The celebrated French champagne house, Taittinger, has spearheaded a premium sparkling wine production in Kent’s Domaine Evremond, solidifying England’s place as a burgeoning powerhouse in the world of fine wines. Opened to the public last year with a new visitor centre, the vineyard welcomes enthusiasts to explore its offerings and enjoy tastings.
Rising Prominence of English Sparkling Wine
With a majority stake of 51% in the vineyard, Taittinger is deeply involved in the production of English sparkling wine, particularly Pinot Meunier grapes. Hilary Sharp, a sales executive at the vineyard, heralds England as an exciting wine region during tours at Domaine Evremond. This sentiment mirrors the views in Henry Jeffreys’ book, “Vines in a Cold Climate,” which charts England’s journey from the fringes of the winemaking world to an esteemed industry within just three decades.
The vineyard, named after French aristocrat Charles de Saint-Évremond, who famously introduced champagne to England, adds a historical context to this Anglo-French partnership. The new Edition I bubbly—a creamy, citrus treat—has already graced palates, including that of King Charles III, who lauded it during a banquet with French President Emmanuel Macron.
State-of-the-Art Production and Tastings
Guided by vineyard director Christelle Rinville, and leveraging the expertise behind the Channel Tunnel digging for its deep cellar construction, Domaine Evremond is equipped with a subterranean winery capable of housing 1.5 million bottles. Visitors can savour the wine on-site, enjoying a delightful £12.50 per glass or £55 for a bottle, amid picturesque English landscapes.
Reflecting the region’s unique climate—with conditions similar to Champagne in the 1970s—the unirrigated vineyard benefits from the warmest summer on record, predicting an earlier than usual grape harvest. The location is befitting its latitude of 51 degrees north, ideal for viticulture.
Engagement and Expansion
Kent’s rich viticultural history is thriving under initiatives like the Kentish Wine Way, launched in August 2026, promoting the area as England’s most awarded wine region. The county, encompassing over 120 working vineyards and nurturing 25% of the UK’s vine area, delivered in excess of five million bottles in the last harvest alone.
Adding to the county’s prestigious wine offerings, Domaine Evremond collaborates as part of the Wine Garden of England, encouraging wine tourism and exploration of the area’s bountiful viticulture, enveloping visitors in not just wine, but a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.