Queen Elizabeth II Sparkling Wine: Celebrate Like Royalty

Raise a Glass to Royalty: The Story Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Sparkling Wine

By Jim Hopper, Wine Cooling Expert

When it’s time to celebrate a special occasion, many of us reach for something sparkling. But what if you could toast your milestone with a wine truly fit for royalty? Imagine raising a glass of sparkling wine crafted under the guidance of Queen Elizabeth II herself.

To ensure you enjoy your sparkling wine at its very best, check out our comprehensive Wine Cooling and Serving Guide for expert tips on proper storage and serving temperatures. To truly savor sparkling wine as Queen Elizabeth II did, serving it at the perfect temperature is essential. Discover what is the best temperature for Champagne to ensure every glass you pour is crisp and refreshing.

The Queen’s Royal Taste for Sparkling Wine

Queen Elizabeth II was known for her refined palate and her fondness for sparkling wines. In fact, Champagne was often her drink of choice to wind down in the evening. Over the years, she granted her royal warrant to several prestigious Champagne houses, including Bollinger, Lanson, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Pol Roger. This tradition of enjoying the finest sparkling wines set the stage for what would become one of her most unique royal projects.

The Birth of Windsor Vineyard

In 2011, Laithwaite’s, one of the United Kingdom’s largest wine retailers, received permission to establish a vineyard at Windsor Great Park, just a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle. The vineyard was planted with classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. These grapes were carefully tended, echoing the Queen’s appreciation for quality and tradition.

The first harvest took place in 2013, and after two years of aging, the inaugural release of Windsor Vineyard English Quality Sparkling Wine was ready. Only 3,000 bottles were produced, making this a truly exclusive vintage. Unsurprisingly, every bottle sold out quickly—after all, it’s not every day you have the chance to own a wine directly linked to the British royal family.

Royal Prestige and Collectability

The allure of Windsor Vineyard sparkling wine goes beyond its royal origins. Like rare vintages from the world’s top Champagne houses, these bottles have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Their limited production, combined with the Queen’s personal connection, means their value is likely to appreciate over time—making them both a celebratory drink and a prized investment.

Inspired to start your own royal wine collection? Explore our guide to the best wine cellar cooling unit for beginners to keep your bottles in pristine condition.

A Toast to Legacy

Queen Elizabeth II’s sparkling wine project is more than just a bottle on the table—it’s a reflection of her enduring influence on British culture and the world of wine. From her evenings spent sipping Champagne to her support of English winemaking, the Queen’s legacy sparkles as brightly as the wines she enjoyed.

If you enjoy a variety of wines like the Queen, you’ll want to know what is the correct temperature when serving wine for reds, whites, and everything in between.

So, the next time you raise a glass to mark a special occasion, remember: you can celebrate like royalty, following in the footsteps of a monarch whose taste was truly timeless.

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a fellow wine enthusiast? Check out our picks for the best wine cooling systems gifts to help them celebrate in style.

Beyond Bubbles: The Queen’s Other Favorite Drinks

While sparkling wine held a special place in Queen Elizabeth II’s heart, her appreciation for fine beverages extended well beyond bubbles. At state banquets and private gatherings alike, the Queen was known to enjoy classic Bordeaux reds, including renowned names like Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Margaux. Sauternes, especially the prestigious Château d’Yquem, often appeared alongside traditional French dishes at royal events.

Want to experience your wine at its fullest potential? Discover the benefits of decanting wine—a technique often used for fine reds like those enjoyed at royal banquets.

Her palate also favored sweet wines from Alsace and Germany, with selections such as Domaine Weinbach gracing her milestone celebrations. Spirits were another staple in her repertoire—gin with Dubonnet was a longstanding personal favorite, while Scotch whisky paid homage to her Scottish heritage and fondness for Balmoral.

These diverse choices reflect a monarch whose tastes were as refined and varied as her reign was long, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions that shaped royal dining.