A majority of diners at a surprise tasting event in Notting Hill declared English sparkling wine better than Champagne.
The father-and-daughter duo, known for their expertise in French cuisine and wine, hosted an exclusive dining experience at Emily Roux’s restaurant, Caractère.
The event was captured on film as part of a new campaign aimed at challenging perceptions of English sparkling wine.
Unbeknownst to guests, the restaurant’s renowned French and Italian wine list was replaced with a selection of English sparkling wines from Chapel Down. Diners arrived believing they were attending the launch of a new cuvée, paired with a contemporary French menu. Instead, they were served three Chapel Down wines: Chapel Down Brut, Chapel Down Rosé, and Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Blanc de Blancs 2019.
At the conclusion of the meal, diners were asked to evaluate the sparkling wines and guess the producer. Many suggested prestigious Champagne houses such as Bollinger, Taittinger, and Moët. The surprise reveal that the wines were English was met with widespread praise.
According to a post-event poll, 58% of diners said they preferred the Chapel Down wines to Champagne, while the remaining 42% considered them equal in quality. Every diner surveyed expressed positive feedback, describing the wines as “fresh” and “effervescent”.
Emily Roux, Chef and Owner of Caractère, said: “We set out to challenge perceptions and showcase the incredible quality of English sparkling wine, and the response from our diners was simply overwhelming. Seeing diners surprised and delighted by Chapel Down’s offerings reaffirmed our belief in the excellence of English wine. It was a truly memorable experience and we’re thrilled to have Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Blanc de Blancs featured on our menu.”
Michel Roux, Michelin-starred chef and Chef Consultant to Chez Roux at The Langham, added: “As someone who grew up in Kent, I’ve always been incredibly proud of the region and its craftsmanship. Chapel Down is a shining example of this, producing exceptional wines that I have served in my restaurants for many years. Today’s event was a wonderful opportunity to challenge people’s expectations and introduce them to the amazing quality of Chapel Down, which truly deserves its place alongside the very best.”
The event’s success has led to Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Blanc de Blancs being added to the wine list at Caractère. Michel Roux has also long championed the brand, having been the first Michelin-starred chef to serve the Kit’s Coty range at Le Gavroche in 2016. The wines also feature at his newest venture, Chez Roux at The Langham.
Liam Newton, Chief Marketing Officer at Chapel Down, said: “Who better to celebrate the quality of Chapel Down’s English sparkling wine than the renowned Roux family, with their rich French heritage and culinary expertise? The fact that all of their diners thought the wines were as good or better than champagne makes us incredibly proud and speaks volumes about just how far English sparkling wine has come in a relatively short time.”
The Roux campaign comes amid broader growth in the English sparkling wine market. A recent report from IWSR found that English sparkling wine is now the most frequently consumed sparkling wine in the UK, with the category growing 12.2% in volume between 2018 and 2023. By contrast, Champagne consumption declined by 1.4% over the same period.
As English sparkling wine continues to gain international recognition, events like this may mark a turning point in how it is perceived—no longer as an alternative to Champagne, but as a peer in quality and prestige.
