Virgin Atlantic is collaborating with Hambledon Wine Estate to create a signature English sparkling wine that will be served onboard from 2029, celebrating both British craftsmanship and the rise of homegrown viticulture. Olivia Palamountain reports

Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to debut its own English sparkling wine, developed in partnership with Hambledon Wine Estate, recognised as England’s oldest commercial vineyard. The bespoke blend, harvested during the 2025 season, will mature over the coming years before being poured for passengers onboard from 2029.

The initiative represents the next evolution of a partnership that began in 2019 when Virgin Atlantic became the first airline to serve Hambledon Classic Cuvée in Upper Class. The wine’s popularity quickly cemented its place alongside Champagne as part of the airline’s premium drinks selection. Now, the two British brands are extending that relationship with a tailored blend designed to capture the character of English terroir while performing perfectly at high altitude.English wine production has surged in recent years, with exports growing and domestic prestige rising on the global stage. Virgin Atlantic’s decision to commission its own blend underscores both the maturity of England’s sparkling wine industry and the airline’s ambition to champion national producers within its premium offering. According to the airline, the collaboration will produce a cuvée that expresses the chalk-grown Chardonnay typical of Hambledon’s South Downs vineyards, blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier to create depth, balance and approachability - qualities that translate well at 35,000 feet.

Hambledon’s winemaking team will work closely with Virgin Atlantic’s inflight food and beverage division to ensure the wine complements the carrier’s Upper Class dining experience. The partnership also speaks to Virgin Atlantic’s broader investment in its customer proposition, which includes ongoing clubhouse refurbishments at Heathrow and JFK, refreshed menus and cocktails through its “Signature Ten” programme, a Starlink-powered connectivity upgrade, and a refit of its Boeing 787 fleet.Shiada Drysdale, manager of inflight services food and beverage at Virgin Atlantic, says: “Virgin Atlantic and Hambledon have built a strong partnership over the years, sharing a passion for quality, innovation and a touch of British flair. Taking that collaboration to the next level with our own bespoke sparkling wine felt like a natural step.”

James Osborn, managing director of Hambledon Wine Estate, describes the project as a meeting of kindred spirits: “We both share a pioneering spirit - our founder, Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, planted England’s first commercial vineyard, just as Richard Branson changed airline travel in the 80s. That ambition, resilience and drive for excellence is at the heart of our partnership.”

By 2029, passengers settling into Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class suites will be able to toast their journey with a glass of English sparkling wine that reflects not only a growing global respect for British viticulture but also an airline continuing to invest in premium, locally inspired service experiences.