Does Queen Elizabeth Drink Wine?

• Queen Elizabeth II revealed she doesn't drink wine but hears "it's very good" during a recent visit to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany.
• A former royal chef previously revealed that the sovereign's drink of choice is a gin and Dubonnet.

While visiting the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) yesterday, the queen made a surprising revelation about her drinking habits: She doesn't drink wine. Despite what you might've heard about Her Majesty's booze preferences, you probably won't find her guzzling down a glass of merlot.

The sovereign was discussing the growing popularity of English wine with NIAB's chief executive Tina Barsby, when she divulged that she has "some vines in Windsor," People reports. But according to Barsby, the queen added, "I don’t actually drink wine myself, but I hear it’s very good."

The queen raises a glass at a state dinner in France in 2014.

She didn't elaborate further, but it's possible she used to drink wine or only has it at formal royal events. After all, she has been seen holding up and sipping a glass of champagne at past state dinners with foreign dignitaries. Her cousin, Margaret Rhodes, also reportedly revealed that the monarch drinks champagne before bed.

But not all hope is lost for those who wish to share a drink with Her Majesty. In fact, gin fans are in luck. Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed that the queen's "favorite drink" is a gin and Dubonnet.

Hendrick's Gin

Unfortunately for drinking enthusiasts, however, McGrady also shut down rumors that the queen drinks four cocktails a day. "She'd be pickled if she drank that much," he said.

So if you ever want to treat the queen to drinks, you could always play it safe and just go with tea.

Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now. 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qa3RqZyrq5KWx6Kt0WeaqKVfmLKtscGroK2xX6GutbHSrWaaamhognWBlG9mqq2VmrtuscuisZqalam1brDOnqqnrF2Zv6q6ymauoqaVZA%3D%3D