Pudao Wines is closing its Beijing branch nearly ten years to the day the company launched its first shop in Shanghai.
The store will close June 2 (see details below), which justifies extra drinking for members with credit on their enomatic machine cards. Those with credit after June 2 can redeem it for event fees or wine deliveries.
Beijing’s branch of Pudao opened in 2011 in The Office Park. A mix of wine shop and bar, it has lounge areas, a patio, about 500 different wines, and those enomatic machines with 20 options rotated monthly, giving members the chance to try a sip before splurging on a glass or bottle.
Craig Aldous, CEO of importer and distributor Summergate Fine Wines & Spirits, which owns Pudao, states the store is closing due to the expiration on the lease.
“While for a period we will not have a physical store location in Beijing, we are still fully committed to delivering great wines and service to our members and customers,” he writes, and adds that Jim Yang and Alex Caillard will continue to serve Pudao customers.
“Beyond delivering great sales service, we are also committed to continuing to deliver best-in-class events on a regular basis at various venues around Beijing”, writes Aldous.
Those include a Parker Coonawarra master class by Dale Wyman on June 1, from 3 PM to 5 PM, and a store farewell party on June 2, from noon to 9 PM. Also planned: an All in New Zealand event on June 15, a cigar and drinks event by Jennifer Docherty on June 29 and a Clarendon Hills master class by Alex Bratasiuk on July 5, with times and venues to be announced.
Also: “We will be honouring the Enomatic tasting machine credit registered at the Beijing store, which we will allow to be used for the purchase of wine for delivery, or for tickets to our upcoming tasting and dinner events.” The credits should be used by September 30.
It’s sad news about the closing but it’s good that Pudao fans have ample time to get over for some final glasses. I was there this afternoon and they have some nice Rieslings, among other wines, in the machines and on sale. Here’s hoping we see a new Pudao shop soon!
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