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Here Are China's Top 10 Sommeliers Working Today

Here Are China's Top 10 Sommeliers Working Today

CEO of India’s Largest Wine Importer Granted Bail Amid Alcohol Tax Scandal/ China’s Wine Exports to Japan Surge by 255%/ HK Mulls Spirits Cut

Natalie Wang
September 30, 2024

Hello, this is Natalie.

This week, we spotlight China's top 10 sommeliers who have persevered through the challenges of the pandemic. These talented individuals have demonstrated remarkable tenacity and are important key gatekeepers for wineries and merchants looking to succeed in China.

In other major news, Hong Kong is preparing to introduce a tariff cut on spirits in mid-October, though the specifics of the reduction are still unclear. Meanwhile, Australian wineries in Barossa, New South Wales, and Victoria have been hit by two devastating frosts, with some bracing for losses of up to 90% of their 2025 vintage. Read the full story and support these wineries by seeking out their wines in your local market.

Additionally, the region's wine industry has seen its share of scandals. The CEO of India’s largest wine importer has been granted bail for alleged alcohol tax fraud, while in northern China, the majority shareholder of a well-established drinks retailer has gone missing, raising concerns about the company’s financial health.

On a brighter note, there is good news for Georgian wines and quality-driven Chinese wines.

Stay updated on all the key stories shaping Asia’s wine industry. Don’t forget to subscribe for access to exclusive content and help spread the word to others who might be interested!

Here Are China’s Top 10 Sommeliers

In this story, we spotlight 10 standout sommeliers making their mark in China. From international award-winners to fresh talents, with special attention to young and female professionals. These sommeliers are shaping the future of wine in China and are definitely worth watching.

Hong Kong Mulls Cutting Spirits Tax

Following Hong Kong’s pivotal wine tax removal in 2008, the city is now eyeing a similar tax break for spirits in a bid to revitalize its ailing dining and nightlife scene and position itself as a global hub in the US$730 billion spirits industry.

China’s Wine Exports to Japan Surge by 255%

China’s wine exports to Japan soared by 255% in 2023, according to recent trade data from Japan’s Ministry of Finance. The value of these imports also jumped by 189%, signaling growing acceptance of Chinese wines in the Japanese market.

Disappearance of Leading Retailer’s Controller Sparks Concerns Over Future

The majority shareholder of Henan Liquor Easy Trading Corporation Limited (JBL), one of China’s largest alcohol retailers with annual revenues of 1.7 billion RMB and over 300 physical stores, has reportedly disappeared from public view. This development follows revelations that he had pledged nearly all of the company’s shares for loans, raising significant concerns about JBL’s future operations.

CEO of India’s Largest Wine Importer Granted Bail Amid Alcohol Tax Scandal

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Amandeep Singh Dhall, CEO of Brindco Sales Limited, India’s largest wine importer, in connection with a money laundering case tied to an alleged tax policy manipulation scheme.

Unprecedented Frosts Devastate Southern Australian Wineries, Destroying Up to 90% of Vines

Unprecedented frosts hit Southern Australia last week, causing “widespread and significant” damage to the wine region, wiping out up to 90% of vines, according to local producers.

City’super Launches First Georgian Wine Promotion Across Hong Kong

City’super, Hong Kong’s megalifestyle specialty store, has launched its first-ever Georgian wine promotion rolling out in six of its selected stores across the city started from September 19.