Uncorked: Danny Ng

Danny Ng is the chief sommelier at the American Club in Hong Kong and has worked stints in Australia, including the one-hat Italian restaurant in Melbourne, Church St. Enoteca. Returning to Hong Kong, he then worked in other private member clubs before joining the American Club two years ago. He is currently studying for his WSET Diploma as well as a business management qualification and speaks to dbHK about a favoured bottle of Lucy Margaux and breaking corkscrews in the middle of service.

What vintage are you? 

1986, it is one of the greatest vintage of all time and is ready to drink now. It’s a shame I can’t afford it myself yet.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

To be honest, I have forgotten was it was. It was a leftover bottle from one of the customers and it really opened up after they had left! It triggered my love of wine and made me understand that you can never know how good the wine is if you drink it at the wrong moment.

What would you be as a wine?

A NV Champagne because you never know how long it has been aged for – unless you know me well!

Where are you happiest?

The happiest moment for me would be sharing a nice bottle of wine with close friends.

What’s your greatest vice?

Making my friends and customers drink alcohol.

Best advice you ever received?

A sommelier is the bridge between the wine list and customers.

Your cellar is underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?

None. Wine is for fun and sharing, not about its value and the label.

What’s the best & worst thing about the wine business?

The best thing about the wine business is that it’s much easier to source wine and find what you want. The worst thing is having a Laguiole corkscrew break into two pieces in the middle of wine service!

What’s on your wine bucket list?

A lot! I love to try many different types of wine. Recently, Lucy Margaux has been on my favourites list.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

My love and friends.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

89-96.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

Sparkling wine from all around the world. Please let it pop!