Royal couple visit Canadian winery

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have helped to shine a light on Canada’s growing wine industry by paying a visit to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with Mission Hill Family Estate proprietor Anthony von Mandl in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Their Royal High Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited the Taste of British Columbia festival, hosted by Mission Hill Family Estate, on Tuesday.

During their visit, the pair sampled some of the province’s best food along with select Mission Hill wines, including its 2012 Oculus – a Bordeaux-style blend – and its 2012 Perpetua – a single vineyard Chardonnay.

“We are incredibly grateful and humbled to have The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Mission Hill Family Estate”, said Mission Hill winery owner, Anthony von Mandl.

“This is truly a gift for the Okanagan Valley and will provide an unprecedented opportunity to showcase to the world the very best of British Columbia’s wine and food industry. This Royal Visit will be a defining moment in our history as it will place the Okanagan Valley on the international map as a region producing exceptional quality wines that can stand alongside the best in the world.”

Recently, the Canadian winery appointed Ian Morden, former estate director at New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay, as its managing director.