Bangkok Chefs’ Charity Gala Dinner 2009

(Hong Kong) Strong interest by Thai wineries in the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (Hong Kong IWSC) has prompted organisers to add a category dedicated to the region. The addition of the “Best Wine Produced in Thailand” category takes the total trophy categories in the Hong Kong IWSC to 31, which include varietals, stylistic, food and wine pairing, regional and best value categories.

“To ensure this award category is a huge success, we encourage as many Thai winemakers as possible to enter their wines into the competition. The Hong Kong IWSC offers Thai producers the opportunity to gain recognition within the international wine community as well as invaluable exposure to the growing number of Asian wine lovers.

As the Hong Kong IWSC will be judged by predominantly Asian judges, winners will reflect the unique taste preferences of the Asian palate, so results are expected to differ significantly from those of many other wine competitions. This will make the Hong Kong IWSC the premier wine voice of Asia, offering the Asian market sound guidance on the top wines available in the region.

“The competition results will be publicised extensively in Hong Kong, across Asia and internationally to the media, hospitality trade, wine lovers and wine trade. Additionally, to assist award winners to capitalise on their success and gain maximum business benefits, the Hong Kong IWSC has devised a targeted marketing and publicity campaign to promote award winners across Asia and internationally for the 12 months following the competition.”

Debra Meiburg MW, director of the Hong Kong IWSC said, “Over the last few weeks, due to a high number of entries and demand from different sectors of the international wine community, we have added several other categories. This includes the addition of an “Asia’s Best” series of awards to the program, which along with the “Best Wine Produced in Thailand” includes awards for the best wines produced in India, Japan and China.

“Also new to the line up are awards for Best Australian Shiraz; Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; Best Touriga Nacional and Touriga Blends; Best Red from South Africa; three Best New World categories – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling; Best White Wine in Hong Kong below HK$150; and Best Red Wine in Hong Kong below HK$200.”

The Hong Kong IWSC is run in partnership with the prestigious London-based International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009. Judging and the announcement of the awards will be held conjunction with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Wine & Spirits Fair, held from the 4th to 6th November, 2009.

For more information visit www.asiasbestwinesandspirits.com.