Richard Hemming

Interview with a Master of Wine

Richard began his wine journey in the retail arm of Majestic Wines. 20 years on, he’s traversed wine regions in the northern and southern hemispheres and now finds himself as a Master of Wine, and Head of Wine, Asia for 67 Pall Mall.

We interviewed Richard to get his opinions, perspectives, and give an insight into the mind of someone at the top of the wine trade. If you’re lucky enough to attend a Chief Wine Officer event in Singapore, you’ll also get to meet Richard and experience his expertise first hand.

Chief Wine Officer: How did you first fall in love with wine?

Richard Hemming: “On my first day in the wine trade, my boss gave me a bottle to take home. It was a sweet German Riesling … and I hated it. But on day two, things got better, and I haven’t looked back since.”

What would you be doing for a living if you weren’t involved in wine?

“A (struggling) writer.”

What’s your favourite part of being a MW in Singapore?

“Bringing the wine study programme closer to students across southeast Asia.”

Which of your many awards means the most to you and why?

“In 2006, I won a BBC New Talent award for comedy. That turned out to be the peak of my stand-up career.”

On my first day in the wine trade, my boss gave me a bottle to take home. It was a sweet German Riesling ... and I hated it. But on day two, things got better, and I haven't looked back since.

– Richard Hemming MW

Walk us through your experience of being involved in the 2008 McLaren Vale vintage?

“In a word: exhausting. (It was a notorious heatwave vintage).”

Do you think wine media is evolving in step with its audience?

“Yes. Search #winetok and you will see the evidence!”

What is your favourite Southern Hemisphere wine region and why?

“McLaren Vale, because I survived the infamous 2008 vintage… and the Shiraz is unputdownable.”

What are you most looking forward to from the industry in the next two years?

“For the industry in general, greatly improved sustainability credentials. Personally, I’m looking forward to helping open 67 Pall Mall clubs in new cities around the world.”