Royal Wedding: This Is A Moment For English Sparkling Wines

Originally published in Forbes.

The celebratory atmosphere surrounding the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has yet to die down. Over the weekend, some details about the royal parties emerged, including news that Pol Roger was the official Champagne.

The international spotlight on all things British means that there has been no better time for English sparkling wines to shine. A statement from Buckingham Palace about the wedding lunch did not mention which wines were served besides Pol Roger; but given recent instances of British sparkling wines served during state dinners, there's a high likelihood that at least one example of British fizz was served.

The celebratory atmosphere surrounding the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has yet to die down. Over the weekend, some details about the royal parties emerged, including news that Pol Roger was the official Champagne.

The international spotlight on all things British means that there has been no better time for English sparkling wines to shine. A statement from Buckingham Palace about the wedding lunch did not mention which wines were served besides Pol Roger; but given recent instances of British sparkling wines served during state dinners, there's a high likelihood that at least one example of British fizz was served.

Chapel Down is a British wine brand based in Kent. It is an official supplier to 10 Downing Street. The brand sponsors the Royal Ascot race, and works with the London Symphony and the Royal Opera House.

Their award-winning wines were served at the other royal wedding, that of Kate Middleton to Prince William. But following royal etiquette, even years after the 2011 wedding, Chapel Down executives are quick to point out that those details never came from them.

It follows that wine executives can't confirm or deny any links to the May 19th wedding of the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex. "We can't say anything," Chapel Down winemaker Josh Donaghy-Spire says. "If you supply the royal household and you talk about it, you don't supply the royal household again."

That said, the royal wedding is likely to feature at least one wine from the U.K. "I'd love for them to serve an English sparkling wine," Donaghy-Spire says. "I'd love for them to serve ours. Whatever it is, it will be great."