I just returned from an exciting 5-day tour of the English Wine Region, located about an hour’s drive south of London. Did you know there are now 212 wineries in England, and the primarily focus on making sparkling wine, due to their cooler climate and chalky soil! Below is a description of my visit to Domaine Evremond, a new winery that just opened in April of 2025.
Domaine Evremond: A Franco-English Sparkling Wine Dream Realized
Patrick McGrath welcomed us warmly to Domaine Evremond, introducing the team that has brought this pioneering winery to life. Among them was his daughter, India McGrath—Director of Sales, Marketing & Communications, and the very first employee of the estate. She now works hand in hand with Vitalie Taittinger, President of Domaine Evremond, to guide the brand’s vision.
Patrick explained that Domaine Evremond was born from a shared dream between himself and his lifelong friend, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger: to craft English Sparkling Wine of the highest quality. Gesturing to a large map on the wall, he recounted the story of how the vineyards and winery were developed.
Planting the Vineyards of Domaine Evremond
The idea for Domaine Evremond began in 2014 when Pierre-Emmanuel suggested they embark on a sparkling wine venture in England, much like the family’s successful Domaine Carneros in California. To identify the best site, they consulted Stephen Skelton, one of the world’s foremost authorities on English viticulture. His advice was clear: focus on Kent, a region with the ideal cool climate and chalk-rich soils reminiscent of Champagne.
The winery was named after Charles de Saint-Évremond (1613–1703), a French poet, literary critic, and Champagne’s first true ambassador to England. Living at the court of Charles II for more than 40 years, Saint-Évremond introduced Champagne to the king and became so beloved that he was buried in Poet’s Corner, Westminster Abbey. Inspired by his story, the Taittinger family proposed naming the winery Domaine Evremond, as a symbol of the enduring French-English bond. The project was formally announced in 2015 at Westminster Abbey, receiving global recognition as the first Champagne House to invest in English winemaking.
With Skelton’s guidance, the partners acquired Stone Stile Farm from the Gaskain family in 2015. The estate spans 125 hectares of predominantly south- and west-facing slopes, perfectly suited for sparkling wine grapes. The first 61 hectares were planted in 2017: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Meunier.
The Gaskains, experienced farmers, remained actively involved in vineyard management. Today, Mark Gaskain (Managing Director of Gaskains Ltd) and Jason Streatfield (Farm & Vineyard Manager) oversee daily operations, working closely with the Taittinger team.
Building the Winery for Domaine Evremond
“Only a year and a half ago, this winery was just a hole in the ground,” Patrick recalled, showing us a photo of the chalky pit that preceded today’s facility. The build cost approximately £10 million, excluding land acquisition.
The winery officially opened in April 2025, though winemaking began earlier in temporary facilities. Once complete, tanks and equipment were transferred from an old barn into the sleek new cellars. Despite bureaucratic challenges—including a wastewater issue that delayed construction for over a year—the final result is impressive: a modern visitor center with sweeping vineyard views, and extensive underground cellars capable of housing 1.5 million bottles.
Descending into the chalky depths with Patrick and India, we were struck by the scale of the stainless-steel tanks, gyropalettes, and the cool, damp air that hinted at the wines maturing quietly below ground.
Tasting the First Edition of Domaine Evremond
Our visit culminated in a tasting of the 1st Edition of Domaine Evremond. Rather than calling it “non-vintage,” the team uses the term “multi-vintage,” with each release seen as a new edition reflecting their evolving house style.
The wine—pale straw with fine, streaming bubbles—was served in elegant tulip glasses. Aromas of citrus, sea breeze, and peach blossom lifted from the glass. On the palate, bright lemon and chalk mingled with a whisper of peach, creating a delicate, refined, and elegant profile.
This inaugural cuvée combines 80% from the 2020 vintage and 20% from 2019, bottled in 2021. The blend is 55% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Meunier, vinified in stainless steel with malolactic fermentation, and aged for three years on the lees. At 12% alcohol, with 7g/L residual sugar and 8g/L total acidity, it strikes a poised and balanced style.
The packaging reflects both heritage and modernity: the bottle mirrors the shape of Domaine Carneros, while the oval label references a 1659 portrait of Saint-Évremond. A delicate five-petalled flower engraved on the glass is inspired by his crest.
Distribution and Sales for Domaine Evremond
Domaine Evremond’s 1st Edition is priced at £55. A pre-release tasting in February attracted over 200 wine agents, generating significant excitement. Leveraging Taittinger’s international distribution network, the wine is already reaching global markets.
For visitors, bottles are available at the cellar door, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as online. Guests can also book tastings, with experiences ranging from £25 to £140 per person.
