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).
