HK winemaker hopeful for NWC win

Andrew Powley, a winemaker based in Hong Kong, will compete with 59 others to win the Ningxia Wine Makers Challenge this September.

The Ningxia Winemakers Challenge, (NWC), is a project that will fund up to 60 winemakers from outside of China to practice their craft in Ningxia this September and to compete for cash prizes totaling RMB840,000 (HK$1.05M).

The contest is organized by the International Federation of Vine and Wine of Helan Mountain’s East Foothill, with support from Ningxia’s Bureau of Grape Industry Development.

Andrew Powley is the former senior winemaker at Hong Kong’s sole winery, Portrait in Tsuen Wan (which is now closed) and now works at the Telford bottling plant in Yuen Long where he is responsible for the quality control of wine that flows into Telford to be bottled.

Powley is one of the 60 winemakers whose applications have been accepted. Alongside other hopefuls, he will live in Ningxia for several weeks to select grapes, oversee fermentation, and learn about the region and its wine culture and then his wines will be judged by a panel in 2017.

Speaking on his acceptance he said: “In 1988 I lived in North Western China for a year with my parents who were teachers. Although I have made numerous trips back to China since, I have yet to return to the North West where I have such fond memories.

“Since moving to Hong Kong in 2011, I have followed with interest the developing wine industry in China. While the harsh Ningxia winters pose certain challenges to its grape growers, the warm and dry summers are ideal. I am sure in the next decade there will be some major international focus on some Ningxia wines.

“When I heard that my application to participate in the Ningxia Winemakers Challenge was successful, I was elated. I can’t wait to return and be a part of what will be a great experience for all involved – the 60 lucky applicants, and all the local winemakers we will work alongside.”