Latest Trends

Celebrating Vintner Excellence: The Inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards

In the heart of Macau, amid the glitz and grandeur that befits a city of such stature, history was made. On March 6, 2024, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace played host to a landmark event that has firmly placed Chinese wines on the international radar. The inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards set the stage for honoring the crème de la crème of China's burgeoning wine industry.

With the gracious support of the Macao Government Tourism Office, the first-ever awards program of this magnitude dedicated to premium Chinese wines has greeted an international panel of 27 distinguished judges. This august body includes no fewer than seven Masters of Wine, embodying a wealth of expertise and prestige.

Anticipation now mounts for the grand awards ceremony scheduled for April 13 at Wynn Palace, where the winners will be celebrated in magnificent fashion.

The days leading up to this momentous occasion, March 1 through March 5, saw a throng of wine aficionados and connoisseurs converge upon Macau to immerse themselves in an array of exclusive wine dinners and Masterclasses. These sessions were helmed by some of the world's most eminent wine savants, offering an in-depth exploration into the rich tapestry of viticulture and oenology.

Ms. Linda Chen, who spearheads Wynn Macau, Limited as President, Vice Chairman of the Board, and Executive Director, expressed a profound honor in welcoming this esteemed syndicate of wine luminaries. The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, she emphasized, is not only a celebration of Chinese wine excellence but also a testament to Macau's UNESCO designation as a 'Creative City of Gastronomy'.

Mr. Cheng Wai Tong, the Deputy Director of Macao Government Tourism Office, conveyed his delight at the convergence of diverse events and the inception of unique tourism products. This, he believes, offers travelers an assortment of enriching experiences, furthering Macau's repute as a destination of cultural richness.

Setting out to provide strategic support to Chinese winemakers, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards aims to elevate their profile in the upscale market segments. Those who triumph in the competition will not only be conferred with the coveted "Wynn Signature Award" label but also receive invitations to partake in national masterclasses, exquisite hospitality events, discerning media tastings, and prestigious banquets.

This groundbreaking initiative witnessed an overwhelming 750 submissions from nearly 200 of China's premium wineries. Each contender aspired to claim the esteemed Wynn Signature Best Wine of China Trophy, with additional awards recognizing the diversity of varietal expressions and regional characters found within China's rich viticultural landscape.

An unparalleled panel took on the daunting task of judging these offerings. Composed not only of Masters of Wines and Master Sommeliers, but also of prominent educators, journalists, hoteliers, and wine buyers—this panel represented the zenith of global wine expertise. Notables such as Eddie McDougall, Chair of Judges; Chris Ashton, Chief of Stewards; and the trio of Vice-Chairs and Master of Wines: Fongyee Walker, Gus Zhu, and Andrew Caillard, were at the helm. This prestigious lineup was further augmented by the likes of wine exemplars Kenichi Ohashi, Julien Boulard, Tim Triptree, and Jane Anson, Ronny Lau, Simon Tam, Erin Larkin, Reeze Choi, Xiao Pi, David Xing, Della Tang, and Janet Wang, among other luminaries.

In its assurance of fairness and professionalism, Wynn incorporated a meticulous evaluation system. With an external auditing firm engaged to validate the judge's scores, the integrity of the competition was maintained at the highest level. To complement this, random checks were performed to ensure the authenticity of the competing wineries, underscoring the event's credibility.

Beyond their adjudication responsibilities, the gathered experts also served as gracious hosts for a series of eight exclusive wine events across Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau. Spanning over four days, these gatherings were a blend of instructional Masterclasses, themed wine dinners, interactive forums, and insightful presentations. Lauded wine authorities shared their knowledge with attendees, comprising fervent wine lovers, gourmet enthusiasts, and industry insiders.

The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards has unequivocally inaugurated a new chapter for Chinese wines on the global stage. It has fostered an international exchange unmatched in scale, rewarding the passion and dedication of China's vintners with due recognition. As we await the culminating ceremony with baited breath, the world watches, eager to toast to the victors of this historic event.

SOURCE: Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace

Harmonizing Tradition and Modernity: The Future of Chinese Wine Excellence

As the dust settles and the wine world reflects on the significance of the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, it is evident that Chinese vintners have come into their own. Harnessing the historic traditions that have woven through their viticultural practices for centuries, they have adeptly combined these with modern techniques to create wines of exceptional caliber.

The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards is not just an event; it is the dawning of an era where Chinese wines will no longer linger in the shadows of their international counterparts. This defining moment heralds a future where wines from the sprawling terrains of China will sit proudly alongside those from the revered vineyards of Bordeaux, Napa, and Tuscany.

In the broader context, this event underscored Macau's burgeoning status as a global epicenter of cultural and gastronomic innovation. As UNESCO's 'Creative City of Gastronomy,' Macau is at the forefront of preserving and enhancing its unique heritage while echoing the vibrancy of its contemporary spirit.

With tributes and accolades poised to flow at the awards ceremony, wine lovers around the world will witness the ascent of Chinese winemakers. The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards has set the bar high, establishing a testament to the labor, skill, and artistry that Chinese wineries have poured into every bottle.

A Toast to Pioneering Spirits: Recognizing Chinese Winemaking Talent

As we await the drumroll of the final announcement at Wynn Palace, it is the perfect moment for Chinese winemakers to bask in the spotlight. The collaborative efforts of growers, vintners, and an entire industry's unrelenting pursuit of perfection have culminated in this spectacular showcase.

Those who raise their glasses in triumph will not only savor the sweet taste of victory but will also inspire generations of winemakers to follow. The Wynn Signature Award label will serve as a beacon, guiding the world to the doorsteps of China's finest wineries, inviting connoisseurs to discover the depth and breadth of this ancient culture’s wine narrative.

Indeed, each masterclass and intimate gathering that preceded the final ceremony has embedded a deeper appreciation for the nuances of winemaking's regional characteristics. It is a renaissance, a revival, and more so, an affirmation for aficionados and industry professionals alike that Chinese wines are poised to take center stage on the world's palate.

In conclusion, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards is not just a celebration; it is a movement. It marks a shift in the tides of how the world perceives and appreciates the fine art of Chinese winemaking. It heralds the entry of China's wines onto the premier listings of wine menus worldwide, promising a vibrant future that we eagerly anticipate with a toast to excellence and innovation.