History was crafted on Saturday, 26 October, as the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) launched its inaugural event in Singapore, providing an extraordinary experience of wine and whisky tasting. Fifty-four esteemed producers from 13 countries participated, offering attendees the opportunity to sample over 200 exquisite bottles. Guests also took part in three exceptional masterclasses, one of which included our inaugural whisky session featuring the acclaimed Nikka distillery from Japan.
Discover the highlights from this remarkable day below.
A sincere thank you to all the producers and attendees who contributed to making our Singapore debut truly unforgettable, to Colossal Productions for documenting these cherished moments, and to our official DFWE sponsor, Riedel.
The Grand Tasting is now underway! Over 550 guests arrived at Singapore’s luxurious Shangri-La Hotel.
Attendees were invited to indulge in a selection of wines from leading producers across the globe during the all-day Grand Tasting event.
Presenting the Decanter World Wine Award Winners Table! Showcasing 45 of the highest-rated wines from the 2024 competition.
François Labet, the Proprietor of Château de la Tour, alongside Charles Curtis MW, meticulously samples wines from Clos de Vougeot, establishing the atmosphere for the first masterclass of the day.
The team responsible for pouring is getting the tasting glasses ready.
Captivated and intrigued – participants at the masterclass were completely absorbed in the experience, relishing every flavor and piece of knowledge exchanged.
A cherished moment – one attendee snaps a spontaneous photo of their companions, preserving the thrill of the masterclass.
Welcome encounter – an excited guest stands alongside Charles Curtis MW, a highly regarded figure, as fans eagerly queued for the chance to meet him.
Collective happiness – joyful guests share a light-hearted moment, embodying the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Indulging in options! An enthusiastic visitor savors the variety at the Precision wine stall, beaming as she chooses her next glass.
From London to New York City and now to Singapore, the DWWA table remains a cherished destination for wine lovers, showcasing its charm in every location.
At the Marchesi Di Barolo booth, attendees delve into the variety of Barolo wines while the exhibitor passionately narrates the histories behind each selection.
The day’s second masterclass featured Saskia de Rothschild from Château Lafite, who presented an exclusive tasting of Lafite wines, including vintages from their Chinese project, Long Dai.
A vibrant turnout was witnessed at Château Lafite Rothschild, where enthusiastic participants assembled to immerse themselves in this iconic masterclass.
Concentrated observation – one of the attendees raises their glass towards the light, carefully inspecting the wine’s hue and clarity with insightful consideration.
Engagement in progress – an attendee diligently writes down notes, recording the extensive insights shared throughout the masterclass.
Participants relished the exceptional 2016 Château Pichon Baron presented in a double magnum – a vintage that achieved a flawless score of 100 points in the Decanter Panel tasting.
We had the opportunity to speak with Edouard Moueix, the grandson of the iconic Jean-Pierre Moueix, in a brief interview.
A moment to cherish – a guest captures a photograph of a cherished bottle, allowing them to relive the experience long after it has passed.
A remarkable milestone – our inaugural whisky masterclass with Nikka Whisky, presented by Diego Araud, Marketing Director at La Maison du Whisky, alongside co-host CH’NG Poh Tiong, provided an exceptional exploration of Japanese whisky.
The whisky selection included a unique release – a delightful surprise that concluded our last masterclass of the day.
A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to CH’NG Poh Tiong for co-hosting two remarkable masterclasses featuring Château Lafite and Nikka Whisky.
We were honored to have five of China’s premier estates, such as Canaan Winery and Domaine Franco Chinois from Hebei, presenting their award-winning wines.
As a token of appreciation, all attendees who purchased a Grand Tasting ticket received a complimentary Riedel wine glass to remember the occasion.
Cheers to everyone for contributing to the unforgettable experience of our inaugural event. Our next destination is London, on Saturday, November 16—looking forward to seeing you there!