After a two-year hiatus in travel and events, 2022 is the year where traveling and social activities came back with a vengeance. Living out of a suitcase since February 2022, I took full advantage of welcoming cities, spending time in Melbourne, New York, Washington DC, Napa Valley, Paris, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Seoul and Singapore.

Lockdown in Hong Kong over the past few years was fruitful for me: I received a Doctor of Philosophy degree exploring consumer-brand relationships and was bestowed a Knight of the Legion of Honour (Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur) by the President of France. Having concrete goals during the height of the pandemic helped me keep a positive and hopeful outlook on life.

Some highlights from this year included being part of the 2022 harvest in Victoria, Australia and discovering their top Pinot Noir; tasting some wonderful recent vintages in Napa Valley  and seeing how they are coping with frequent wildfires; spending time with producers in Bordeaux  and Burgundy, and enjoying the Musique et Vin festival in Burgundy in June.

I had hoped to spend a few months in China this year to celebrate the launch and publication of my book, The 100 Burgundy, in Chinese. However, the continuing restrictions in China means the book tour will be postponed until 2023 – please watch this space for future dates!

As this year comes to a close, I will remember it as the year of living out of a suitcase and one that marks a transition in my life. Just as 2008 (when I became a Master of Wine) marked the year when I became a full-time wine professional, 2022 will be the year where I transition to areas that expand beyond the wine industry. My recent role at the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) as their Senior Advisor on the business council is one such example – where my wine and international relations background merge and involves helping Korea try to win the bid for the 2030 World Expo. In the coming year, I will truly be a global citizen, dividing my time in Paris, New York, Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore. For those of you attending the Wine Pinnacle Awards activities at the end of this month in Singapore – I look forward to seeing you in person!

And as always, please stay in touch via my various social media channels: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Weibo and Weixin!

À votre santé!