Proust Q&A: Bernice Liu

A successful actress in her own right, the Hong Kong-based Canadian, Bernice Liu, made an unexpected foray into wine a decade ago. In 2008, she set up the ‘Bellavizio’ brand, making wines in Napa and Bordeaux. Starting off with a Napa Chardonnay and Merlot, her wine range has now grown to include a Bordeaux-blend red and white. Splitting her time between acting, charity work and winemaking, the newly turned vintner also attended Hong Kong’s inaugural Women of Wine Festival on 10 March to introduce her wines. In this interview, Bernice talks to dbHK about her mother, her love for Bordeaux and her ideal dinner guest – Wonder Woman.  

Debra Meiburg MW and Bernice Liu at the inaugural Women of Wine Festival in Hong Kong this March

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A balance of both my work in the entertainment industry and my hobby/passion for wine & charity, and a family that I can share it with!

What is your greatest fear?

I’m afraid of heights!

Which living person do you most admire?

My mom, she is like a supermom! She supports all of her kids, grandchildren, and my dad in pursuing whatever crazy dreams we may have, being the backbone for our family of five living in four different countries. She will come to any of us if we need a shoulder to cry on. She is strong and solid as a rock, but still fluffy and soft like a pillow. 

What is your greatest extravagance?

I bought a studio in Hong Kong so I could have a space to cook, chill, play video games in, and enjoy wines with friends. 

What is your current state of mind?

It’s actually quite all over the place. I’m currently shooting a TV drama series for ViuTV, a TV programme introducing hidden jewels of Hong Kong for Cable TV, as well as preparing Bellavizio for the upcoming first Women of Wine event in Hong Kong, and getting ready to take off to Singapore in March to shoot season 2 of ‘Lion Moms’. 

What is the quality you most like in another person?

Genuine kindness. Kindness can be in many forms and it’s the quality that keeps me motivated; it is what I set out to be the main driving force of Bellavizio. I’ve kept true to my heart and to my, what I call, ‘passion project’.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

God, his strength and repeated presence in my life is something I don’t take for granted. What my grandmother brought into our family was the knowledge of Him, His love & guidance, which I know will always be around us.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and “what goes around comes around”. 

When and where were you happiest?

For the past few years, I must say going to Bordeaux is like ‘air’ to me… I have great friends there. The place is beautiful, and I feel I can breathe.  Even if it’s only a couple of days sometimes, I can really shut off and enjoy the food, the wine, the people, and the place even after all these years.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

The ability to swim. I can’t swim. I’ve tried, and I keep sinking!

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to speak many different languages instantly. Then I could go anywhere and be able to communicate with everyone instantly.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I haven’t yet? I would like to think the best is yet to come…

Where would you most like to live?

Anywhere that my partner is, is where I would most like to be.

What is your most treasured possession?

A gift from my parents.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My smile, people say my smile is really big.

Who is your favourite writer?

Mr. Janneau. 

Who is your hero of fiction?

Not sure if I have one…

What is it that you most dislike?

Negative people.  

What is your greatest regret?

That I didn’t discover the world of wine earlier!

What is your motto?

Follow your dreams, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible. 

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what three wines would you serve?

Wonder Woman, Mother Teresa and my grandma. Pétrus 1979, Bellavizio 2010 and Latour 1979.