Contributors: Full List
The following are contributors to Grape Wall of China (listed in alphabetical order). More profiles will be added shortly.
Chantal Chi
Key focus: Views from a wine writer
Based in Shanghai, Chantal has written for publications such as Century 21, Wine Business International, and Decanter China. She is completing three books on wine.
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Yvonne Chiong, wine director, WHM Group
Key focus: A sommelier’s perspective
“Yvonne Chiong was the chief sommerlier at Three on the Bund’s Jean Georges from 2003 to August 2007, and now works as a wine director for WHM Group. She has spoken about wine on radio and in print publications in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the United States, among other places. She has been a wine judge in competitions in New York and holds numerous wine certificates and diplomas.”
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John Isacs, author, bilingual wine books
Key focus: Taiwan market, wine education
“John Isacs is principal author of bilingual (Chinese and English) wine books, founder of EnjoyGourmet lifestyle magazine and published in publications such as GQ, Apple Daily and China Times. He founded Enjoy International digital network and is an educator and consultant for companies and tourism and trade offices. He is the only certified Sherry-Jerez-Xeres trainer in Asia.”
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Judy Leissner, CEO, Grace Vineyard
Key focus: Winemaking in China
“Judy Leissner is CEO of Grace Vineyard, China’s only family-owned boutique winery. She is involved in all aspects of the business, from wine-making to sales and marketing to finance to overall strategy. Grace has won numerous awards abroad and received much media coverage. She previously worked in the Hong Kong office of Goldman Sachs.”
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Alain Leroux, general manager, Taillan winery
Key focus: Winemaking in China
“Hailing from France, Alain Leroux has been general manager of Taillan winery, just outside Beijing in Hebei province, for a dozen years. Taillan, a Sino-French joint venture, produces its owns wine and does bottling for other makers and distributors.”
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Huiqin Ma, professor, China Agricultural University
Key focus: Wine agriculture, China’s wine market
“Huiqin Ma, associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology at China Agricultural University, leads the school’s grape and wine research group. She was a postdoctoral research fellow (2000-2002) in the Institute for Wine Biotechnology, in Stellenbosch University in South Africa, is vice general seceretary of the Chinese Society for Viticulture (CSV) and has lectured at universities and organizations in Europe about the wine market and marketing in China.
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Campbell Thompson, Master’s of Wine Marketing student
Key focus: Chinese consumers
“Campbell Thompson grew up in South Australia, close to Coonawarra - one of Australia’s most respected wine regions. He has lived and worked in Beijing for nearly 10 years, and worked for China’s largest wine importer for more than four years. He is completing a Masters degree in Wine Marketing and is a fan of red Burgundy, good Riesling and Coonawarra Cabernets (though not all at once).”
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Peter Wright, consumer
Key focus: Shanghai wine scene
Photo of Peter to come
“Peter Wright - aka ‘Winopete’ - is one of the most tightwad tipplers in town and spends more time than he should hunting for bargain booze, but is always partial to a good drop, good pub grub and a comfortable place for a chinwag. He writes a popular newsletter on Shanghai’s nightlife scene.”
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Jim Boyce, consumer
Key focus: Beijing wine scene, media coverage of China’s wine scene
Photo of Jim to come
“Jim Boyce is administrator of www.grapewallofchina.com and author of nightlife blog www.beijingboyce.com. He writes from the perspective of a consumer who shops for wine, attends wine events and classes, organizes occasional tastings, and regularly meets people in the industry. He is especially interested in wine made with grapes grown in China.“