Hong Kong gets another wine player
One of China’s major wine importer just couldn’t say no to Hong Kong’s no tax wine culture.
A Jiuwine.com summary by Daniel Lim.

A tourist overlooking the map of Hong Kong. Image is courtesy of Foraggio Fotographic (Sydney, Australia). 

Following the footsteps of competitor ASC Fine Wines, Summergate, one of mainland China’s major wine player has announced a similar move by expanding into Hong Kong. ASC Fine Wines opened its Hong Kong office at Leighton Centre (Causeway Bay) in December 2008, and had a head-start “with such a strong portfolio of wine brands’, ASC Chief Executive Officer, Don St. Pierre said in an earlier Decanter interview.

The entry into the competitive Hong Kong wine market amidst the current economic downturn is Summergate’s 6th office in the Greater China region. Summergate was founded in 1999 by American Ian Ford and New Zealander Brendan O’Toole, both entrepreneurs who went on to open sales and distribution offices in Shanghai and Beijing (1999), Shenzhen (2003), Guangzhou (2004) and Macau (2006).

Popular and major brands represented by Summergate include Argentina’s Catena Zapata, from Australia comes d’Arenberg, Elderton Wines, Fox Creek, Giaconda, Jim Barry, Kilikanoon, Yalumba, and Mosswood. Chile - Concha Y Toro, Vina Haras De Pirque, and Los Vascos.

France - Bouchard Pere & Fils, Buzet, Charles de Fere, Domaines Barons de Rothschild, Hugel & Fils, Jean Pierre Moueix, Perrin & Fils, Pichon Longueville, Pierre Durval, and William Fevre. Germany - Dr. Loosen. Italy - Allegrini, Antinori, and Tormaresca.

New Zealand - Ata Rangi, Felton Road, Nautilus, and Villa Maria Estate. United States and California’s - Diamond Creek, Harlan Estate, Ridge Vineyards, Silver Oak, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

For more information about Summergate, please email info@summergate.com or visit www.summergate.com.