Decanter World Wine AwardsDuchess of Cornwall to be figurehead for English wine
- Tuesday 26 July 2011
The Duchess of Cornwall and Camel Valley's Bob Lindo (David Griffen Photography)
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.’
Have your say!
Gregory Sims, Berlin
July 29 10:03
I hope that, through the Duchess (once she's mastered the basics of holding a wine glass), her husband's influence will make itself felt in English wine-growing, so that more and more vineyards will convert to organic viticulture. (By the way, I had to laugh out loud at Fraser Bailey's remark! Typical English wit?...)
Fraser Bailey
July 28 10:58
Well, that's put me off English wine for some time to come.
Luc
July 27 23:15
French department store owner heard to say "It is annoying not to be able to call it Harrods, when it is Harrods."
Leanne Hayward
July 27 13:50
Here here Gregory! She needs a quick course not only in holding a glass but understanding why Champagne is a french term, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., Make that a longish course, however we all wish the wine industry and her well in the promotion of English wine