db Asia: April and May in pictures
From trade shows and packed-out masterclasses to fine wine dinners and even a coffee festival, we recap what we’ve been up to across Asia for the past couple of months.
Each year, the months of April and May are packed with events, with many of us travelling to some of Asia’s biggest trade fairs, attending dinners and masterclasses or catching up with friends around the exhibitions. This year was no exception for the team here at db, travelling to Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong over the last couple of months.
Here’s everything we and our friends and colleagues in the industry were up to over this busy period…
ProWine Tokyo
We headed to ProWine Tokyo’s second edition where editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW hosted two masterclasses, one focused on Champagne special releases and sustainability and one comparative tasting of global sparkling wine.
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db also announced the winner of the Tokyo Italian Sommelier Award at the Japanese trade show, recognising the efforts and talents of Goki Isao, chef sommelier at the Bvlgari Hotel, for his impressive credentials which reflect a deep dedication to the world of wine and fine beverages.
The team behind brand building agency Nimbility were also present in Tokyo, with founding partner Ian Ford, based in Shanghai, and head of Japan Manuel Rodrigues, who is based in Tokyo, presenting Poco Vino, Australian Vintage Limited’s latest brand innovation.
Johann Henschke showcases 2021 vintage in China with ASC Fine Wines
Johann Henschke, sixth-generation custodian of Australia’s Henschke estate, recently visited China to unveil the 2021 vintage, accompanied by the winery’s exclusive importer and distributor, ASC Fine Wines. The launch was marked by a series of events designed to engage China’s growing base of fine wine enthusiasts, including Hill of Grace masterclasses, private wine dinners and livestream broadcasts on TikTok and Red Note.
In addition to highlighting flagship cuvées from the Barossa and Eden Valleys, ASC introduced two new additions to its Henschke portfolio in China: the Henschke Keyneton Euphonium Barossa and the Henschke Marble Angel Cabernet Sauvignon. The expanded offering brings greater diversity to Henschke’s presence in the market.
ProWine Hong Kong
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With spirits tax cuts fuelling trade optimism, ProWine Hong Kong was positioned as a catalyst for industry recovery in Asia. The fair debuted the ProWine x db Asia Green Awards, highlighting sustainability leaders and showcasing major global exhibitors. It also kicked off a new business report in partnership with Geisenheim University, offering fresh insight into future wine and spirits markets.
Vinexpo Asia
Hot on the heels of this year’s Hong Kong trip was Vinexpo Asia, taking place in Singapore in 2025. Bringing together more than 11,000 visitors and 1,100 exhibitors, Vinexpo Asia opened with CEO Rodolophe Lameyse enthusiastically welcoming fast changes in the wine and spirits industry.
“We have built strong and stable ties with Asia’s key markets,” said Lameyse, reflecting on more than 25 years working in Asia since the inaugural Vinexpo Asia-Pacific show in Hong Kong in 1998. “Let’s make this edition count.”
Brand building agency Nimbility hosted a panel discussion on Bartenders as Brand Ambassadors at the show, chaired by Nimbility spirits director Manuel Arce and featuring Roberto Bava, Cocchi’s owner, Maxime Girardin, founder of Pegasus Distillery, Jay Gray, brand ambassador and bartender at Sago House/Low Tide and Alex ‘Happy’ Gilmour, director of beverage, Conrad Orchard Singapore.
Nimbility co-founder and CEO Ian Ford chaired a second panel on Understanding the Asian Consumer with Natalie Wang founder and editor, VinoJoy, Dan Siebers, co-partner, Wajiu Group China and Marcus Ford Asia market manager, Wines of South Africa.
Ginsberg+Chan Clos des Papes Wine Dinner at Beefbar
Hong Kong-based fine wine retailer Ginsberg+Chan is still basking in the afterglow of its Clos des Papes wine dinner at Beefbar, which the family-owned business deemed a remarkable success. The evening featured an unprecedented lineup of vintages, including the legendary 1937, 1947, 1959, 1986, and 1989.
The highlight was undoubtedly the 1947, its owners have said captivating guests with its mesmerising caramel and toffee notes.
Wine 2 Asia Shenzhen 2025
Nimbility’s Shanghai and Hong Kong teams joined forces in Wine 2 Asia Shenzhen 2025 with the agency’s largest pavilion to date to showcase its brand partners, spanning all continents and all categories.
Nimbility partner Nichole Mao hosted a wine masterclass in the Wine Discovery Zone titled ‘Icons of the Andes’ featuring Argentinean winery Altos Las Hormigas and Chilean family Estate Vina Casa Silva.
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Nimbility Spirits Director Manuel Arce lead a Pisco Masterclass with Mayidili Sulitang, Nimbility sales director North Asia, doing the interpretation.
METABEV x French GourMay
Metabev joined the cocktail of media and trade attendees at The Peninsula in May for this year’s French GourMay with tasting on its whole French portfolio, spanning Perrier sparkling water, Maison Perrier sparkling beverages, Vittel still water, Chambord raspberry liqueur, Champagne Pommery, Alfred Giraud whisky and Frapin Cognac. This is just the start for Metabev, which ran promotions across May in on-trade and retail locations across the city for those looking to celebrate all things French.
Australia’s Great Southern and Margaret River regions in Bangkok
db Asia headed to Bangkok for two masterclasses highlighting the quality and diversity of some of Australia’s most exciting regions. The event brought together wine professionals for an immersive experience featuring over 150 wines from more than 20 producers.
Highlights included a walk-around tasting with extensive sampling across both the Great Southern and Margaret River wine regions, plus masterclasses on Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon and Great Southern Shiraz from Frankland River.
Both sessions were fully booked and expertly hosted by db Asia’s Nimmi Malhotra, alongside panels of local winemakers.
Continental Wines Portfolio Tasting
The Nimbility Hong Kong team poured Altos Las Hormigas and Mirabeau wines (pictured) at the Continental Wines Portfolio Tasting, the annual event hosted by the French maison’s Hong Kong importer.
Capel Market Launch with Primavine Indonesia
Capel, the leading Chilean Pisco producer, was presented in Indonesia by Pratham Wahi, Nimbility’s export director, alongside the brand’s Indonesia importer Primavine.
Sipping Society – Domaine de la Rochette 2020 Horizontal Tasting
Ginsberg+Chan hosted an intimate 2020 vintage horizontal tasting from Switzerland’s most enigmatic wine producer, Jacques Tatasciore of Domaine de la Rochette.
Attendees got the exclusive chance to experience these highly coveted and rare wines, with four exceptional bottles being presented throughout the evening.
Alta Vista Market Visit & Trade Accounts training in Thailand and Australia
Pratham Wahi, Nimbility export director, visited Inco Trading in Thailand and Vino del Mundo in Australia for educational trainings with the agency’s key accounts.
Winemaker Jane Eyre’s visit to Hong Kong and Macau
Jane Eyre’s first visit to Macau marked a special collaboration with the esteemed Galaxy Hotel. To celebrate her visit, the Apron Oyster Bar & Grill curated a bespoke menu over the past two months, ensuring perfect pairings with Eyre’s exceptional wines.
Travelling to Hong Kong, Ginsberg+Chan welcomed sommeliers to an exclusive masterclass led by Jane Eyre. The tasting featured 2021 and 2022 vintages from Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Australia, showcasing Eyre’s winemaking style and distinctive philosophy through in every bottle.
Maison Perrier, Fever Tree and Tito’s vodka at Coffee HKG festival
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Metabev took part in Hong Kong’s first-ever large-scale outdoor coffee party with its portfolio of brands. Internationally-acclaimed Tokyo Coffee Festival came to Hong Kong for the first time, featuring over 100 coffee brands from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and more.
Guests were able to experience unique brews, exclusive coffee cocktails, and the chill vibes of the viral “Chill Guy” spirit, perfect for unwinding over the long weekend. Metabev represented some of its key brands, including Fever Tree, Maison Perrier and Tito’s Vodka, at the event in April.
DB Asia Wine and Spirits Masters
This year’s Asia Wine and Spirits Masters competition showcased the explosive creativity and quality emerging from distillers and winemakers around the world. For spirits, Korea’s Hwayo 41 took the top title of Asian Spirits Taste Master 2025, impressing judges with its balance of spice, vanilla and velvety texture. The gin category saw Hai Seas Crazy Eights Barrel-Aged Gin named Master, while India’s Paul John whiskies swept the board with two Master medals and three Golds. China’s Hai Seas Distillery was awarded four Golds for its growing whisky line, confirming it as one to watch.
Hosted at Crown Wine Cellars, the Asia Wine Masters was chaired by editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW and saw more than 70 wines tasted blind in flights by style and price category, irrespective of region of origin.
Great Southern headed to Singapore to continue its masterclass series
Held the day before Vinexpo Asia, this focused trade tasting provided a deep dive into the Great Southern region. Highlights included a seated masterclass led by Nimmi Malhotra with a panel of regional winemakers, featuring a tasting of nine wines showcasing Riesling and Shiraz — the region’s flagship varietals.
Winemakers also gave their insights in a detailed discussion on terroir and stylistic diversity.
Plus we hosted a free-pour tasting, featuring a broader selection from producers such as Cherubino Wines, Fervor, Howard Park Wines, Plan B!/The Next Hundred Years, Singlefile Wines, Small Things Wine, Swinney, and 3 Oceans.
The morning was insightful and well-attended, spotlighting the exceptional quality and character of Great Southern wines.
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