# English Wine Comes of Age: Taittinger Backs Kent's Sparkling Revolution
Taittinger, the storied French champagne house, has placed a major bet on England. The Reims-based producer now owns 51% of Domaine Evremond, a premium winery in Kent that specializes in English sparkling wine. The vineyard's visitor centre opened last year alongside the release of its inaugural bottling, marking a watershed moment for a region once dismissed as marginal.
The timing reflects a quiet revolution. English sparkling wine has transformed from a punchline into a genuinely competitive product. Visitors touring Domaine Evremond near Chilham will see rows of Pinot Meunier grapes stretching toward the village's flint-and-limestone church tower. Hilary Sharp, the winery's host and sales executive, states plainly: "England is now the most exciting wine region."
This isn't hype. Kent's chalk soils, southern exposure, and warming climate now produce wines that rival Champagne's best. The region benefits from the same geological conditions that make northern France's vineyards legendary. Rising temperatures have extended growing seasons, allowing grapes to ripen fully. English producers now compete directly with French houses at international wine competitions, often winning.
Taittinger's involvement carries symbolic weight. The champagne house didn't invest in Kent for sentimental reasons. The company sees genuine opportunity. English sparkling wines command premium prices, with top bottles selling for 40 to 50 pounds or more. Production remains small compared to France, creating scarcity value. The English wine category has grown at double-digit rates annually over the past decade.
Domaine Evremond represents a new model for English wine tourism. Rather than simply selling bottles, the winery invites visitors to experience production firsthand. The visitor centre offers tastings of estate wines alongside food pairings. This experiential approach appeals to affluent travellers seeking authentic encounters. Kent's proximity to London, just 45 minutes by rail from central London via Southeastern trains, makes it accessible for weekend trips.
The broader English wine scene extends beyond Kent. Sussex, Surrey, and even Essex now have established vineyards. Many offer wine bars, restaurants, and accommodation. Several premium properties function as destination wineries. This infrastructure attracts wine tourists who might otherwise visit Bordeaux or Burgundy.
English sparkling wines carry lower environmental footprints than imports from France. Regional producers emphasize sustainable farming. Many visitors feel good about supporting local producers while reducing carbon emissions from long-distance shipping.
Prices remain accessible compared to aged Champagne. English sparkling wines typically cost 15 to 35 pounds at the cellar door. Restaurants charge 40 to 60 pounds per bottle. This positions English fizz as an affordable luxury for middle-market consumers.
The category still represents tiny production volumes. English vineyards produce roughly 4 million bottles annually, compared to 300 million for Champagne. This scarcity supports premium positioning. Limited availability creates demand among collectors and enthusiasts.
For travel planners, Kent's wine country now rivals established European destinations. Day trips from London work well. Multi-day stays allow exploration of several vineyards. Accommodation ranges from farm stays to luxury country hotels. Domaine Evremond and similar properties serve as anchors for wine-focused itineraries.