Our Story
1797 The central farmhouse known as Elms Farm was built by the De Gruchy family. The working farm was initially devoted to apple trees. In later years the farm ran into disrepair until in 1968 a local family, the Blayney’s reversed its fortunes.
In 1972 the first vine was planted and since then our Estate has matured and developed into a six acre commercial vineyard, distillery and popular tourist attraction. In response to increasing demand for genuine Jersey produce La Mare Wine Estate creates an extensive range of preserves, handcrafted confectionary and an iconic selection of wines, ales, ciders, liqueurs and spirits.
Today La Mare provides an elegant wedding venue, state of the art corporate function rooms and an exciting tourist attraction
The Story So Far
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.
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 and the buildings sank into disrepair.
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 owners - The Owen Family.
1998
Tim Crowley was appointed to manage the estate.
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.
2012
La Mare was awarded the Jersey Enterprise Environmental Award, La Mare also holds a Gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
2013
La Mare launched it’s Royal Vodka and Royal Gin.
2016
Growth of the popular La Mare products both locally and nationally results in more expansion at La Mare, including new members to the team and a new warehouse behind the production building.
2017
Maison La Mare rebrands to Maison de Jersey and has upgrade to provide a more island wide offering.
2018
La Mare launched it's new Royal Pink Gin.
2019
La Mare spends £700,000 on renovating The Winery function room.
March 2020
La Mare welcomes Tom Walker - new production manager and wine maker.
April 2020
La Mare launches its new hand sanitiser in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
November 2020
La Mare launched its first limited edition Christmas gin range.
February 2022
La Mare Wine Estate is delighted to introduce our new Head Winemaker Jordi Sanvicens Moreno.
May 2023
La Mare plants a new Vineyard. The new rows will consist of twelve Solaris, a variety of grape used for producing white wine, with five rows of Regent, a red grape variety.
November 2023
Launched Winter Berry Gin - This artisanal spirit is a testament to the Estate's dedication to celebrating the best of Jersey produce, and particularly, the cherished Jersey Royal Potato.