James Suckling opens wine bar in Hong Kong

American wine critic James Suckling has finally opened the doors of his wine bar in Hong Kong’s hip Soho area, offering hundreds of wines from around the globe, including many 100-point wines rated by the critic over his four-decade career.

James Suckling (centre) with his wife Marie Kim Suckling (owner of James Suckling Wine Central) and partner & manager, Francesco Lee (left)

Named ‘James Suckling Wine Central’, the wine bar and restaurant features more than 500 wines, many of which have been served at the critic’s tasting events in Hong Kong and Mainland China, such as Great Wines of the World, Great Wines of Italy, Great Wines of Andes, and Bordeaux Confidential.

This is the first time an international wine critic has opened a wine bar with a full list of wines that have scored at least 90 points.

“I felt it was something I had to do as a natural expansion of the large-scale consumer events I regularly host in Hong Kong and mainland China,” said Suckling. “Now I can bring a love and appreciation of wine to wine lovers every day in the city that I call home.”

One highlight of the wine list is a full page of 100-point wines rated by the critic over his four decade career.

The menu also features a ‘cellar selection’ comprised of wines collected by the critic in his cellar in Tuscany, while 300 wines are also available by the glass.

“I want you to know that whether you purchase a rare old bottle or a good-value wine by the glass at my restaurant, you can be assured of great experience,” he said. “That’s because I personally selected all the wines at James Suckling Wine Central and all were previously scored 90 to 100 points by me or my team.”

Aside from the wines, the bar/restaurant offers authentic Korean cuisine, helmed by chef Ko, formerly from Jinjuu in London.

“I couldn’t have done this without my dear wife Marie and good friend and restaurateur Francesco Lee, both of whom are Korean. That’s one reason why the food is modern fine Korean dining, the other being that I think Asian cuisine goes so well with the great wines of the world,” added Suckling.

Address: 2/F, The Staunton Suites, No. 22 Staunton Street, Hong Kong.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 6pm till late.