Everflyht Wine Estate has secured one of the highest accolades in global wine, with its Everflyht Cuvée Edition 3 NV crowned English Sparkling NV Trophy Winner at the International Wine Challenge 2026, triumphing against 100’s of the UK’s most celebrated sparkling wine producers.
Widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and influential wine competitions in the world, the International Wine Challenge recognised the Sussex estate’s flagship sparkling wine for its precision, elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship. Alongside the trophy, the wine was also awarded a coveted Gold Medal.
Judges described the wine as: “Taut and focused with lively lemony fruit and subtle toasty depth. It’s complex and linear with real precision and acidity.”(95 points)
The award marks a defining moment for Everflyht Wine Estate as it celebrates ten years since the first vines were planted – a decade dedicated to producing sparkling wines of international calibre from the rolling Sussex landscape.
Rooted in regenerative viticulture and meticulous attention to detail, Everflyht has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting names in premium English sparkling wine. Every aspect of the estate, from vineyard management to winemaking, is guided by a commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and the pursuit of exceptional quality.
Luke Spalding, Viticulture & General Manager at Everflyht Wine Estate, commented “To receive this level of recognition from the International Wine Challenge is an incredibly proud moment for the entire team. Cuvée Edition 3 NV is a true reflection of our vineyard practices, our values, and the meticulous work that goes into every stage of production. Over the last decade we’ve focused relentlessly on quality, sustainability and expressing the unique character of our site, so for the wine to be recognised with this trophy is hugely rewarding for the work done so far.”
Ben Ellis, Owner of Everflyht Wine Estate, added “From the beginning, the ambition for Everflyht was to create sparkling wines that could stand confidently on the world stage whilst remaining deeply connected to the land they come from. Winning this trophy during our tenth anniversary year feels incredibly significant. It is testament to the passion, skill and vision of everyone involved in the estate, and a proud milestone in Everflyht’s journey.”
As English sparkling wine continues to command growing international attention, Everflyht’s latest success further cements Sussex’s reputation as one of the world’s leading regions for premium sparkling wine production.
IWC Gold winners:
- 1276 Wines, Chardonnay 2024
- Balfour Blanc de Blancs 2018
- Balfour, Cinque Ports 2019
- Balfour Blanc de Noirs 2018
- Balfour Rosé de Meunier 2023
- Bolney Wine Estate Cuvée Rosé 2016
- Bolney Wine Estate Classic Cuvée 2016
- Camel Valley, Pinot Noir Rosé Brut 2023
- Candover Brook Brut NV
- Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2019
- Chapel Down Kits Coty Chardonnay 2023
- Chapel Down Rosé NV
- Domaine Evremond Classic Cuvée Edition II NV
- EverFlyht Cuvée Edition 3 NV
- Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2015
- Gusbourne Chardonnay Boot Hill Vineyard 2022
- Harrow and Hope Brut Reserve No.10 NV
- Harrow and Hope Blanc de Noirs 2020
- Hundred Hills, Blanc de Blancs Library release 2018
- Hundred Hills, Hillside No.3 2019
- Roebuck Estate Classic Cuvée 2020
- Simpson Roman Road Chardonnay 2023
- Squerryes, Blanc de Blancs 2018
- The Grange Classic NV
- The Grange Pink NV
- The Grange White From Black 2019
- Wiston Estate Vintage Cuvée Magnum 2009
- Wiston Estate Blanc de Noirs 2018
- Wyfold Vineyard English Sparkling Brut 2018
