Viking in the Vineyard

• Peter recognizes the potential for oak barrels in maturing Bordeaux’ fine white wines (1979)

• …and is the first to advocate the grippy aromatic Sauvignon Gris grape as a blend partner (1980s)

• The yeast revelation: Peter’s conviction that each vineyard has its own unique ‘wild’ yeast earns him worldwide recognition (1985–)

• Peter establishes one of the first vineyards in Spain’s prestigious Ribera del Duero region (1989)

• Peter restores to the world the classic vineyards of Tokaj, lost in the chaos of the communist era (1990s)

• Flying winemaker: Peter pioneers modern winemaking in Brazil and Bulgaria, and is one of the first (alongside Miguel Torres) to establish hillside vineyards in Chile (1990–93)

• Includes tributes from wine legends Anthony Barton (Château Léoville-Barton), Jean-Michel Cazes (Château Lynch-Bages),
Hugh Johnson, Tony Laithwaite, Peter Sisseck (Pingus), Eben Sadie and Miguel Torres

Peter Vinding-Diers was born in Denmark, son of the writer Ole Vinding and his wife, the painter AnneLise Grantzau-Christensen, and educated in Denmark, England and France where he studied agriculture and journalism. His adventurous life began with his stint as a journalist in Paris in the mid-sixties, then as a war correspondent in 1966 covering Nigeria, the Straits of Malaya, the Hong Kong riots, Vietnam – where he parachuted with the 101st airborne division – and Aden. His career in wine has covered many key innovations and business successes around the world. He shows no signs of stopping as his Sicilian Montecarrubo wines, made on the shores of the Ionian Sea, attract increasing attention.