In a competitive tender consisting of a blind tasting against 14 other English wine brands, Hampshire-based winery, Hattingley Valley, has secured a set listing with Sweden’s state-run alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget, reflecting the rising international interest in English wines.

Distributed through Wicked Wines Sweden, the brand’s Classic Reserve NV will be available in over 100 stores across the country from 1st December 2023. The Classic Reserve, unique English blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Précoce varieties, has scooped over 58 awards and two trophies including gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) earlier this year.

The Swedish distribution deal marks the twelfth export market for Hattingley Valley and the second Nordic market to take the brand. It has been available in Norway since 2015 and is one of Hattingley’s biggest markets with six expressions exported.

Chris Unger, Sales and Marketing Director at Hattingley Valley said: “To be selected by a panel of Swedish experts in a blind taste test is a brilliant accolade for our wines and we are delighted to be flying the flag for English wines in Sweden. The demand for English wines is growing globally, reflected in the fact that 25-30% of our sales are via the export market.”

Mattias Eriksson, Product Manager Wine & Spirits AB at Wicked Wine Sweden said: “It’s a very exciting time for Hattingley Valley as the brand enters the Swedish market with a set listing guaranteeing an agreed level of distribution across stores. We’re looking forward to consumers discovering the multi-award-winning Classic Reserve. We are confident the brand will enjoy the same success it does in Norway and are excited to be on this journey with Hattingley Valley."

Systembolaget’s mission is to sell alcohol beverages responsibly while offering first class service. It is a retail monopoly not driven by profit or sales but rather based on Sweden’s alcohol policy which aims to limit the harmful effects of alcohol.