Hong Kong IWSC unveils VIP judge for 2012

Karen MacNeill has been named as Guest VIP Judge at this year’s Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition.

The Napa-based US wine writer, educator and consultant will join chair judges Debra Meiburg MW, wine journalist, and Simon Tam, Christies head of wine for China, who head up panels of Asian born and based judges.

MacNeill said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be working with the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition. The wine and spirit market in Asia is incredibly exciting and I’m looking forward to working with some of the finest palates judging the competition.”

A major feature of the Competition is its Asian food and wine pairing awards, an area where MacNeill’s background in food writing will prove particularly valuable.

Describing MacNeill’s appointment as “an exciting development for the Competition,” HKIWSC managing director, Allen Gibbons commented: “With Hong Kong proving to be the gateway into the Asian wine and spirits market, Karen is the perfect person to join Debra and Simon as co-chairs.

The largest wine and spirits competition in Asia, judging for the HKIWSC takes place from 4-8 October 2012, with results announced at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, which run from 8-10 November.

In order to ensure standards meet the highest international levels, wines and spirits are stored prior to judging  in the temperature controlled environment of Crown Wine Cellars, with the final results check by a team from KPMG.

Since it was established four years ago, Cathay Pacific Hong Kong IWSC has seen the position of Guest VIP Judge filled by UK wine critic Tim Atkin MW and Italian oenologist Alberto Antonini.

For more information on the Competition, click here