Chapel Down expands Global Travel Retail presence with Grand Reserve launch with Avolta

Chapel Down, England’s leading wine producer, is further strengthening its global travel retail presence with the launch this March of Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2018 in the World Duty Free stores operated by global travel experience player, Avolta. This milestone marks a significant step in the premiumisation of English sparkling wine in global travel retail, bringing an award-winning expression to an international audience.

Sourced from vineyards in Kent, Grand Reserve 2018 is a traditional blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, crafted from the finest fraction of juice and aged for five years in bottle. Its elegance and depth have been recognised with a Gold Medal at the 2024 Travel Retail Masters, as well as Golds at the Wine GB Awards 2024 and the International Wine Challenge 2023.

Building on the success of Chapel Down Traveller’s Edition Brut and Rosé, already listed in travel retail, this new addition reinforces the brand’s leadership in the category.

Following a 33% year-on-year increase in travel retail sales, Chapel Down’s footprint now spans 35 key UK travel hubs, including Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Birmingham, Luton, and Manchester airports (up from 13 locations in 2023).

Aisha Dad, Avolta’s Category Manager in the UK for Liquor said: “We are delighted to introduce Chapel Down Grand Reserve to our customers, further elevating our premium sparkling wine selection. The growing recognition of English sparkling wine makes this an exciting addition to our portfolio.”

Tom Hepworth-Bond, Sales Director at Chapel Down, commented: "Our listing in Avolta’s World Duty Free stores is a significant step in bringing the very best of English sparkling wine to a global audience. Grand Reserve 2018 exemplifies the quality and craftsmanship that define Chapel Down, and we are thrilled to share it with the millions of international travellers who visit the stores each year."

Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2018 will be available in selected Avolta World Duty Free UK locations from March 2025.