If there’s one detail that defines a truly elegant wedding, it’s what’s in the glass. Enter Gusbourne – the quietly iconic English sparkling wine that’s become the pour of choice for modern couples seeking something homegrown and effortlessly chic. With its award-winning vintages, refined flavour profiles and beautifully British provenance, Gusbourne is taking centre stage at the most stylish celebrations – from London townhouses to garden marquees in the shires.
And who better to speak to than Mary Bridges, Head Winemaker at Gusbourne and – rather fittingly – a bride-to-be herself. As she plans her own wedding, Mary is the ultimate authority on choosing the right sparkling for your big day, knowing exactly what will impress guests, pair with seasonal menus and create those just-popped moments worth remembering. In this exclusive Q&A with The Wedding Edition, Mary shares her insider tips on why Gusbourne is more than a sparkling wine – it’s a statement.
Q&A with Mary Bridges, Head Winemaker at Gusbourne
As a bride-to-be and Head Winemaker, what makes Gusbourne the ultimate sparkling for a wedding toast?
Choosing the wines for your wedding, whether for a grand-scale breakfast or the special toast, should be a really enjoyable experience. All our wines are vintage-only – they capture a moment in time and place, so when you’ve found your favourite Gusbourne, you’ll be able to revisit it, and the place it was crafted, for years to come.
How do you recommend couples choose the right Gusbourne vintage or style for their day – is there a rule of thumb for seasons or menus?
Drink what you like, and pick something that means something to you. It doesn’t have to match the season or the food – it could be a vintage that marks a milestone, like the year you met or got engaged. Personally, I love the 2018 vintage because it’s when I joined Gusbourne and met my fiancé. It’s about choosing wines that tell your story.
What’s your favourite way to serve Gusbourne at a wedding – chilled bottles on arrival, paired with dessert, or poured for the speeches?
There’s a wine for each moment of the day. I love the idea of starting with Gusbourne sparkling Rosé while getting ready – it’s fun and vibrant. For the toast, something classic like our Blanc de Blancs. You can stick with sparkling throughout the meal, all of our wines, both still and sparkling, pair excellently with a variety of menu options. But if you’re looking to change it up, you could choose our still Chardonnay Guinevere. Different expressions of Gusbourne can be woven throughout your wedding day.
You’re currently planning your own wedding – can you give us a little sneak peek into how Gusbourne will be making an appearance?
I’ll be reaching into the library for something special from 2018 – it’s a vintage that means a lot to me and also a brilliant year for Gusbourne wines. We’ll be toasting with Blanc de Blancs 2018, probably alongside some fresh oysters. And there will definitely be bottles of Rosé 2019 with me while getting ready with my mum and sister. It’s got so much energy, citrus and delicate red fruit, plus that shortbread note from the lees. It’s the most joyful pour to start the day.
English sparkling is having a moment. What sets Gusbourne apart when it comes to quality, taste and craftsmanship?
It’s all in the detail. From the moment we pick the fruit to every step through the winery, everything is done with care and respect for what the season has given us. Because we’re vintage-only, each bottle really tells the story of a particular growing year. That craftsmanship and authenticity is what makes Gusbourne so distinctive.
Finally, any chic insider tip for couples looking to elevate their drinks offering without going overboard on budget?
Weddings can get expensive, especially when it comes to drinks, so I would think about versatility. Our Rosé, for example, pairs beautifully with starters, mains and even light puddings – you can serve one wine across courses and still feel like you’re offering something thoughtful and elegant. It’s about smart choices, not just multiple options.
Discover more at gusbourne.com
