Heritage
1600 the earliest building is raised.
1797 The central farmhouse known as Elms Farm was built by the De Gruchy family. The working farm was devoted to apple trees until it gradually gave way to the twin crops of potatoes and cauliflowers.
1940 The Germans occupied Jersey and the ability to maintain the farm in good condition was impaired. After the war, the family's care of the property disappeared; the land was let, the buildings sank into disrepair and a pathetic squalor took over.
1968 The farm had become dilapidated and sold to the Blayney family. They restored the house and reversed its fortunes.
1972 Robert and Ann Blayney planted Jersey's first commercial vineyard and developed La Mare to include not just vineyards but also the Jersey Distillery and the Jersey Farmhouse Provision range
1976 The estate, which was six acres in size opened to visitors and developed into a major tourism attraction.
1978 In response to a demand for genuine Jersey goods, a range of preserves and mustards was launched. Using last century recipes, such as the traditional Black Butter, La Mare developed the widest and best known range of preserves on the island.
1994 To keep up with the demand of Apple Brandy production the original distillery from Calvados was inaugurated.
1997 Retiring to a less hectic life, Robert and Ann sold La Mare to the current owner.
1998 Tim Crowley was appointed to manage the estate and Simon Day as the estate wine consultant.
2004 Daniel De Carteret was appointed wine maker and production manager.
2007 The company won the NatWest Best Small Business Category and then went on to win the Jersey Telecom Best Business of the Year Award. It was La Mare's rapid transformation from a small tourist attraction business to a professionally managed wine estate that impressed the judges.
2007 Managing Director Tim Crowley expanded the visitor and conference business.
2008 Award winning products: La Mare Black Butter is awarded 2 gold stars and the Cider Mustard 1 gold star from the prestigious and independent Great Taste Awards 2008
Tim Crowley- Managing Director (centre)
Daniel De Carteret- Wine Maker (left)
Daren Stower- Chocolatier (right)
Born and bred in Cork, Southern Ireland, Tim grew up helping out at their family grocers, before moving to Middleton. After studying Hospitality at Hotel & Catering College in Ireland, Tim came to Jersey. His career started with The Seymour Group of hotels and went on to spend 10 years working for the Guiton Group. Since joining La Mare he has developed the La Mare brand within the local market and recently expanding into the UK market. When Tim is not working he enjoys playing golf, watching rugby and spending time travelling with his wife Tracey.
Daniel was born in Jersey and lived in New Zealand & Australia for nine years where he studied for four years before gaining his formal qualification as a winemaker.
Daniel then worked in vineyards around New Zealand before returning to Jersey to take over of the daily running of the production, vineyards and orchards at La Mare Wine Estate. In his spare time Daniel enjoys gastronomy, low water fishing and travelling with his family.
Darren is originally from Australia and can proudly say he is the only chocolatier in Jersey.After travelling the world as a pastry chef on board of the QE2 cruise liner, Darren disembarked in Jersey in 2002 where he worked as a pastry chef in a renowned restaurant.
In 2006 Darren finished his training as a chocolatier in Manchester before joining the Estate.When Darren is not covered with chocolate you might see him sailing on his Hobie Cat around the Jersey coastal line.
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