An eagerly-anticipated event in the wine community, the Lianhe Zaobao Wine Review Challenge was started in 1998 by Mr Ch'ng Poh Tiong, the publisher of The Wine Review, Southeast Asia's oldest wine magazine.
Jointly organised by Lianhe Zaobao and The Wine Review, the challenge was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Now in its 9th run, it is also the most important wine challenge in Southeast Asia.
"The main goal of the Challenge has always been to offer to the wine loving public a solid body of award-winning wines that have been judged as the best in their categories by an expert panel," said Mr Ch'ng, who is also Lianhe Zaobao's wine columnist. "In providing this invaluable service to the public, the Challenge also recognises, encourages and acknowledges winemakers who are making the highest quality wines. This surely is a win-win situation for both the public and the wine producers."
A panel of experts, all established names in the wine community, judged the various wines in closed door blind tastings earlier this week at Conrad Centennial Singapore. Judging is based on wine quality and the extent to which the wine is representative of its category, and the best wines in each category are awarded Best Wine, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.
The Gold, Silver & Bronze medal winners and the Best Wine in their respective wine categories will be announced tonight at Conrad Centennial Singapore at a gala dinner attended by the "Who's Who" of the wine community.
The full results will be published in Lianhe Zaobao's wine supplement on 17 August 2007, and in the Wine Review Annual magazine on 25 October 2007.
While tonight's gala dinner is strictly by invitation only, there are two other wine events, held in conjunction with the Lianhe Zaobao Wine Review Challenge, which are open to the public.
On Aug 5, all 376 participating wine labels in this year's challenge will be presented at Singapore's biggest wine tasting event at Conrad Centennial Singapore. Some 200 participating readers and 100 invited guests will get to savour these wines. Prizes such as a wine tour to Australia, Speigelau Wine Glass sets and Kadeka Wine Openers will be given away in a lucky draw. The audience will be able to vote for their favourite wines, and the results will be released in Lianhee Zaobao the following day.
From Aug 17 to 19, a 3-day wine fair at Vivocity, East Court, Level 1, will showcase a comprehensive array of wines and wine-related products, along with refreshing insights and tips on wine appreciation. There will also be special buys and the chance to win great lucky draw prizes
