Albion partner with Balfour Winery in new five-year deal

2026-08-20T10:00+01:00

Albion have signed a commercial partnership with Balfour Winery as the club’s official English wine partner in a new five-year agreement.

The Kent-based producer will become the exclusive supplier of English still and sparkling wines across all hospitality areas at the American Express Stadium, beginning with the start of the 2026/27 season this Sunday against Aston Villa.

The collaboration unites two progressive south coast institutions with a shared ambition to celebrate home-grown excellence on an international stage.

The Albion, celebrating 125 years of history this season, marked the occasion by pouring glasses of Balfour Leslie’s Brut NV to VIP guests at the opening event for ‘The Stand or Fall’ exhibition at The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

As part of the partnership, members of the club’s premium 1901 Club will receive exclusive perks, including invitations to private tastings and bespoke events at Balfour’s 400-acre Hush Heath Estate in Kent.

In a fitting start to the partnership, Albion’s UEFA Conference League fixture against Norwegian side Tromso IL coincides with Balfour’s top export destination, with Norway being the winery's largest market outside the UK.

Jo Brooks, Head of Partnerships at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, said, "We’re really excited to partner with Balfour Winery and look forward to working with them for the next five years. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, it’s brilliant to welcome a local, award-winning English brand like Balfour to the Albion family. We can’t wait to share their wines and work together in evaluating the experience for our members throughout the season."

Alannah Bayard, Head of Brand, at Balfour said, “Balfour Winery is one of English wine’s great home-grown success stories. What began in 2002 with a few vines planted around the family home in Kent has grown into one of the country’s most awarded and visited wineries.

“Like football, wine is something to be enjoyed together. This partnership is about celebrating shared experiences, bringing people together and championing the very best of our home-grown talent.”

Jordan Painter, Director of Sales at Balfour, said, “Brighton & Hove Albion have seen remarkable growth on and off the pitch, both in the UK and internationally. At Balfour, we share strong parallels with the club based on innovation, ambition, and confidence, making this partnership a clear and easy decision for us.

"With Brighton kicking off the season against Norway's Tromso, it provides a particularly fitting way to start working together given Norway is our largest export market. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our capabilities as a top-tier English winery.”