Uncorked: Terence Wong

Terence Wong has worked through the ranks to become the head sommelier of three Michelin-starred restaurant L’Atelier Joël de Robuchon in Hong Kong. Having cut his teeth at Japanese restaurant Nobu at InterContinental Hotel for nearly three years, the Hong Kong native has developed an acute palate for saké, Spanish and French wines. Winner of The Best Sommelier Greater China competition in 2011, Wong is currently studying the WSET Diploma after completing his advanced level of Court of Master Sommeliers in 2016. Wong talks to dbHK about a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc that charmed him into the wine world and his ideal party guest, Andreas Larsson –  the 2007 Best Sommelier of the World.

What vintage are you? 

1985.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

A bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. It has a nose of unforgettable fragrance. It led me to fall in love with wine, and later to discover the world of wine and tasting skills.

What would you be as a wine?

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée St. Vivant.

Where are you happiest?

At sommelier competitions. I can make new friends around the world and improve my knowledge.

What’s your greatest vice?

Tasting wine and studying at midnight.

Best advice you ever got?

Don’t give up on your dream and keep on moving to become one of the best sommeliers in the world.

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

Probably a bottle of Domaine Leflaive Les Folatières Puligny-Montrachet as I love Bourgogne and Domaine Leflaive so much.

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

If every restaurant has a rule that says, “no outside wine is allowed in opened in the restaurant”, it would be fantastic. This is every sommelier’s dream. The worst part is that not too many people understand the job of a sommelier.

What’s on your wine bucket list?

Jerez and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Andreas Larsson, the best sommelier in the world. He inspires me a lot in my job as a sommelier and in competitions.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

I like the mid 80s and 90s.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral? 

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée St. Vivant 1985. I was born this year and would like to finish with this year.