Gusbourne has announced a limited-edition release of its Blanc de Blancs 2016 to mark the estate’s two decades of winemaking, featuring original artwork by artist Lily Mixe inspired by the flora and fauna of the Kent-based producer’s vineyard.

The story behind the bottle

To mark its 20th vintage year, Gusbourne has collaborated with artist Lily Mixe on a limited-edition release that brings the landscape of the estate directly to the bottle.

Rather than commission a standard commemorative label, Gusbourne invited Lily onto the estate to develop an original work inspired by the vineyard, its soil and its seasonal cycle. The resulting piece, Roots-Nest, exists as both a permanent mural at The Nest – Gusbourne’s cellar door and tasting rooms – and as the artwork featured on the limited-edition bottle and gift box.

Lily Mixe’s practice centres on natural patterns and materials; she works with inks and pigments made from organic sources, including soil sourced onsite at Gusbourne for this project. Her work has previously been shown at Turner Contemporary and Saatchi Gallery.

Lily Mixe said: “When I came to Gusbourne, we walked through the vineyards. What struck me was not only the vines, but everything around them. We looked at the wasp traps, and we saw rabbits and geese and all the different life around the vineyard. I was surprised by that – the fact that the animals, the plants and everything around the vines are part of making the wine. I found that really interesting.

“I really wanted to see the soil, because I’ve spent time in France visiting vineyards and I know the soil is really important. I wanted to dig a little and see what colours we would find, and the different layers. I wanted to try to base the artwork on the colour palette we found there.”

The release

The limited-edition release comprises 500 bottles of Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2016, presented with a distinctive label and gift box featuring Lily’s original artwork.

Laura Rhys, Master Sommelier, commented: “The 2016 vintage of Blanc de Blancs is one I’ve followed with keen interest. Now, at the midway point between our debut vintage and our 20th vintage year, it’s the perfect time to revisit it.

“When we first released Blanc de Blancs 2016, we knew that this was a wine with enormous potential. It had a really exciting combination of ripeness and enticing acidity.

“Now, in 2026, a decade on from its harvest year, this wine has had five years on lees and a further four and a half on cork. It’s at a beautiful point in its development; incredibly poised, layered, subtle and complex. This long, careful ageing means that the wine now shows some of those tertiary toasted-nut notes, and a hint of white mushroom character.

“For me, it’s one of the vintages I’ve been most excited to watch develop over the years, and I have several bottles tucked away in my cellar. For those who enjoy the character of cellar-aged vintage sparkling, this will be a real treat.”

The details

  • Product: Limited-edition Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2016 
  • Format: Bottles in individually numbered gift box, featuring original artwork by Lily Mixe
  • Artwork: Roots-Nest: A permanent mural in The Winemaker’s Library, The Nest, Appledore, Kent
  • Allocation: 500 bottles total
  • Release date: 22 October 2026. The wine will be offered first to Gusbourne members beforehand
  • £95 per single bottle

You can read an interview with Lily Mixe about her collaboration with Gusbourne at www.gusbourne.com/articles/lily-mixe-x-gusbourne