Virgin Atlantic is taking English sparkling wine to new heights with the creation of a bespoke blend in partnership with Hambledon Wine Estate, the birthplace of English wine. Harvested in 2025 and set to debut onboard in 2029, the exclusive sparkling wine will be served across Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class cabins, celebrating British craftsmanship and the growing global prestige of English winemaking.
Since 2019, Virgin Atlantic has served Hambledon Classic Cuvée to passengers in Upper Class, where it quickly became a guest favourite. The new custom blend marks the next chapter of this partnership, combining Hambledon’s chalk-soil terroir and winemaking expertise with Virgin Atlantic’s innovative and premium onboard experience.
Hambledon’s winemaking team will collaborate closely with Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight experts to develop a cuvée tailored for enjoyment at altitude. The blend will showcase chardonnay grown in Hambledon’s chalk vineyards, balanced with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, offering an elegant, expressive, and quintessentially English profile — designed to perform beautifully at 35,000 feet.
The launch is part of Virgin Atlantic’s broader investment in its premium customer experience. This includes refurbished Heathrow and JFK Clubhouses, a refreshed 787 aircraft fleet, new Signature Ten creations like The Clubhouse Burger and The Red Head cocktail, and a new inflight connectivity partnership with Starlink.
“Virgin Atlantic and Hambledon have built a strong partnership over the years, sharing a passion for quality, innovation and a touch of British flair,” said Shiada Drysdale, Manager of Inflight Services Food and Beverage at Virgin Atlantic. “Creating our own bespoke sparkling wine was a natural step — a homegrown expression of excellence that our customers will soon enjoy in the skies.”
Hambledon Wine Estate’s Managing Director, James Osborn, added: “This partnership is rooted in a shared pioneering spirit. Just as our founder planted England’s first commercial vineyard, Richard Branson transformed aviation. Together, we’re showcasing English sparkling wine to an international audience and redefining what it means to fly British.”
