(OffLicenceNews) - The Duchess of Cornwall declared English wines will one day rival their French counterparts after tasting a range of homegrown sparklings, whites and reds last night. The Duchess became president of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association last year. She enjoyed her first social event with members at Vintner’s Hall in London last night, where OLN joined leading lights from the industry including Oz Clarke and Michael Cox to welcome her. After trying wines from the likes of Ridgeview and Three Choirs at the English Wine Producers event, she raised a toast to the efforts of UK winegrowers. “French wines have been going a little bit longer than us but it is a bit like cheeses - we will catch up with them yet,” she said.