Libération Tardive Foundation is a newly established global non-profit committed to cultivating a sustainable market for age-worthy fine wines. Founded on the enduring principle that ‘Great wines take time’ and led by passionate wine experts from the UK and across Europe, the Libération Tardive Foundation seeks to educate and inspire every link in the supply chain. From growers and producers to exporters, importers, wholesalers, storage companies, merchants and ultimately consumers, the Foundation is dedicated to showcasing the transformative power of time on fine wines.
Reports and Press Releases
07/02/25 | Libération Tardive Foundation – Three New Appointments | Download |
16/07/24 | Report July 2024 Libération Tardive Foundation Launches with Landmark Château Grillet Tasting | Download |
01/07/24 | Libération Tardive Foundation Hosts Landmark Château Grillet Tasting _ press release | Download |
The recent four-flight vertical tasting of Château Grillet, spanning vintages from 2018 back to 2001, marked the inaugural event for the Libération Tardive Foundation. This exclusive tasting was attended by five esteemed Masters of Wine — Jancis Robinson MW OBE, Anne McHale MW, Andy Howard MW, Richard Bampfield MW and Christopher Burr MW — alongside prominent Rhône wine writers John Livingstone-Learmonth and Matt Walls. Burr highlighted a growing concern within the wine community: “Maturing fine wine is becoming increasingly less fashionable. Producers, merchants and collectors appear to be in a perpetual race for the latest vintages.” He added “What’s perhaps less recognised is that wines which rate less well upon release can later become sublime, often unexpectedly so, with maturity.”
The Foundation’s mission is to transform industry perspectives and enhance market dynamics for aged fine wines, typically ten years and older, on a global scale. This involves launching educational and research programmes that delve into both the science and art of ageing wines, as well as offering valuable historical insights. By cultivating a deeper appreciation and proactively inspiring and engaging stakeholders across the wine supply chain, the Foundation aims to elevate the market for back vintages.
Libération Tardive envisions a future where producers and merchants are financially motivated to retain wine stocks for five to ten years or more, releasing them only at the beginning of their prime ‘drinking window.’ This strategy, inspired by Hugh Johnson OBE’s insights on optimal drinking windows, aims to ensure that consumers savour wines at their peak and that the art of ageing wine is preserved for future generations.
For additional imagery, comments or further information on how to support the Foundation, please contact the press office:
Fran Bridgewater FCIM: fran@drinksnetwork.com
Christopher Burr MW: info@Liberation-Tardive.org
Hi-res Imagery

Landmark Château Grillet Tasting 25th June 2024
(left to right: Andy Howard MW, Richard Bampfield MW, Christopher Burr MW, John Livingstone-Learnmonth, Fran Bridgewater, Jancis Robinson MW OBE, Anne McHale MW, Dominic Buckwell, Pauline Vicard and John Stimpfig)

Libération Tardive Foundation core team
(left to right: Dominic Buckwell, James Belton, Fran Bridgewater FCIM, David Pinchard and Christopher Burr MW)
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