Maidenhead man is crowned 'Champagne Ambassador'

A wine buff from Maidenhead has beaten experts from seven European countries to become the European Champagne Ambassador 2009.

Richard Bampfield, 50, who has lived in Maidenhead for 18 years, won the title after a week of tests, tours and tasting sessions in the Champagne region of France. After he gave a final presentation in Reims, France, Mr Bampfield was announced the winner.

Ray Lea Road resident Mr Bampfield, who lives with wife Jackie, 54, and two children Monty, 14, and Lara, 13, has more than 27 years experience in wine tasting.
His favourite champagne is Dom Perignon 1973.

“Drinking Champagne is one of life's great pleasures and helping others appreciate Champagne has always felt more like a labour of love than real work," he said.

Mr Bampfield also runs a wine tasting club and wine tasting events around Maidenhead.
His next event will be a champagne tasting event early next year.

Mr Bampfield also runs the wine course at Leith’s School of Food and Wine, is chairman of the Association of Wine Educators, and lectures for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.