Galaxy somm wins Ruinart Challenge

Han Yew Kong, the head sommelier of Galaxy Macau has been crowned the winner of the Hong Kong Ruinart Sommeliers Challenge 2017.

Beating 30 other sommeliers and trade professionals to win the coveted title, Han impressed the assorted judging panel with his blind tasting prowess and has scooped a three-day trip to Champagne Ruinart plus a gastronomic tour of the region with other regional finalists.

Participants in this year’s Ruinart Challenge were the first to taste the latest release of Dom Ruinart 2006 and Dom Ruinart Rosé 2004, which have not been released in Hong Kong yet.

The judging panel comprised Frédéric Panaïotis, Ruinart chef de cave; Claudio de Villemor Salgado, ambassador Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne; Yvonne Cheung, winner of the Sommeliers Challenge 2014 and George Ka Ho Wong, winner of last year’s competition.

Panaïotis commented on the increasing knowledge of the assembled sommeliers, saying:

“This is my fourth time in Hong Kong hosting the event and each year, the turnout just amazes me even more. This year, I am glad to see that the challenge has not only attracted sommeliers from the region but also wine enthusiasts from the industry.”