Mon 27 Sep 2021

2021 Cathay HK IWSC Kicks off in Hong Kong, joined by VIP-At-Large, Cleighten Cornelius

The 13^th annual Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition Judging Week in Hong Kong has officially kicked off, opened by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg and Guest International VIP-At-Large, Cleighten Cornelius, Senior Winemaker, Mud House. Judging lasts three days and will see 40+ judges sip, swirl and spit their way through

Taking advantage of the current “zero COVID” situation and increased vaccination rate in Hong Kong, judges will once again judge altogether as a group in a ballroom setting - as has been the case for the 11 out of the last 12 years – albeit with robust safety measures and proper social distancing measures in place.

While each year the competition invites a Guest International VIP Judge, 2021 has a “first” for the competition, with Senior Winemaker for iconic New Zealand winery Mud House, Cleighten Cornelius, joining via zoom as Guest International VIP Judge At-Large. He kicked off proceedings with Meiburg, as well as leading the calibration tastings for the day.

Cornelius completed his Bachelor in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University in 2003 and set off to the northern hemisphere to work vintages in France (Chambolle-Musigny), Germany (Rheingau) and Cyprus.

Returning to his hometown of Marlborough, with world-class experience under his belt, Cornelius joined the Mud House team in 2012. Master of Wine, Debra Meiburg, founding Director of the Cathay HK IWSC said, “We are delighted to have Cleighten join the 2021 competition. New Zealand has such a strong reputation in the Asian markets, and with Mud House such a highly-respected, widely-available and award-winning brand, it is a wonderful opportunity for our experienced Asian judging team to connect with this renowned winemaker and gain the benefit of his experience as we launch into the 2021 judging week.

“We look forward to welcoming him in person as soon as borders open to meet all the judges in person as well.”

Results will be available in Nopvember. More information can be found at www.hkiwsc.com.

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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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2021 Cathay HK IWSC Kicks off in Hong Kong, joined by VIP-At-Large, Cleighten Cornelius

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