RATHFINNY EXPANDS IN SOUTH KOREA THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH CAVE DE VIN

Rathfinny Estate, a leading producer of premium Sussex sparkling wines, has officially launched its exceptional offerings in the South Korean market this June through a strategic partnership with respected wine importer Cave de Vin.

The two-day launch events, held from June 19-20, and hosted by Rathfinny owner Mark Driver and Marketing Director Millie Driver, provided Korean wine consumers, trade professionals, and media with an immersive introduction to the quality and unique terroir-driven character of Rathfinny's low dosage, vintage sparkling wines. The program commenced with a visit to Bottle Bunker, one of Korea's top wine retail destinations, allowing Rathfinny to meet with key managers and Cave de Vin employees. This was followed by a networking lunch and media interviews, offering insights into the unique Rathfinny story and the estate's sustainability-focused approach as a B Corp certified winery.

In the afternoon, Cave de Vin hosted a Rathfinny trade masterclass for Korean sommeliers and wine professionals, delving into the distinctive qualities of the estate's signature Sussex Classic Cuvee 2019, Blanc de Blancs 2019 and Blanc de Noirs 2018. These wines have already garnered acclaim in the UK for their elegant, complex flavor profiles, piquing the interest of the Korean audience. The day concluded with a casual dinner with the Cave de Vin CEO and Rathfinny team to experience the wines in a relaxed setting.

Day two commenced with an in-depth staff training session at the Cave de Vin headquarters, ensuring the importer's team was fully equipped to champion the Rathfinny brand. This was complemented by a market visit to the most premium wine retail outlet, House of Shinsegae, managed by prominent sommelier Minjoo Kim, providing Rathfinny with valuable insights into the Korean consumer landscape.

The launch festivities culminated with an influencer dinner at the modern Korean cuisine restaurant Cavistry, where Rathfinny's unique terroir and production methods were highlighted, further enhancing the brand's visibility and credibility among Korea's discerning wine enthusiasts. It was clear that all guests were very impressed by the quality of Rathfinny's sparkling wines, especially the Classic Cuvee 2019 and the beautiful development of Blanc de Noirs 2018, a top vintage for English sparkling wine, which was poured from Magnum.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Cave de Vin to bring Rathfinny's award-winning sparkling wines to Korea," said Rathfinny founder and owner Mark Driver. "Korea's dynamic food and wine culture, coupled with growing consumer demand for premium international wines, makes it an ideal market for the launch of our family's exceptional Sussex terroir-driven sparkling wines."

"While South Korea is suffering from weak currency and a difficult economy, consumers are continuously looking for premium wines and spirits. Korean consumers are smart and want more choices, especially after the pandemic, and I believe Rathfinny is here exactly to offer those choices, in partnership with Cave de Vin,” said Sarah Soo-Kyung, Head of South Korea at Nimbility. “Considering the challenges, the fact that we were able to introduce Rathfinny's exceptional offerings in the market is something to celebrate! We've also been very active in working with micro influencers for the brand, which I believe is an efficient way to build brand visibility moving forwards.”

The comprehensive launch program underscores Nimbility's strategic focus on building awareness and demand for premium English sparkling wines in the dynamic Korean market, and marks an important milestone in Rathfinny's international expansion plans for the APAC region.

For more information on Rathfinny Estate in Korea and/or APAC please contact: chess@nimbilityasia.com