Duchess of Cornwall to be figurehead for English wine

Pictured - Christopher White, General Manager, HRH the Prince of Wales, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall on a recent visit to Denbies
The Duchess of Cornwall has been appointed president of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association. (as reported in Decanter Magazine)

The Duchess takes over from Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, who will become Honorary Lifetime President in recognition of his long term dedication and commitment to the UK wine industry, UKVA said.

‘We are delighted and honoured that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to be our new President,’ UKVA chairman Ian Edwards said.

‘Her support for this growing industry acknowledges the phenomenal growth in awareness of English and Welsh vineyards and wines.’

The Duchess will host next year’s English and Welsh Wine of the Year awards – held this year in the House of Lords.

Trade organisation English Wine Producers (EWP) could not confirm the venue yet, but did say that the awards have grown so much that they will have to go for ‘somewhere bigger’.

The Duchess of Cornwall has already demonstrated both an appreciation of English wine, and a flair for pithy comment.

On a visit to Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey, she said English sparkling wine was so good ‘it's annoying not to be able to call it Champagne, when it is Champagne.’

Former UKVA Chairman, Bob Lindo of Camel Valley vineyards, which the Duchess has also visited, said, ‘Her Royal Highness’s evident interest in English wines makes her an ideal figurehead for our industry.’