Royal Vineyards to be planted in Windsor Great Park

Vines are to planted in Windsor Great Park for the production of a Royal Sparkling Wine. The project is to be managed by a team from Laithwaites Wine and overseen by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh himself. The team, led by Laithwaites chief exec Simon McMurtrie, are understood to be planting the first of the 16,700 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines next week and the first vintage is hoped to be 2013. Simon McMurtrie commented that: "As champions of English wine, we are delighted to do what we can to help boost its production and popularity in this country at this time."

The land is owned by the royal family and managed by Royal Farms and the Duke has been said to be taking a real interest in the project. This move is sure to give a huge boost to the English wine industry and will undoubtedly provide world-wide interest as it develops.


The royal family have given royal warrants to no less than six champagne houses, so are likely going to be one of their new vineyards biggest customers.