Ridgeview Wine Estate, one of England’s most respected sparkling wine producers, has been acquired by QBRidge Ltd, an investor consortium led by The Quantum Beverage Company (QBev) for an undisclosed sum. QBev led the acquisition, acting as the principal partner to a consortium of investment partners that are set to mark a new chapter for the highly respected and well-established English wine estate.
The acquisition provides Ridgeview with a strong capital base and strategic support to drive the long-term potential of the brand, both in the UK and internationally.
Gregg Ainsworth, co-founder and chief marketing officer of QBev, has been appointed the chief executive officer for Ridgeview and Allan Beattie of QBev becomes chief financial officer, both appointments effective immediately.
Gregg Ainsworth said: “Ridgeview is a truly exceptional brand with an outstanding reputation for quality and innovation. We see enormous potential in the business, and this acquisition reflects our confidence in both the existing team and the long-term opportunity for English sparkling wine. We’re excited to help the Ridgeview brand realise that potential and support its ambitions for the future.
“Ridgeview is an exciting opportunity for us. It’s a standard bearer and pioneer in English sparkling wine, a category enjoying strong growth and set to see a robust future. We aim to build on the strong foundations laid by the Roberts family, the founders of the Estate who will continue to be involved in the business. We will help bring these stunning award-winning wines to an ever-growing and appreciative customer base, throughout the UK and across the globe.”
Ainsworth’s appointment coincides with the departure of outgoing CEO Tamara Roberts, who steps down after 21 years at Ridgeview. Since becoming CEO in 2014, she has been one of the most influential figures in the rise of English sparkling wine, guiding the Estate through a period of rapid expansion, significant investment, and sustained critical acclaim.
Following her recent appointment as Chair of Trustees at WSET, alongside her other interests, Roberts will continue to champion Ridgeview and the wider English sparkling wine category. Her brother, Simon Roberts, the multi-award-winning Head Winemaker, will remain with the business, continuing to craft the exceptional sparkling wines for which Ridgeview is renowned.
The QBev team are beverage professionals with over 100 years of collective global experience. QBev is a multi-million-pound platform that seeks to invest in a range of unique and compelling premium adult beverage brands.
Gregg Ainsworth explains: “Our goal is to revitalise undervalued brands, champion innovation, sustainability, and e-commerce; while harnessing consumer and customer expertise to drive exponential growth.”
Fero, as a funding and supply chain partner, was delighted to assist with the transition of Ridgeview to new owners who so quickly identified the long-term potential of the brand and to continue its support for the business.
Mitch Fowler, chief executive officer of Fero, said: “We were pleased to support Ridgeview through this process and help facilitate an outcome that truly unlocks the potential of the brand. The Quantum Beverage Company and their team bring a wealth of experience from the industry, the right strategic focus and investment approach to support Ridgeview’s long-term success. We are excited to see the business move forward.
The transaction ensures continuity for the Ridgeview Wine Estate brand while creating a platform for renewed investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
