Meet Heidi Mäkinen MW, a dynamic and influential figure in today’s wine world. Currently Portfolio Manager and Partner at Viinitie, one of Finland’s leading wine importers, Heidi brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise, global perspective, and heartfelt curiosity to everything she does. Her journey began in hospitality, where a desire to offer exceptional service sparked a lifelong passion for understanding wine in all its cultural, historical, and human dimensions.
Named Best Sommelier of Finland in 2015 and recognized as one of WSET & IWSC’s Future 50 in 2019, Heidi has competed on the world’s biggest stages and served as President of the Finnish Sommelier Association. Today, she teaches WSET courses globally, judges major competitions, and mentors the next generation of sommeliers through masterclasses and consulting. She is also a valued member of the Opimian Tasting Team, which is renowned for having the highest number of Masters of Wine of any tasting panel worldwide.
In this Q&A, Heidi shares the inspirations, regions, and experiences that shape her work and her philosophy.
1. What attracted you to the world of wine?
I became very passionate about hospitality and wanted to provide the best possible service to my guests by being able to answer all their potential questions about the wines I was serving. Delving deeper into wine, I understood it is connected to all my interests in life, whether different cultures and origins, history, languages, nature or people.
2. What excites you most about the current wine world?
I love the fact that the pendulum has swung from what happens in the cellar to what happens in the vineyards. I am very keen on regenerative agriculture and its potential impact on not just viticulture but all farming. Spanish wines have a special place in my heart as they tend to offer impeccable value and present autochthonous varieties, but I also love many chardonnays, pinot noirs and grenaches grown around the world.
3. Is there a region or grape variety you’re especially passionate about?
As my background is being a sommelier, I try to be very open-minded and drink diversely. I think the whole of Spain is very exciting, I love to drink dry Sherry, and visiting Burgundy is never a chore.
4. What's your most memorable bottle?
It is impossible for me to name just one bottle as many of my great memories are linked to sharing something special with good people. The best moments are indeed those where great bottles are shared with others, as for me, wine is a social beverage.
5. What’s a wine myth you'd love to debunk?
That it would be impossible to make a great wine in a difficult vintage. In the right hands, great wines can also be made when nature gives you challenges. You just need to adjust to the situation. Also, it would be very boring if every vintage was excellent and thus, I’m an advocate for “off-vintages” as they often give great drinking pleasure early on!
6. What’s your go-to food and wine pairing?
I love to keep things simple: Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and Palo Cortado, or olives, anchovies and Manzanilla.
7. Favourite indulgent meal or snack?
When feeling lazy, I sometimes skip cooking dinner and just have a sandwich topped with a can of sardines or terrine I’ve brought home from my travels.
8. What’s one wine in your cellar you’re saving for a special occasion?
Ulysse Collin's Les Enfers Extra Brut. He is my favourite champagne producer whose prices have sadly gone through the roof lately.
9. Favourite film or TV series to relax with a glass of wine?
I’ve not watched TV for approximately a decade now, but I can easily find an excuse to watch a documentary on adventures in nature, such as mountaineering or climbing.
10. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love spending time outdoors, and despite all the fancy dinners and restaurants I attend as part of my work in the wine industry, I also love to cook simple things on an open fire or gas cooker out in nature before spending a night in my tent.
