This is the eighth year since I’m back in Hong Kong and the fifth year of starting my own business. Although I help at harvests whenever time allows, I do miss vineyards and the hard labour in cellars. 

Therefore, I’m taking a gap year off making wine around the world. Apart for my own personal development, I am also hoping to get inspiration on how to further promote wine culture and expand the wine market in Greater China. While it’s good to see that wine is becoming more accessible and that consumers are venturing outside the comfort zones of Bordeaux and Australian wines, there is something holding back the market. I would love to see wine becomes one of the top three choices of beverages for the majority of consumers. It’s a long way to go but I hope my year of wandering around wine regions may sparkle some fresh ideas.

Anyway, this is my plan for the next ten months. Please come for a glass of wine if you are in the area. 

September: Quinta de Roriz, Douro, Portugal

Early October: Mosel, Germany

Mid October to mid November: Holdvölgy, Tokaji, Hungary

Mid November to mid December: Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex, England

January: Villiera Wines, Stellenbosch, South Arica

February to mid March: Paul Cluver Wines, Elgin, South Africa

Mid March April: Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale, Australia

May: Central Otago, New Zealand

June: Hatten Wines, Bali, Indonesia