The British Royal Family is supporting the wine industry in England. According to an article published in Decanter.com, during May, three hectares of grapevines will be planted in Windsor Great Park. The article, Royal Vineyards Planted in Windsor, by Adam Lechmere notes the vineyards will be managed by Laithwaites. However the Duke of Edinburgh has taken an interest in this project and is overseeing it.

The vineyards will have Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These are the grape varietals used in producing Champagne. All wine produced from these grapes will be sparkling wines. We look forward to watching the growth of the vineyards and their first anticipated vintage of 2013.

According to Lechmere, “The news that such a high-profile vineyard is being planted has given a massive boost to English sparkling wine, which is already riding a wave of popularity.”

Interest in English wines is growing. However as we learned while visiting wineries in England, there is a notable difference between English wine and British wine. If you want English wine produced with grapes grown in England be sure to ask for English wine.  British wine is produced with juice imported from anywhere in the world.

If you are looking for quality sparkling wines produced in England, look for wines produced at Ridgeview Wine Estate in Sussex, England. Read a review of Ridgeview Wine Estate by Wine Trail Traveler.