Leading fine wine importer and distributor, ASC Fine Wines, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Rathfinny Estate, a prominent English sparkling wine producer, in a concerted effort to foster the growth of the English sparkling wine category within the dynamic Chinese market.
ASC Fine Wines, renowned for its specialization in catering to the premium on-trade sector in China, has strategically aligned with Rathfinny Estate, an enterprise established in 2010 by the enterprising duo Mark and Sarah Driver. The visionary couple’s aim is to penetrate the discerning fine dining landscape across China’s major urban centers. Notably, Rathfinny Estate’s inaugural sparkling wine offerings debuted in 2018, presently gracing esteemed establishments such as The Dorchester, Dinner by Heston, The Fat Duck, Claridge’s, The Savoy, Le Gavroche, The Ritz, as well as upscale retailers Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Selfridge’s, solidifying their presence within the UK.
Mark Driver, co-owner of Rathfinny, lauded the partnership’s significance, stating, “Our enduring objective has been to emerge as a favored English sparkling wine producer within the on-trade segment. ASC Fine Wines, renowned for its extensive market reach, stands as an impeccable conduit for distributing Rathfinny’s offerings.”
Driver affirmed that ASC’s comprehensive wine portfolio, distinguished as “among the finest,” will pave the way for Rathfinny’s wines to grace the tables of premier restaurants, bars, and hotels throughout China.
The foundations of Rathfinny Estate’s viticultural journey were laid in 2012 with the planting of an initial 50 acres of vines. Currently, the estate encompasses a sprawling 230 acres, predominantly adorned with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier varietals.
Firmly grounded in Sussex, Rathfinny Estate prides itself on the low-intervention techniques integral to its traditional method of crafting vintage sparkling wines. These wines, meticulously fashioned from hand-harvested grapes subjected to whole-bunch pressing, epitomize the estate’s commitment to excellence. Moreover, Rathfinny Estate’s dedication to social and environmental responsibility is underscored by its coveted B Corp certification, symbolizing adherence to exacting standards of sustainability and transparency.
Mario Aron, Chief Operating Officer of ASC Fine Wines, expressed the profound synergy between the two entities, stating, “Mark and Sarah’s ambitious vision of elevating English sparkling wine to a representation of esteemed British lifestyle and unwavering commitment to quality aligns seamlessly with Rathfinny Estate. Our expansive and streamlined distribution network within China, coupled with our team’s distinguished professionalism, positions us to transform this vision into a palpable reality.”
The collaboration underscores a shared aspiration to cultivate a newfound appreciation for English sparkling wines, artfully embodying the essence of British sophistication, among China’s discerning patrons of upscale bars and restaurants. The culmination of these efforts, as envisaged by Mark and Sarah Driver, is poised to be a testament to the harmonious fusion of ASC Fine Wines’ industry prowess and Rathfinny Estate’s artisanal craftsmanship.
