Guided by the spirit of innovation and the discovery of new horizons, Maison Taittinger is making the sky a new territory with a hot air balloon bearing its name, created on the initiative of Hatch Mansfield.

From its historic home in Champagne, the Taittinger family has always been guided by a spirit of innovation. While this is naturally reflected in the style of Taittinger wines, as well as the House’s commitment to art and haute cuisine, it also extends to its activities and investments overseas.

The Taittinger name makes its mark on English skies

If you raise your eyes to the skies above England between May and October, there’s a good chance you’ll see a hot air balloon bearing the Maison Taittinger’s signature. 

Indeed, since 2007 the brand has been climbing to new heights to offer friends of the House a breathtaking experience. For example, a lucky few have had the opportunity to take to the skies for a tasting of the House’s iconic wines, as they admire the English countryside below.

Like Taittinger champagnes themselves, the hot air balloon is a poetic symbol of freedom, voyaging, adventure, elevation and celebration; all of which are values dearly held by Vitalie and Clovis Taittinger. 

On 16 May, the House’s new crown jewel, the Cameron O-90 G-CMSB, was unveiled, allowing its predecessor to leave the stage after over 15 years of loyal and stellar service. Pete Dalby, Taittinger’s lead pilot for over 17 years, had the privilege of taking the new balloon with its black-and-white envelope on its maiden flight from Freshford to Bath. 

One of the first things this passionate aeronaut will tell you is that, in addition to having an innate sense of how to manoeuvre the balloon, for a successful flight one also needs perfect weather conditions. In Great Britain, the weather is often highly changeable, and it’s not uncommon for flights to be cancelled at the last minute. 

On board the Taittinger balloon, the aeronaut’s passengers had the chance to take part in an extraordinary scientific experiment: a Taittinger Champagne tasting at altitude, to study its effects on the wine’s flavour and effervescence: a moment that will be etched into the memory of this veteran aviator. 

Cameron Ballons Ltd, manufacturer of aerial marvels

Made in Bristol by Cameron Balloons Ltd, the world’s oldest hot-air balloon factory, Taittinger balloons are technical marvels whose production process is quite remarkable. 

In its factory, Cameron Balloons Ltd applies aviation industry standards. Its workshops are equipped with the very latest CAD software, as well as an exclusive fabric design software developed in-house, a lab for testing fabrics and components, including tensile testing machines, and a facility for exposing fabrics to UV rays and simulated weather conditions.

Throughout his career, Don Cameron, aeronautical engineer and founder of Cameron Balloons Ltd, has received prestigious awards from the British Royal Aero Club for his achievements and records.

Given French regulations regarding the advertisement of alcohol, fans of Champagne Taittinger and hot air balloons won’t have the chance to see the balloon flying in French skies. However, it’s possible that a new balloon will soon be appearing over the Domaine Evremond, the new English Sparkling wine from the Taittinger family. Whether : whether in France or abroad, on land or in the skies, the Maison Taittinger is always keeping its eyes peeled for exciting new horizons.

Text : Katia Demissy
Photos © Studio Danvers