‘We are seeing a generational shift into English sparkling wine [by] millennials, who prefer a lighter, fresher, crisper style of wine.’ Photograph: NitaWest/Chapel Down · Photograph: NitaWest/Chapel DownChapel Down has credited a “generational shift” towards sparkling wine for strong sales growth last year. The Kent-based wine maker, which listed on the Aim junior stock market in 2023, said sales rose by a better-than-expected 19% to £19.4m in the year to 31 December, led by a 38% increase in retail sales as well as strong exports. James Pennefather, the chief executive of Chapel Down, said: “In spite of continued economic pressures, consumers are continuing to find reasons to celebrate, with over 1m bottles of Chapel Down traditional method sparkling wines dispatched for the first time during 2025. Chapel Down’s prices start from £15 for a bottle of still Bacchus, to about £30 for a classic Brut sparkling, and more than £100 for one of the top Coeur de Cuvée sparkling wines. Pennefather said the environment had been “more challenging” in terms of sales to the hospitality industry, but that sales rose 5% as Chapel Down expanded distribution and sold more by the glass.