Palette Vino in Beijing: Cozy confines, good wines, superb prices

By Jim Boyce As I am a fan of the Palette Wines portfolio and of enjoying a few bottles with friends in cozy hutong surroundings, the combination of the two is bound to be a winner. Since writing last October about the Dongsishitiao branch of Palette Vino, in Beijing, I have returned four times to [...]

Simply Bordeaux 2009: 100 bottles of wine in the hall, 100 bottles of wine…

By Jim Boyce The Simply Bordeaux 2009 tour recently stopped in Beijing to promote the “top 100″ wine selections for China as chosen at a tasting held in January. I participated in that tasting with three wine experts in Shanghai – we judged more than 300 different bottles of Bordeaux in just over two days. [...]

Tasting time: Beijing Beaujolais binge

Prepare your palates for these upcoming events on the Beijing wine circuit. No surprise, Beaujolais Nouveau is the wine du jour - yes, it’s a huge marketing gimmick, but the parties can be fun. For a change of pace, check out the Friday tasting at Sequoia Cafe (Sanlitun), which takes a break from wine this week and has [...]

Tasting time: Shanghai

Prepare your palates for these upcoming events on the Shanghai wine circuit. Thanks to Grape Wall of China contributor Winopete for the details: November 11: Torbreck wine tasting at Jazz 37 (RMB198) November 11: Jamie Oliver wine masterclass at Glamour Bar (RMB150) November 14: Vega-Sicilia (Spain) wine dinner with seven wines at Gui Hua Lou [...]

Are you experienced? Hilton’s tenth food and wine event

The Hilton holds its tenth annual Food & Wine Experience this Saturday, November 10. It’s about as must-attend as a wine event gets in Beijing. I interviewed Hilton GM Vlad Reyes and F&B Manager Philippos Arghirides about the history behind it and what we can expect this year. Boyce: How did the first Food & Wine [...]

Cheers: Hilton’s Food & Wine Experience celebrates 10 years

Hilton Beijing will mark a decade of decanted debauchery with its tenth annual Food and Wine Experience on November 9 (trade only) and 10 (open to public). Besides a wide range of wines to taste, the event covers coffee, chocolate, cooking classes, wine seminars with Jeremy Oliver, and more. The public session are from 1-5 PM: it’s [...]

Last call: 11 countries, 150 wines, 188 kuai

Torres China is organizing “Taste of the Nations” at Traders Hotel Beijing on November 3. The 188-kuai entry fee gets you more than 150 wines from 11 nations, not to mention free appetizers and live performances. Space is limited, so reserve yours by contacting Sophie (5165-5519, extension 208 / sophie@torres.com.cn). Note: Get more info on [...]