Winemaker Chapel Down marked the launch of its wines in France with an event on the opening night of Paris Fashion Week.

The Tenterden-based producer, which also makes Curious Brew lagers, hosted the gathering with British haute-couture fashion brand Ralph and Russo.

Hip hop star Nelly provided entertainment for the party at the Place Vendôme on Monday.

The company, which also has vineyards near Blue Bell Hill and in the Weald, announced a partnership with luxury wine distributor Perles Du Monde to sell its products across the English Channel.

It will be distributed across France by the firm, which is led by former Champagne Bollinger general manager Philippe Gauthier.

Mr Gauthier said: “We are delighted to set up our partnership of English sparkling wines with Chapel Down.

“The French market, particularly at the premium end, is open and excited to discover new quality sparkling wines from wonderful origins other than France.”

The deal to export wine to Paris comes after Chapel Down announced its wines were being exported to the United States in October.

Its wines are also available in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Copenhagen and Helsinki.

Managing director Mark Harvey said: “I am humbled and excited to think that Chapel Down will now be served at some of the finest establishments in France – a country with such a long and successful history in the world of sparkling wine.

“The initial reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. And what an occasion at which to launch – in the heart of Paris’s first arrondissement, the home of some of the world’s finest luxury brands.”