Chilham vineyard opens celebratory first bottle of wine
Posted on 4 October 2024A wine estate in Ashford has proudly opened its first bottle in Kent, nearly ten years after a renowned Champagne producer acquired the land.
Champagne Taittinger, along with its UK agency and partner, Hatch Mansfield, purchased the Chilham property in 2015 and planted the initial vines in 2017.
The 380-acre site, which was formerly an apple and pear orchard, has been named Domaine Evremond, in honour of Charles de Saint-Evremond, who is regarded as the first ambassador of Champagne in England. The estate was inaugurated by Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Spanning 150 acres of vines, the estate also features a winery, with this year’s harvest set to commence soon.
“We must improve our practices and adapt our timeline. What we are doing now may be different in ten years, but we will work in harmony with nature.”
Vitalie Taittinger, President of Champagne Taittinger
It is excellent to see Ashford being chosen for investment in the food and drink industry.
The Ashford Borough is home to 410 hospitality businesses and food and drink producers including vineyards such as Biddenden Vineyards, Chapel Down and Gusbourne, all of which are attracting large numbers of visitors every year.
