A Toast at the State Banquet: Wines Shared by King Charles III and President Donald Trump

When politics meets tradition, it often finds its stage at a royal State Banquet. Recently, King Charles III welcomed President Donald Trump to Buckingham Palace in an event marked not just by diplomacy but by one of the most remarkable wine selections ever poured for such an occasion.

The wines chosen reflected both heritage and global reach — from English vineyards to French Grand Crus, Californian mountains, and Champagne cellars. Each bottle carried a story, making the banquet as much about culture as politics.

Wiston Estate Cuvée 2016 – English Sparkling Excellence 🇬🇧

The evening opened with Wiston Estate Cuvée 2016, showcasing the rise of English sparkling wine.

• Tasting note: crisp green apple, lemon zest, and warm brioche.

• Fresh, lively, and elegant — a sparkling wine worthy of royal celebrations.

Wiston Estate Cuvée 2016 – English Sparkling Excellence 🇬🇧

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018 – Burgundy’s Finest 🇫🇷

France was represented by Domaine Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne 2018, a legendary Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s most iconic vineyards.

• Tasting note: layers of pear, peach, and roasted hazelnut with a silky mineral finish.

• Rich yet refined, it embodied the elegance of French winemaking at its best.

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018 – Burgundy’s Finest 🇫🇷

Ridge Monte Bello 2000 – California’s Legendary Red 🇺🇸

From the United States came Ridge Monte Bello 2000, a Bordeaux-style blend considered one of California’s greatest wines.

• Tasting note: ripe blackberries, cedar, and leather, with depth and structure even after two decades.

• A wine of power and finesse, it represented America’s finest contribution to the table.

Ridge Monte Bello 2000 – California’s Legendary Red 🇺🇸

Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve 1998 – Champagne Prestige 🍾

To close the banquet, Pol Roger 1998 Extra Cuvée de Réserve was served — a Champagne house long associated with elegance and celebration.

• Tasting note: golden fruit, green plum, bright citrus, and delicate bubbles.

• Mature and graceful, it provided a sparkling finale to the evening.

Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve 1998 – Champagne Prestige 🍾

A Toast to History 🌍

The State Banquet was more than a diplomatic gathering — it was a showcase of the world’s greatest wines. From English innovation to French heritage, Californian boldness to Champagne tradition, these bottles created a narrative of unity across nations.

Four wines. Four countries. One historic toast. 🥂