Wed 18 Apr 2012

Karen MacNeil named Guest VIP Judge at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition (HKIWSC), the largest wine and spirit competition in Asia, name Karen MacNeil as the guest VIP judge for 2012.

MacNeil, a preeminent wine educator, consultant and writer, has earned her stripes enchanting audiences and winning several international awards.

Her articles on wine and food have been published in more than 50 US magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, Food & Wine, Saveur, and Town & Country.

As the author of the award-winning book The Wine Bible, MacNeil joins chair judges Debra Meiburg MW (acclaimed wine journalist, TV personality and one of Asia’s first Masters of Wine) and Simon Tam (Christie’s Head of Wine, China) who lead the panels of Asian born and Asian based judges, flown in especially for the competition by airline partner Cathay Pacific.

MacNeil takes over from Italian oenologist Alberto Antonini in 2011 and UK wine critic Tim Atkin MW in 2010.

MacNeil said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be working with the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition. The wine and spirit market in Asia is incredibly exciting and I’m looking forward to working with some of the finest palates judging the competition.”

Asian food and wine pairing is unique to a competition of this size, and something MacNeil brings huge experience to.

Debra Meiburg MW, Competition Director comments: “We’re thrilled to have Karen as our guest VIP judge this year. She brings with her a tremendous international knowledge which will only benefit the HKIWSC in 2012”.

HKIWSC Managing Director, Allen Gibbons comments: “With Hong Kong proving to be the gateway into the Asian wine and spirits market, Karen is the perfect person to join Debra and Simon as co-chairs. It’s an exciting development for the Competition and further highlights the prestige and importance of the Competition in the Asian wine and spirit sector”.

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition, now in its fourth year is the largest wine and spirits competition in Asia and is organised to the highest international standards.

Before judging, wines and spirits are stored at the world renowned Crown Wine Cellars to ensure they reach the judging panels in perfect condition. The results themselves are then checked by a team from KPMG to ensure their accuracy giving entrants complete confidence in the rigor and accuracy of the results.

This year judging takes place between 4th-8th October 2012 with the results announced at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (8th-10th November 2012).

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“Winning a silver medal in the HKIWSC has truly helped my product to achieve international credibility regarding its taste. This has positively affected decision making of several new merchants who now carry my product.”Kaustav BagchiOwner, Lamai Thai Spirits
“Louis Royer Cognac has been entering the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition for many years. This competition is regarded as the most respected in Asian countries. Winning an award is a high honour for our brand and a further seal of quality for our multi-award winning Cognac.”Carol FrugierMarketing and Communications Manager, Louis Royer Cognac
“Adding to our success over the past few years at the HKIWSC, winning a trophy means so much to us as we have just recently entered the Chinese market with our brandies. The Chinese market is unique, which makes it even more exciting to know that Oude Molen VOV Brandy is well accepted.”Kobus GelderblomBrandy Master, Oude Molen Distillery
“It is a great honour for us to receive this award and we are very thankful about the reputation from wine enthusiasts in China. This award is a testament to the fact that our white wines not only match the traditional Austrian food but also matches perfectly with the Asian cuisine.”Katja PflogschWinemaker, Domäne Wachau
“To get recognition from such a prestigious panel is vey rewarding indeed, and proves that our wines are made in a style that is truly food friendly. The HKIWSC has become one of the year’s most well-respected wine competitions globally. For us, the food match component is a fantastic chance to demonstrate how well our wines compliment so many different flavours. Moreover, it is a competition known and valued by our customers so a trophy can be hugely influential.””Susanna MayerWinemaker, Yealings
“Awards and medals at the HKIWSC have been like a stamp of approval to the quality of our wines. Because it is an Asian-focused competition, I know that my wines are being judged and measured by the same yardstick as all the other wines, given our viticultural conditions are quite unique compared with the rest of the world. These medals give me and, more importantly, my consumers the confidence that my wines stand apart from the competition.”Kalash GurnaniWinemaker, York Winery
“We are very proud of our results. One of our key focuses is the Asian market, so we really want to make our wines special and desirable for this market. That’s why we want to enter this competition and be evaluated by the expert judging panel.”Sofia Cajewski Winemaker, Cremaschi Furlotti
“We at Yealands Estate Wines are proud to be recognized by the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. The organization is held in the highest regard and our success in the competitions has become a strong voice for our quality around the globe.”Avram DeitchGlobal Marketing Manager, Yealands Wine Group
“Winning awards in reputable international wine shows such as the Cathay Pacific HKIWSC is one of the many ways of educating our consumers and giving them confidence in purchasing the Saint Clair brand. This enhances brand perception an in turn increases sales across our entire portfolio of wines.”Maria EastonWinemaker, Saint Clair Family Estate

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Karen MacNeil named Guest VIP Judge at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition

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