First ever British sparkling wine bottle launches
30th January 2026
Croxsons has developed the Sovereign bottle, which has been designed to support the English and Welsh wine-making industry by closing the provenance loop from vineyard to bottle.
The new Sovereign bottle will be produced in Chester and, rather than the traditional green colour of European sparkling wine bottles, this British bottle will be made using a distinctive amber glass.
This will give the bottle a strong shelf standout and clear British provenance, Croxsons believes.
Previously winemakers have relied entirely on imported bottles transported across Europe.
The English and Welsh wine industry is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in the country with over 1,000 vineyards, and is estimated to be worth £422m in 2025 – growing at a CAGR of 3.5% over the last five years.
Sales of sparkling wine have risen 187% since 2018, from 2.2m bottles to 6.2m in 2023, making this the perfect time to bring sparkling wine bottle production home, Croxsons says.
Improved sustainability
Tim Croxson, CEO of Croxsons commented on the launch:
“We are incredibly proud to launch Sovereign, the UK’s first British‑made sparkling wine bottle, delivering improved sustainability while ensuring British drinkers enjoy wine that is British through and through.
“We began as a bottle supplier to the London wine trade 150 years ago, so it feels particularly fitting that we are now helping the English and Welsh winemaking industry deliver a truly British sparkling wine bottle.”
The Sovereign bottle uses 77% recycled content which improves its sustainability credentials and, with a shorter journey from factory to vineyard, it will reduce road miles for millions of bottles traditionally transported from France, Germany and Italy.
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Great milestone
Matt Gayler, operations director at Ridgeview Wine said:
“Seeing a UK-made sparkling wine bottle available to producers is a great milestone – it shows just how far the industry has come.
“As we continue to build the reputation of English wine both at home and internationally, having domestically manufactured, high-quality packaging supports our identity, sustainability and ambitions.
“It’s a positive step forward and we’re grateful to those who’ve worked hard to make it happen.”
The Sovereign bottle will be produced in March 2025 and can be ordered direct from Croxsons.
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