Special bottling celebrates two decades of winemaking, featuring Lily Mixe’s original vineyard-inspired artwork.
Gusbourne has announced a limited-edition release of its Blanc de Blancs 2016 to mark the estate’s two decades of winemaking. This special bottling features original artwork by artist Lily Mixe, inspired by the flora and fauna of the Kent-based producer’s vineyard. The release comprises 500 bottles, presented in individually numbered gift boxes, and will be available from 22nd October 2026, with Gusbourne members offered access beforehand.
To commemorate its 20th vintage year, Gusbourne collaborated with Lily Mixe to bring the landscape of the estate directly to the bottle. Rather than a standard commemorative label, the company invited Lily Mixe onto the estate to develop an original work. The resulting piece, “Roots-Nest,” serves as the artwork featured on the limited-edition bottle and gift box, and also exists as a permanent mural at The Nest, Gusbourne’s cellar door and tasting rooms located in Appledore, Kent.
Lily Mixe’s artistic practice focuses on natural patterns and materials, and she works with inks and pigments made from organic sources, including soil sourced onsite at Gusbourne for this project. Her work has previously been exhibited at Turner Contemporary and Saatchi Gallery. Commenting on her inspiration, 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.”
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She added: “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.”
Laura Rhys, Master Sommelier, commented on the wine itself, stating, “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.” She noted that upon its initial release, Gusbourne knew it had “enormous potential” with an “exciting combination of ripeness and enticing acidity.”
Now, in 2026, a decade on from its harvest year, this wine has undergone five years on lees and a further four and a half on cork. Laura Rhys described its current development as “incredibly poised, layered, subtle and complex,” showing “some of those tertiary toasted-nut notes, and a hint of white mushroom character.” She concluded, “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 limited-edition Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2016 is priced at £95 per single bottle.
