RL Commercial, the commercial arm of the Rugby Football League (RFL), has named Les Vignes du Vent the official wine of the Betfred Super League.
As per the agreement, Les Vignes du Vent will become the first-ever official wine partner of the Betfred Super League, meaning rugby fans will be able to enjoy the wine at selected matches and venues across the UK.
The Perpignan-based co-operative, a union of the main cellars of Roussillon which was founded in 1964, has stated that it aims to use the deal to increase its presence in England.
At the beginning of the 2024 season, the wine brand entered into an official partnership with the Catalans Dragons. As part of this collaboration, its wines are available at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Recently, the Dragons players had the opportunity to visit the company’s main headquarters in Perpignan, further solidifying the partnership.
Fabienne Bonet, CEO of Les Vignes du Vent, said: “Les Vignes du Vent represents more than 1,000 producers in the Roussillon area, covering more than 8,000 hectares of vines. We began sales to the UK in 1976, and now have a presence in more than 40 countries.
“We are very happy to make this announcement – we already have a successful partnership with the Dragons and we want to go further and share our fraternal and enthusiastic spirit with all of Super League.’’
The partnership between Les Vignes du Vent and the Catalans Dragons marks a significant milestone, much like several other pioneering deals made by RL Commercial this year.
Notably, RL Commercial, in collaboration with IMG and Voono, introduced a free-to-play fantasy Super League game in January, aiming to grow the league amongst younger fans.
Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Les Vignes du Vent as new partners for the sport in the UK as well as France, underlining the appeal of Betfred Super League on both sides of the Channel.
“The profile of the Catalans Dragons is growing in France and England through their on-field success in recent years, with their Challenge Cup Final win at Wembley in 2018 and two Grand Final appearances at Old Trafford in the last three seasons.
“Thousands of supporters of English Super League clubs have become familiar with the culinary appeals of Perpignan and the surrounding areas through the involvement of the Dragons in the competition over the last two decades, so this is a natural and exciting next step.”
