Since 1973, Opimian has partnered with Masters of Wine to select outstanding wines for Canadians. This Cellar, we’re thrilled to welcome Richard Bampfield MW, who joins Michael Palij MW—two trusted experts helping you discover even more exceptional wines.
Richard Bampfield MW is a renowned wine expert best known for his work with Lidl. A Cambridge French graduate and Master of Wine since 1990, he’s worked across vineyards and cellars worldwide, led Brown Brothers’ European operations, and now consults for top producers like Albert Bichot and Santa Rita. He’s also a co-founder of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable and a partner in wine-tech platform Preferabli.
1 What inspired you to pursue the Master of Wine title?
At the time, I was writing a book and I thought that it would be more popular if the author was an MW. As it happened, I never got very far with the book but I continued my studies because I could see how the title would help advance my career.
2. What excites you most about the current wine world?
The momentum getting behind regenerative viticulture, the increasingly exciting wines being produced by countries like the UK, Belgium, Sweden and other countries that historically struggled to ripen grapes sufficiently. Discovering lesser known wines and grapes from countries like Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine.
3. Is there a region or grape variety you’re especially passionate about?
I find all the wine world fascinating, there are always innovators and pioneers. I do have a particular soft spot for English sparkling wine and Madeira.
4. Any tips for choosing wines for cellaring vs. drinking now?
Most wines these days are made for drinking relatively young and, even if destined to age, still taste pretty good when young. If in doubt, drink it!
5. What’s a wine myth you'd love to debunk?
All the “do’s and don’t’s” in areas such as serving temperature, finding the perfect wine and food pairing, etc. We all have different tastes in food so it is ridiculous to assume we all have the same tastes in wine.
6. What’s your go-to food and wine pairing?
Ha, funny considering what I have just written above! In general I love high quality wine with simple food. Yesterday a top Provence rosé was perfect with a sausage roll.
7. Favourite indulgent meal or snack?
Fish and chips and Champagne.
8. What’s one wine in your cellar you’re saving for a special occasion?
18th century Madeira
9. Favourite film or TV series to relax with a glass of wine?
I’m easy to please, Bond movies normally go down well in our household.
10. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I like ordering an ice bucket in a restaurant if I feel the red is being served too warm for my taste – mainly to see the reaction of the staff/sommelier.