The Duchess of Edinburgh marked a huge milestone for a global champagne producer by officially opening its new winery.

Duchess Sophie opened the Domaine Evremond site in Chilham, near Canterbury, a partnership between Taittinger and its UK partner, Hatch Mansfield.

The winery is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of a nearly decade-long project after being purchased in 2015.

This was the first time a major champagne house had invested in the UK with the ambition of producing a top-quality sparkling wine.

The Duchess also revealed a commemorative plaque, which was laid at the winery's entrance.

Other dignitaries, such as the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, were also in attendance.

Domaine Evremond co-founder Patrick McGrath MW said: “Domaine Evremond has been more than 10 years in the making.

“It has been an incredible and exciting journey for all the team, and the driving force throughout has always been that of friendship.”

Champagne Taittinger’s president, Vitalie Taittinger, added: “I feel blessed to have inherited this amazing adventure from my father, along with the friendship at its core.

“We would not be where we are today without Patrick’s incredible hard work bringing the vision for Domaine Evremond to life, cementing the many layers of Anglo-French history and friendship behind this project.”

Acres of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes were first planted in 2017.

The site comprises 125 hectares, including 60 vineyards and the state-of-the-art winery, which began construction two years ago after being unanimously approved by bosses at Ashford Borough Council.

The Taittinger family also presented the first edition of Domaine Evremond’s Classic Cuvee at the event.

The wine will be sold in spring next year, when the Cellar Door opens to the public.