Wiston Estate takes to the skies with Emirates
From the South Downs to the skies, Wiston Brut NV is heading around the world with Emirates.
Big news for wiston
We’re delighted to share some big news from Wiston Estate. From October, our Brut NV will be served by Emirates, making it the first English sparkling wine to be selected for the airline’s global wine programme, available to Premium Economy passengers travelling on UK routes.
It’s an exciting moment for Wiston, as wine made from the chalky slopes of the South Downs travels from Sussex to the skies, and onwards to destinations around the world.
A taste of Sussex at 30,000 feet
Emirates has one of the world’s most extensive airline wine programmes, with a collection spanning some of the most celebrated wine regions and producers. The addition of Wiston Estate Brut NV brings English sparkling wine into the programme for the first time, alongside wines from established regions around the world.
Oliver Dixon, Head of Fine Wine at MMI, an Emirates Group Company, said:
“English sparkling wine has emerged as one of the most exciting success stories in the wine world, and we felt it was the perfect time to showcase this phenomenon to our Premium Economy customers, exclusively on UK routes. Wiston stands out for its outstanding craftsmanship, vibrant character and expression of the chalky South Downs terroir, delivering a memorable and uniquely British experience onboard.”
The wine behind the journey
Our Brut NV is our benchmark sparkling wine, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown on the chalky soils of the South Downs. Made using the traditional method, reserve wines and extended lees ageing give the wine depth and texture, balanced by the freshness and minerality that are characteristic of Wiston.
It’s a wine that has long been recognised by critics for its quality and versatility. Christina Pickard of Wine Enthusiast awarded the Brut NV 95 points, describing it as “all elegance and class” and praising its freshness, texture and long finish. More recently, Susie Barrie MW called the most recent iteration of this wine “one of the best I’ve tasted”, describing it as “rich, savoury and self-assured, long and satisfying”.
Tamlyn Currin of JancisRobinson.com summed it up as a wine that is “rounded and generous and ripe”, adding that it “will stand shoulder to shoulder with champagnes at the same price point.” It’s a fitting wine to represent Wiston on the international stage, and now, we’re looking forward to seeing it take its place in the skies with Emirates.
Twenty years of growing grapes and making wine
The timing feels particularly fitting. 2026 marks 20 years since we planted our first vines at Wiston Estate.
What began with those first vines in 2006 has grown into two decades of learning from the land, developing our vineyards and making English sparkling wine here in the South Downs.
For the Goring family, whose family has farmed the estate since 1743, seeing Wiston wine enjoyed by travellers around the world is a particularly special milestone.
Richard and Kirsty Goring, owners of Wiston Estate, said:
“As a family we are delighted that Wiston has been chosen as the first English sparkling wine to be poured on board Emirates. Having looked after this land for generations, it is wonderful that the love, care, and craft the team put into every bottle can be enjoyed by travellers from around the world. To be selected alongside such prestigious global wines is an endorsement of both the quality of Wiston and the growing reputation of English sparkling wine on the international stage.”
From the South Downs to the world
Emirates will serve Wiston Estate Brut NV exclusively in Premium Economy on its UK routes from October, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Sussex as they travel.
It’s a lovely thought that a bottle made here, from grapes grown on our own vineyards, could be opened on a flight leaving the UK and enjoyed by someone travelling anywhere from Dubai and beyond.
As we celebrate 20 years since planting our first vines, we’re looking forward to seeing where the next chapter takes us.
If you’re flying with Emirates from October, keep an eye out for Wiston Brut NV and tag us in your travel stories. We’d love to see where the wine takes you.
