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News
‘Great man of wine’ Steven Spurrier dies at home
It is with immense sadness that we have received news that the ‘great man of wine’ Steven Spurrier died at home earlier today.
Spurrier, who has died just shy of his 80th birthday, was one of the wine world’s most famous, liked and respected figures, and led a remarkable career in the trade as a merchant, educator, writer, taster and most recently, winemaker, having planted a vineyard at his wife’s farm in Dorset’s Bride Valley in 2009 for making English sparkling – a project he described as “the last throw of the Spurrier wine dice.”
Spurrier’s achievements are well known among those in the trade, although he is best known for his role in bringing Californian wine to the wider world after staging ‘The Judgement of Paris’ in 1976, the blind tasting which pitted Bordeaux and Napa wines – and later became the basis of a film called Bottle Shock starring Alan Rickman (which Spurrier said contained hardly a true word).
His impressive career in drinks began when he joined London’s oldest wine merchant Christopher and Co in 1964 as a trainee, which led him to open his own wine shop in Paris in 1971 – Les Caves de la Madeleine – and then establish France’s first private wine school, L’Academie du Vin.
At a lunch almost four year’s ago, where I was present, Spurrier was rightly declared “the great man of wine” by former Decanter magazine publisher Sarah Kemp, who also named him 2017’s Decanter Man of the Year – an honour she would have bestowed on him “over 20 years ago” had he not worked so closely with the title.
Also paying tribute to Spurrier’s achievements was wine writer Hugh Johnson, who called Spurrier “a pillar of opinion who everyone respects”.
At that event, which was held at Le Gavroche at his request, Spurrier said that his great “love” concerned “communicating” about wine, and, looking back over his life, he said, “Wine has brought me more than I could have imagined.”
Along with Spurrier’s unmatched sartorial elegance, I will remember him for his energy, charm, warmth and enthusiasm.
Always generous in his comments, Spurrier was happy to speak up at events to pay homage to a wine or winemaker when others remained quiet.
He was also kind to fellow members of the trade, whatever their age and position, and encouraging in his approach to other wine writers, whoever they worked for, and however basic their level of drinks knowledge.
And he was outspoken, fearlessly and clearly expressing his well-informed views on a range of subjects.
Having once briefly toured the Bride Valley vineyard with Spurrier, it was clear that this English sparkling project was giving him immense pride and pleasure – despite the financial challenges about which he was disarmingly honest – and so it is of some comfort to me at least to hear that he died surrounded not only by his precious family but his beloved vines in this beautiful part of Britain’s West Country.
This is such,such sad news. Steven was such a wonderful chap in so many ways and his dedication to a life around wine quite remarkable. He always demonstrated the perfect elements of an English gentlemen but also had a very rich sense of humour carefully disguised within his perfect courteous style! From a personal point of view, he was hugely supportive in many ways. He recruited me to lecture for Christie’s Wine Courses – what an honour! And throughout all efforts to put Italy and Argentina on the ‘map’ in the UK via events I organised he was one of our champions. I just hope that the wonderful vineyard that Bella and he created to produce English sparkling wine will acknowledge him by producing a truly wonderful 2021 vintage in the course of time.
Lovely tribute Patrick. Very sad news.
Sleep well dear friend!
I met him several times at trade tastings. Even as a small, humble wine importer and running a London wine society, he was generous in his support and comments and always very personable.
Steven was one of those lovely people who are always pleased to see you. I remember chancing upon him on the way into the cinema in the Fulham Road when going to watch the movie Gosford Park. Rather than waste time with formalities Steven asked straight away “What vintage do you think they will be drinking?”. He will be much missed.
Steven was a pioneer in wine – a visionary who never lost his passion for new projects, new discoveries and the world of wine. He will always be remembered for founding the Académie du Vin, the celebrated Judgement of Paris and in recent years, the Académie du Vin Library and, together with his wife Bella, the Bride Valley Vineyard in Dorset, England – as well as much else besides. He was also a hugely loved husband, father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed, not just by his immediate family and friends, but by people right across the world of wine. His enthusiasm and love of wine will live on through Bride Valley, the Académie du Vin Library, the relaunched Académie du Vin in Canada and through the work of the many wine makers, wine writers and wine educators he championed.
May he rest in Peace. Great Wine Gentleman, Great Gentleman for the Wine and Human world
An icon in the industry – almost single-handedly opened the world’s eyes (and certainly Europe’s) to the New World of wine, in 1976.
Having Steven as WSET’s Honorary President from 2017 to 2020 gave me the opportunity to get to know him better – before 2017 I was in awe of a man who was such a trailblazer.. We had both started in the trade with the same company – Christopher & Co – but 13 years apart, and we enjoyed talking about the ‘old days’, and all the people we had worked with in those early days. He was a pioneer in wine for many reasons, and particularly for wine education, paving the way for people who wanted to learn about this wonderful subject. I expect that he will be enjoying a glass of something very special tonight with his old friend Michael Broadbent. Rest in Peace.
Rest in Peace Stephen. Thank you for your kind thoughts and recommendations over the many years .
Great man. Would talk to anyone. Met him at the Fine Wine Encounter- Landmark Hotel London and spoke to him. Seemed almost humble. Great achievements.
My thoughts and prayers are with Steven’s family at this time. In common with so many members of our wine trade it was such sad news to read of his death. His unfailing charm, kindness and modesty together with his many achievements and writings will live long in the memory. Bride Vally is not available here in California but Stag’s Leap Wine cellars will do nicely and bring back happy memories of wines shared. RIP Steven.
A noble figure in a noble profession. Heartfelt condolences to Bella and his family
In one of the last eMail we swapped he send me this picture and told me what wine was in his glas. I wonder if this is common knowledge or if i’m the only one to know. Rest in peace Steven.
I am not in the wine trade, but met this lovely gentleman at a Christie’s wine day many years ago. This was co presented with Michael Broadbent, so I was lucky enough to meet 2 wine legends in one day! At the end of proceedings, there was an auction of 3 fine bottles and a copy of Michael’s new book on Bordeaux. I threw my (winning) bid in at the very last moment, at which point Steven winked at me, and said ‘I see you’re keeping your powder dry Sir’ and presented me with the spoils. What a day, what a lovely man. RIP Sir.