Bride Valley Wines – Interview With Sam Flood

There is no denying that English Sparkling Wine is on the rise, becoming an undeniable contender to Traditional Method Sparkling Wines around the world. To the English, it’s becoming a fan favourite and a go-to Glass of Bubbly, its quality is improving year on year and thanks to innovators and those willing to follow their dreams, the choice of English Sparkling Wine is expanding.

In this exclusive feature on Glass of Bubbly, we speak with Sam Flood, the Vineyard Assistant of Bride Valley Wines, in Dorchester, England, let’s discover a little about his life, his journey into the industry and one of his favourite bubbly memories.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Sam, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Journey Into The Wine Industry Began?

“You too Oliver, I started in wine about ten years ago. working in a restaurant where wine was paired with the dishes and a lot of fine wine was sold, into winemaking and viticulture, my first vintage was in Gavi, Piedmont, North East Italy, not a bad place to start..”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Label It Was?

“I do and unfortunately I think it was Lambrini. My first positive experience with sparkling wine would highly likely have been in London with my family and it would have no doubt been Veuve.”

When It Comes To Pairing Your Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“For me, I’d take the Bdb (Blanc de Blanc) and have it with a quality cheese board. Good high acidity of the Chardonnay to cut through the fat of the cheese, also can never go wrong with a few crackers with a glass of bubbles.”

If You Could Choose A Person In The World, Past Or Present, To Have A Glass of Bubbly With; Who Would It Be And Why? What Would You Drink And Why?

“I think I would go for Darwin, to meet someone who was so integral to the science of our planet would be very interesting to talk to. I’ve always wanted to try Krug, seems like that would be a fitting time to give that a whirl.”

Can You Share With Us Some Of The Countries And Locations Around The World That You Can Enjoy A Glass Of Bride Valley?

“Currently Bride Valley is only available in the UK and California.”

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Bride Valley Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“So, we currently have around fifty thousand vines. In the near future, we’re looking to raise that to around seventy five thousand, with the vision of pushing a bit more into still wine, exploring some new styles and varieties.”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“That’s a tough one, I’ve drunk a lot of sparkling wine in my life. I think the best one is always the last one, as for me the wine is enhanced by the experience you’re having at the same time. However, if I had to pick one it would probably be popping my first magnum with my mates from work, which if I remember correctly was Dom P. must have been feeling flush..”

Thank you Sam, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Sam Flood & Bride Valley Wines. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.