Nick Heath, Taylor’s marketing director, was in Hong Kong this week to take part in a programme of educational and promotional activities organized by the Vintage Port Academy (VPA).
The VPA was founded by six family owned Port houses, Croft, Dow’s, Fonseca, Graham’s, Taylor’s and Warre’s, to promote the appreciation and knowledge of Vintage Port among wine consumers, collectors and professionals. This week’s events began with a media workshop in the Grand Hyatt Library, focusing on the historic estates which produce the Vintage Ports of the six houses, followed by a Q&A workshop for Hong Kong Master of Wine Students organized by Tersina Shieh of the Independent Wine Centre.
During the week, two Port masterclasses were held and VPA Diplomas awarded to the successful examination candidates. As usual, a special prize was awarded to the candidate achieving the top examination score in each masterclass. This year’s prizes went to Leo Au of The Penisular Hotel, Kowloon, and to Ian Wo, sommelier of the Centurion Restaurant at the Sha Tin Clubhouse of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The VPA Port workshop and diploma award programme has proved very popular with hospitality and wine trade staff, those studying for professional qualifications, wine educators and consumers interested in broadening their knowledge of Port. This year’s programme, led by Taylor’s Nick Heath and Euan Mackay of Symington Family Estates, was fully subscribed with waiting lists for places in both sessions. The week’s VPA programme culminated with the usual joint Vintage Port trade tasting at the Conrad Hotel.