VDP: Where and how did you get the wine bug?

Diana Tompson: This had to be my father – passionate about wine he himself is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Vintners and thanks to him I became the first lady Liveryman.  In 1990 I had been cooking for a gentleman who served Chateau Talbot 1976 at dinner.  I only got to decant and taste it but that was me hooked and keen to learn more about I set off on a working journey around the world to do just that.  It’s a wonderful journey that’s still going 30 years later.

VDP: Your first encounter with German wines?

Diana Tompson: Whilst I enjoyed it at the time, like so many who tried German wines in the late 80’s I wouldn’t like to admit to what the wine was!  Later on I was given Blue Nun in my Diploma exam which I was delighted to spot.

VDP: What is your favourite story to tell about German/VDP.wine – did you have highly emotional experience with our wines / producers?

Diana Tompson: Whilst out in Germany on the VDP Ambassador Programme it was all emotional and all the producers were so interesting.  My most emotional experience, however, had to be Andrea Wirsching from Hans Wirsching coming over from Germany especially for my event Fizz Feast last November 2019 and opening the event performing sabrage.

VDP: How many bottles of German wine/VDP.wines do you have in your cellar?

Diana Tompson: I certainly wouldn’t like to reveal this since the better ones are hidden even from my husband!

VDP: What is your favourite vineyard in Germany – and why?

Diana Tompson: First impressions are so often the best and I loved visiting Rainer Sauer at the start of the programme.  Walking through the vineyards with new friends and looking down the classic steep slopes with vines to the river below – everything was in perfect harmony.

VDP: If it comes to German grape varieties, what is your favourite? Riesling, Spätburgunder or other?

Diana Tompson: Having been to Franken I have to say the one I’m most interested in at the moment is Silvaner – so hugely underrated, versatile and boy does it age well!