Richard Bampfield, Master of Wine
The Whitewater Valley Wine Society celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and I’m looking to make it a very special year.
So I can think of no better way to start the year than with a presentation by Master of Wine Richard Bampfield. There are only a small number of Masters of Wine in the world, so it is always a privilege to be able to welcome one of their ranks to present to us at the Whitewater Valley Wine Society. Undoubtedly the highest recognition in the wine world, their members have all passed a rigorous examination and collectively strive to promote wine education throughout the globe.
Richard Bampfield graduated in French from Cambridge in 1981 and immediately decided the wine trade was where he could put the language to best use.
He managed retail wine shops in the North West of England for JW Lees Brewers for 7 years, then spent a year getting his hands dirty in vineyards around the world, also working in wine cellars in California and Australia.
Having passed the Master of Wine Exam in 1990, he joined the Australian producer, Brown Brothers, and managed their European operations until 1999. He left them to set up his own company, specialising in public relations and offering wine talks, tours and courses.
Richard is a past Chairman of the Association of Wine Educators and was the European Champagne Ambassador 2009.
For many years, Richard has been a consultant to Lidl’s wine buying team and shares his vast experience with them. He has a huge influence on the wines which appear on their shelves.
Richard will give us a behind-the-scenes insight into the wine buying philosophy at Lidl. We’ll find out how they source their wines, what influence they have over the winemakers and how they know which wines their customers will like.
As we go through the evening, Richard will present 8 premium wines (both white and red) which he knows are great buys in store at the moment.
Richard has presented to us once before, 9 years ago. It was one of the best wine evenings we’ve had. So this is an evening you will not want to miss!
Book early to avoid disappointment.
How to book your places
Booking for members opens on Saturday 2nd January 2027. Guest bookings open on Thursday 7th January. Please do not try to book or pay any money before these dates.
Firstly, please check with Clive that places are still available. You can book through Clive by e-mail to
As soon as Clive has confirmed you have places reserved, please confirm your booking by making payment of £22 members / £27 guests to the Society account in the usual way.
Account Name: Whitewater WineSoc
Sort Code: 30-91-31
Account Number: 01158564
Please enter a contact phone number to the reference field, just in case we’re not sure who the payment has come from!