Vintage Sparkle Meets River Elegance: Roebuck Estates & Peter Freebody & Co Unveil Rare Expressions No.96

When exceptional English sparkling wine meets handcrafted British boats, the result is a celebration of heritage, taste, and unapologetic indulgence. To mark the launch of Roebuck Estates’ Rare Expressions No.96, guests were treated to a deliciously slow-paced, sun-drenched day on the River Thames—complete with vintage fizz, electric boats, picnic drawers, and a touch of Gatsby-esque grandeur.

Roebuck Estates: A Toast to English Elegance

Named after the roe deer that tiptoe elegantly through its vine-laced lands, Roebuck Estates has become a leading light in the English sparkling wine scene. Founded by two friends in 2013 and with its first vintage released in 2019, Roebuck is now among the largest producers in the UK, classified by WineGB as a heavyweight: over 280,000 bottles a year and rising faster than a cork at a summer wedding.

Sales have skyrocketed—2024 doubled 2023, and 2025 looks poised to do the same again. Yet despite this remarkable growth, Roebuck remains steadfast in its pursuit of quality. Each vintage is a tribute to its growing season, meticulously crafted and aged to perfection.

Rare Expressions No.96: Time in a Bottle

The newest jewel in Roebuck’s sparkling crown is Rare Expressions No.96, a limited-edition vintage released to coincide with English Wine Week. This exquisite cuvée has slumbered gently for 96 months—yes, that’s eight years of patient bottle ageing, resulting in a wine that is not merely mature, but deeply wise.

Only 1,600 bottles of this rare beauty exist, each individually numbered and elegantly presented. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, it dances on the palate with soft golden hues, delicate mousse, yeasty complexity, and citrus brightness. It is, quite frankly, dangerously drinkable—mellow yet refined, with a finish that lingers like a whispered compliment.

Six Vineyards, One Vision

Roebuck’s vineyards span West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent, totalling around 150 acres and 260,000 vines—all Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, the classic Champagne triad. The oldest vines date back to 2006, with newer plantings at the Chalkhill Blue site in Kent.

Each vineyard is lovingly divided into 82 micro-parcels, giving Roebuck the ability to manage every block according to its individual needs. This precision farming ensures optimal ripeness and purity of fruit—a true celebration of place and time.

Sustainability with Sophistication

Roebuck doesn’t just talk the green talk—they walk it, with muddy boots and all. Led by Head of Viticulture Jake Wicks and their own in-house ecologist (yes, really), Roebuck has undertaken a serious commitment to sustainability:

• Herbicide-free vineyards using under-vine strimming to preserve soil structure.

• Wildflower meadows, thriving hedgerows, bat boxes, bird boxes and reptile hibernacula—nature has never been so well-accommodated.

• Organic fertilisers and grazing sheep in winter to reduce machinery use (and raise the adorable factor considerably).

• Absolute Greenline neck foils made from sugar cane, with water-based inks—because even the packaging must feel virtuous.

Oenotourism at Its Finest

Roebuck isn’t just about the wine—it’s about the experience. Their Petworth vineyard, perched with panoramic views across the South Downs, hosts an array of lavish seasonal events:

• Sunset Sippings: Wood-fired pizza, live jazz, and sparkling wine while the sun melts over the vines.

• Tours & Tastings: A tutored journey through terroir and time.

• Wine Flights: Three wines, one beautiful view, and zero regrets.

• Feast in the Vines: Local chefs, bespoke menus, long tables, and lots of bubbles—everything a summer evening should be.

Peter Freebody & Co: Crafting Floating Works of Art

Now to the boats. Peter Freebody & Co is no mere manufacturer—they are river royalty. With over 300 years of boatbuilding tradition, this family-run workshop on the Thames is one of the oldest and most revered names afloat.

Their creations are never rented, only commissioned—bespoke, handcrafted, and dripping with old-world glamour.

The Slipper Launch Collection

Each Freebody boat is a siren call to riverside decadence:

• Slipstream: Sleek, silent, and effortlessly chic. With its electric motor, flowing lines and signature lounge seat, it’s the floating equivalent of a Bentley Continental.

• Silhouette: An open-plan dream for those who take their leisure seriously. Ideal for champagne-fuelled afternoons with friends and family.

• Spirit: The statement piece. A purposeful foredeck, with the option of a 4.2L Jaguar straight-six engine for those who want to cruise like it’s 1961. More Connery than contemporary.

All models now come with lithium batteries, Bluetooth sound systems, heated seats, and—crucially—a signature picnic drawer ready to house a bottle (or three) of Roebuck.

From Steam to Style Icons: The Quiet Genius of Peter Freebody & Co

Peter Freebody’s team is led by Richard, alongside his sister Katie, who hand-varnishes each vessel with the care of a Renaissance restorer, and Melanie, who runs the ship-shaped office. From engine rebuilds to full Riva restorations (yes, they’re the UK’s Riva specialists, endorsed by the brand itself), the craftsmanship is second to none.

They’ve even built steam-powered models for the truly eccentric. Boats start from £300,000—or more if you ask for something truly outrageous (and we hope you do).

Fun fact: The June Amelia, once owned by Robbie Coltrane, is currently being lovingly refitted. Hagrid on the water—who knew?

A Gentle Jaunt on the Thames

Our day unfolded aboard the aptly named Diamonds Are Forever, an electric Freebody boat with a 4kWh motor and the kind of silence that whispers luxury. With a simple three-pin plug for overnight charging and no boating licence required, it’s outrageously civilised.

We meandered past Harleyford Manor, a Brunel-era estate tucked between Hurley and Temple Lock, nestled in one of the Thames’ more divine tributaries. Boats are left-hand drive, allowing for courteous mid-river chit-chat with passing vessels, of course.

Lunch at Danesfield House

Lunch was held at the glorious Danesfield House, a fairytale manor perched high above the Thames, with sweeping views across perfectly clipped gardens and ancient woodland. Once a private residence and wartime intelligence hub, today it plays host to those who prefer their countryside escapes with a side of elegance and a dash of sparkling wine.

Guests were ushered through grand archways and sunlit drawing rooms to a private dining space where long tables gleamed beneath chandeliers, dressed with crisp linens, polished silverware, and, naturally, flutes of Roebuck’s finest.

The head chef, Matthew Edmonds, had composed a bespoke seasonal menu, each dish designed to showcase and complement the nuanced character of the wines.

The lamb, slow-cooked to blushing pink perfection, was utterly exquisite—tender enough to fall apart at the mere suggestion of a fork, served with a rosemary jus so divine it surely required ecclesiastical approval.

The Wine Tasting: A Sparkling Symphony

Danielle from Roebuck guided us through an unforgettable tasting that ranged from ethereal to opulent:

Starter: Classic Cuvée 2018

Paired with Citrus Cured Sea Trout (or Asparagus & Hazelnuts)

A bright, zesty opener with delicate citrus and a whisper of baked apple, softened by a touch of brioche. Elegant and crisp—an invigorating match for the freshness of the trout.

Second Course: Blanc de Noirs 2018

Paired with Chicken Liver Parfait (or Beetroot & Goats Cheese Curd)

Smooth and graceful, this poured like silk—layers of ripe apple and honeyed spice wrapped in toasted brioche. A luxurious, almost decadent wine, but never overbearing.

Main Course: Rare Expressions No.96

Paired with Texel Cross Lamb (or Wild Garlic Risotto with Poached Egg)

Rich, structured, and confident—this was the showstopper. Golden and opulent, with flavours of walnut, candied citrus, and a subtle biscuity depth. A perfect companion to the lamb’s earthy sweetness.

Dessert: Rosé de Noirs 2019

Paired with Pineapple Carpaccio, Coconut & Pomegranate

Delicate and beautifully poised, this rosé was all wild strawberries and subtle spice. Light but complex—just the thing to round off the evening with a graceful flourish. Our favourite, naturally.

The Perfect Partnership

This collaboration between Roebuck Estates and Peter Freebody & Co is a masterstroke in British luxury—where sparkling wine and slipper launches meet for an afternoon of elegance, craft, and a whisper of mischief. I shall be back for more.

Roebuck Estates

https://www.roebuckestates.co.uk

Peter Freebody & Co

https://www.peterfreebody.com