On Top of the World
JAMES SUCKLING, Hong Kong Tatler AND THE TOURISM BOARD PULL THE CORK ON A WORLD OF VINTAGE CHEER
Wine lovers have a chance later this month to taste more than 100 outstanding tipples from top producers around the world, a departure from the usual region-specific focus of tasting events. As well as savouring the wines and meeting the makers and owners behind them at exclusive, high-end tasting sessions, participants will attend seminars and bespoke dinners showcasing some of the world’s most sought-after vintages.
The inaugural Great Wines of the World, presented by Hong Kong Tatler and our wine editor, James Suckling, in conjunction with the Tourism Board, will run from October 30 to November 1 at the start of the month-long Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
With 47 participating wineries from Europe, the United States, South America, Australia and elsewhere, it will truly draw together the world’s best. All the wines have been hand-picked by Suckling and have scored 90 points or more for their quality and character. Some of the top exhibitors include Château Mouton Rothschild (France), Marchesi Antinori (Italy), Peter Michael (US), Symington (Portugal), Penfolds (Australia) and Achaval Ferrer (Argentina).
“In the past, jamessuckling.com has done events with Hong Kong Tatler focusing on top winemakers of one region or a country,” says Suckling. “But I had the idea to partner with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and present a range of the best wines in the world.
“Great winemaking doesn’t just happen in Italy, Bordeaux or California; my visits to different wine-producing countries throughout my career have shown me that other countries are on par with these top regions, and their different terroirs really give some unique results. Great Wines of the World is my chance to share wines that I’ve found to be the best on a global scale.”
The event will get underway at the Four Seasons on October 31 with an insightful seminar and focused wine tasting, hosted by Suckling and exploring the question: “What makes a great wine?” A walk-around wine tasting with a Champagne bar, a port bar, and a fabulous cheese bar from award-winning restaurant Caprice will follow in the afternoon and evening. More than 100 wines will be featured, many rated 100 points by Suckling. November 1 will feature the 90+ Points Wine Collectors’ Dinner at the China Club with Suckling and vintners from the world’s top estates; a tailor-made eight-course Cantonese feast will complement the wines.
A booth spotlighting 45 premium wines with a minimum retail price of HK$900 will also be located at the Riedel pavilion at the
WITH 47 PARTICIPATING WINERIES, GREAT WINES OF THE WORLD WILL TRULY DRAW THE WORLD’S BEST
Wine & Dine Festival’s harbourfront site from October 30 until November 2.
The combination of wonderful food and fine wines showcased at Hong Kong’s annual Wine & Dine Festival, which runs from October 30 to November 30, has made it one of the region’s most successful such festivals, drawing more than 140,000 visitors each year. Once wine lovers experience the inaugural Great Wines of the World, it’s destined to become Asia’s most exclusive and prestigious wine event.
Great Wines of the World is part of the Great Wines series, which regularly attracts thousands of high-profile wine enthusiasts from Hong Kong and beyond. Dedicated to showcasing top wines from different parts of the world, the Great Wines events have become some of the biggest social wine gatherings of the year. With luxury environments, top-tier brands and distinguished chefs, they are more than a tasting; they’re an experience.
For further information and tickets, go to jamessuckling.com/greatwinesworld2014.html