The News
Everflyht Wine Estate’s Everflyht Cuvée Edition 3 NV was awarded the English Sparkling NV Trophy and a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge 2026. The winery, based in Sussex, has been producing premium English sparkling wine for ten years. The award recognizes the wine's precision, elegance, and craftsmanship.
Everflyht Wine Estate’s third‑cuvée edition earned the English Sparkling NV Trophy and a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge in May, sending ripples through UK wine circles.
The press release tells a clear story: a ten‑year‑old Sussex estate has captured top honours among hundreds of entries.
International Wine Challenge data show that 16 % of all English entries received gold medals—a record for England across the 39 countries represented—and that England finished ninth in total medal count. These figures frame Everflyht’s trophy as one point within a high‑volume, quality‑heavy market rather than an isolated breakthrough.
England’s entry rate rose 7 % year‑on‑year, indicating a growing field of competitors and a slimmer margin for distinction.
Everflyht’s success is rooted not only in terroir but also in its regenerative viticulture programme launched in 2016. The estate emphasizes biodiversity and carbon‑neutral practices—an approach that aligns with the segment of buyers prioritizing sustainability.
The wine scored 95 points at IWC, well above many peers within the national cohort, underscoring its competitive edge.
For distributors, the award confirms that a premium English sparkling wine has earned external validation. A practical step is to track sell‑through in existing high‑end portfolios; if demand for local premium sparkling grows—especially as consumers lean toward sustainably produced options—adding Everflyht could fill an emerging niche.
Retail buyers can consider featuring the award‑winning wine in curated selections aimed at discerning customers who value provenance and environmental stewardship. The win does not guarantee shelf space, but it offers a compelling narrative for premium offerings.
On‑premise operators may use the trophy as a tasting highlight or menu story, provided they confirm availability through their licensed distributor, since the press release does not outline a broader distribution arrangement.
Original Press Release
Everflyht Cuvée Edition 3 NV awarded English Sparkling Trophy at one of the world’s most prestigious wine competitions
Everflyht Wine Estate has secured one of the highest accolades in global wine, with its Everflyht Cuvée Edition 3 NV crowned English Sparkling NV Trophy Winner at the International Wine Challenge 2026, triumphing against hundreds of the UK’s most celebrated sparkling wine producers.
Widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and influential wine competitions in the world, the International Wine Challenge recognised the Sussex estate’s flagship sparkling wine for its precision, elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship. Alongside the trophy, the wine was also awarded a coveted Gold Medal.
Judges described the wine as:
The award marks a defining moment for Everflyht Wine Estate as it celebrates ten years since the first vines were planted—a decade dedicated to producing sparkling wines of international calibre from the rolling Sussex landscape.
Rooted in regenerative viticulture and meticulous attention to detail, Everflyht has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting names in premium English sparkling wine. Every aspect of the estate, from vineyard management to winemaking, is guided by a commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and the pursuit of exceptional quality.
Luke Spalding, Viticulture & General Manager at Everflyht Wine Estate, commented, “To receive this level of recognition from the International Wine Challenge is an incredibly proud moment for the entire team. Cuvée Edition 3 NV is a true reflection of our vineyard practices, our values, and the meticulous work that goes into every stage of production. Over the last decade, we’ve focused relentlessly on quality, sustainability, and expressing the unique character of our site, so for the wine to be recognised with this trophy is hugely rewarding for the work done so far.”
Ben Ellis, Owner of Everflyht Wine Estate, added, “From the beginning, the ambition for Everflyht was to create sparkling wines that could stand confidently on the world stage whilst remaining deeply connected to the land they come from. Winning this trophy during our tenth anniversary year feels incredibly significant. It is testament to the passion, skill, and vision of everyone involved in the estate, and a proud milestone in Everflyht’s journey.”
As English sparkling wine continues to command growing international attention, Everflyht’s latest success further cements Sussex’s reputation as one of the world’s leading regions for premium sparkling wine production.
Sources consulted (web research):
- English Sparkling Triumph Everflyht Wine Estate Wins Top Trophy At In…
- International Wine Challenge 2026 Results Revealed
- English Wine Win Gold Medals International Wine Challenge
- Iwc Trophy Winners 2026
Source: BevNET