International business for Hattingley Valley
At the beginning of November, Hattingley Valley hosted US importer Valkyrie Selections, US distributor MS Walker and UK distributor Enotria & Coe, to a quintessentially English weekend to mark the launch of an annual incentive for their US sales teams.
With export a key part of Hattingley’s strategy, and the business now exporting to more than 15 countries, this investment into their partners is a signal of their intent to establish themselves as a global market leader.
Baron Ziegler, CEO of Valkyrie Selections says "This past week has been an eye opening experience for us. Seeing and feeling the energy that is building around English sparkling wine in the international market, we couldn’t wait to get to England to discover what makes these wines unique and special. After spending time with the whole Hattingley team, I can say that this is the most exciting emerging viticultural region that I’ve seen in the last 20 years of importing wine to the U.S.”
The itinerary centred around participation in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which Hattingley sponsored for the third year running. Hattingley Valley’s owner, Simon Robinson takes part driving his 1902 De Dion Bouton which sets off from Hyde Park on the first Sunday of November.
Ziegler continues “Being able to participate in the Veteran Car Run was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we feel honoured to have partaken in such a historic and truly “British” event. In Hattingley we are proud to represent what we consider to be one of the best sparkling wine houses in England, and are excited to show our colleagues in the United States these exceptional sparkling wines. You’ve made true believers out of us, and we hope to spread that passion to our country.”
Hattingley Valley treated their guests to 96 action-packed hours including a tasting of library vintages, reserve wines and 2017 base wines at the winery as well as visiting iconic English institutions like Windsor Castle, The Royal Automobile Club, The Houses of Parliament and afternoon tea at a top London hotel.
Gareth Maxwell commented: “We believe that we are the first English winery to demonstrate in this way our commitment to export and the US market in particular. We continue to be impressed with both Valkyrie Selections & MS Walker which have achieved some prestigious listings in the recently gained Michelin Star restaurant, the Clocktower in NYC and the incredible Grand Central Oyster bar. We admire their professionalism, work ethic, enthusiasm and we are proud to call them our partners.”