Two newbies are joining one of England’s best established sparkling wines on board the Queen’s barge, The Royal Chartwell, leading the 1000-strong flotilla on Sunday 3 June.

Alongside Nyetimber’s Classic Cuvée 2007 will be Stopham Pinot Blanc 2010 from Simon Woodhead in Sussex (vineyard pictured here), and Albury Vineyard Silent Pool Rosé 2011 in Surrey.

You may have heard of Stopham Vineyard – Simon’s Pinot Gris has been creating quite a stir, even featuring as Jancis Robinson MW’s Wine of the Week. Albury Vineyard might be a new name though – and for good reason – this is its first vintage to be released!

From one of the few organic vineyards in England – you can imagine, our damp weather doesn’t help! – Nick Wenman has named his first wine after the crystal clear lake next to the vineyard. “According to local legend a beautiful young maiden drowned there, escaping the clutches of King John, and now haunts the Silent Pool,” explains Nick.

No such traumas for this young wine. Bottled just a month ago, there are only 820 bottles – production will rise to 5000 next year – it’s already on the list of three vintners and half a dozen pubs and restaurants. Nick pays tribute to the help he’s had from English wine maestro Stephen Skelton MW, the “expert care” of his vineyard manager Alex Valsechhi, and consultant winemaker Ulrich Hoffman. With his decades of experience around the globe, Ulrich has set up a boutique winery operation, the aptly named Vivid Wines, and works with a number of leading English wineries, including Gusbourne and West Street Vineyard.

Decisions, decisions

This trio of wines was selected by the caterers to the Royal Barge with the help of ever-charming Rupert Pritchett of Taurus Wines near Guildford. Based in a converted barn in the village of Bramley, his shop is the ultimate treasure trove of great drinks, and his Summer and Christmas tastings are hot tickets not to miss. I was happy to help Rupert earlier in the year when he was looking for some ciders for his new English drinks list – a selection put together with Rupert’s typical thoroughness and panache.

So, whether you’re on the waterways of Britain or dry land over the next few days, here’s to some great celebrations.

Cheers!

Taurus Wines, Bramley, Surrey 

Albury Silent Pool Rosé  – available in Taurus Wines; The Vineyard, Dorking; Guildford Wine Company, Shalford

Albury Wine’s Nick will be hosting a small tasting at The Guildford Wine Company between 11am and 5pm