Hong Kong, June 2018: Gaggenau, the luxury professional-grade home
appliance manufacturer, is delighted to announce that the newly launched
“Vario Cooling 400 Wine Climate Cabinet”. The new statement pioneering
the way for functional art that fits into the lifestyle of the discerning and
cultured individual. New highlights including a handleless door cooling wall design, opening assist system, telescopic rails, up to three independently controlled climate zones, five present lighting scenarios and many more. Such kitchen masterpiece is perfect for showcasing prized collections that deserve to be admired.
Star Guest, German Wine Queen
To celebrate the Gaggenau launch and the annual Riesling Week*, Germany’s 69th Wine Queen, 27-year-old Ms. Katharina Staab visited Hong Kong for the first time as the honourary guest. Raised up in her family’s winery, Ms. Staab studied business in the Great Wine Capital of Mainz, Germany and wrote her Master’s degree in Lisbon, Portugual. Her valuable international travel experience and her global role as wine ambassador led her to today’s successful achievements. Now that Ms. Staab got elected by the German Wine Institute to be the wine queen on a supra-regional level. She demonstrated her expertise in the origin and significance of individual grape varieties. She also conveyed the uniqueness of Germany’s versatile fine wines.
The Annual Topnotch Wine Event – Gaggenau Sommelier Awards 2018
Further cementing Gaggenau dedication and contribution to educating young wine aficionados from all over the world, Gaggenau will be hosting its 3rdGaggenau Global Sommelier Award in Beijing this year in October. Beijing offers the perfect stage to present international Sommelier Awards, and provides an opportunity to highlight China’s rapid progression, as an established wine producing country. The winner of the Awards will receive official status as a global Gaggenau cultural ambassador and other prizes.
As a kick-off to applaud 30th Annniversary of Kitchen Infinity Holdings Limited, Gaggenau Distributor Hong Kong & Macau, and spectating the promising opportunities of wine culture in the Greater China Region, the “3rd Gaggenau Sommelier Awards – Hong Kong Heat” took place in Hong Kong on June 14 in its Showroom, KI Cubus. Highly talented young sommeliers from prestigious hotels and influential eateries groups have been nominated. Two winning candidates from Hong Kong Heat will joined the Greater China Region Semi- Finals in Shanghai on July 17, 2018; and gained an opportunity to participate the Global Finals in Beijing on October 17, 2018.
The sommelier profession has come a long way from traditional wine waiter to expert advisor of guests in their choice of wine. Talented sommelier enhances delicious dining experience. With competence and a great deal of intuition they compose wine recommendations to match a wide variety of different foods. Aside from familiarity with regional and international wines, in-depth knowledge of spirits, beer, coffee, tea, water and other non-alcoholic beverages is expected.
The extensive knowledge of the participants in the Gaggenau Sommelier Awardswas put to the test before a Judging Panel (including Head of Judging Panel, Master of Sommelier, Darius Allyn; First Master of Sommelier in China, Yang Lu; Wine Critic, Rebecca Leung; and 69th German Wine Queen, Katharina Staab in 3-rounds competition: (1) Wine Knowledge; (2) Blind Tasting; (3) Serving.
Cellar Manager, Taka Tam from Hip Cellar Limited; Head Sommelier, Reeze Choi from Van Gogh Senses; Head Sommelier, Michael Chan from American Club; Head Sommelier, Nick Koon from Grand Lisboa Hotel; and Ric Choi of Bo Innovation met at the Gaggenau Showroom, KI Cubus in Hong Kong to compete for the semi-finalist of Gaggenau Sommelier Award of the Year 2018 – Hong Kong Heat. At the competition, they impressed everyone with their considered selection of wines and appealing presentation.
Denise Tan, Head of Category Management Cooking And Gaggenau,
commented: “We are delighted to announce the official launch of Gaggenau
Vario Cooling 400 Wine Climate Cabinet in Hong Kong, and to kick-off the third edition of Gaggenau Global Sommelier Award which aligned perfectly with the brand’s vision. We wanted to focus on the candidates’ attitude and philosophy regarding wine culture – aspects that also play a defining role in the latest design of Gaggenau Vario Cooling 400 Wine Climate Cabinet and brand identity. Even preparing the shortlist was no easy task as Greater China Region candidates impressed us with their wealth of knowledge.”
