, expressed his utmost enthusiasm for the value-based partnership in joining forces with Rathfinny to introduce their remarkable English sparkling wine to the Chinese market. He commented: “As a B Corp certified winery, Rathfinny exemplifies an unwavering commitment to crafting extraordinary wines and experiences that showcase the unique essence of their Sussex family estate. They employ methods that prioritize the well-being of the land, people, community, and the wider environment, aligning perfectly with ASC's corporate philosophy centred around the value of 'Growing for Good' and 'giving back to society', balancing purpose with profit, taking account of environment and social impact in our corporate governance. By embracing these shared values, we look forward to making a positive impact in our respective communities while delivering exceptional wine to our stakeholders in China."

Mario Aron, Chief Operating Officer, confidently conveyed his thoughts, stating, "Mark and Sarah have shared their ambition, that not too long in the future, patrons of bars and restaurants in China will be presented with English sparkling wine representing true British lifestyle and appreciation for high quality. Of course, it’s Rathfinny. This brand fits perfectly into ASC’s fine wine aspiration. With ASC's extensive and efficient distribution network in China, coupled with our team's renowned professionalism, I have no doubt that Mark and Sarah's vision will swiftly become a reality."

For purchasing Rathfinny wines in China, please contact Clara Li ClaraLi@asc-wines.com

For more information about Rathfinny across APAC, please contact Nichole Mao – nichole@nimbilityasia.com

ASC partners with leading Sussex Sparkling estate Rathfinny in bid to build the English sparkling wine category in China