Market Place dedicated to delivering a quality lifestyle for customers, the winners of the second Market Place Wine Awards. Following a rigorous judging process, a panel of 12 highly respected wine experts chose 17 winning wines from around the world, with the newly introduced Best Wine Award going to the Champagne house Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016.
The awards were first organised in 2024 by Market Place, in accordance with its mission as a supermarket dedicated to delivering a quality lifestyle for customers—aiming to help clear confusion over fine wines, so customers can readily choose the perfect bottle for any occasion.
As in other world-class wine competitions, the Market Place Wine Awards required the judges to meticulously choose the best wines from 150 bottles from around the world through blind tastings. Every judge participated in several wine tastings, rating each wine according to Aroma, Palate, Structure and Finish. In all, 28 bottles were ranked as finalists according to the strict criteria, and 17 award winners were eventually selected, to truly represent the best of the best for various occasions!
The award-winning wines are categorized into six types: "Value Wines," " Premium Wines," "Exclusive Wines," "Rosé," "Champagnes," and "Sparkling."
The judges included Davy Leung, Honorary Chairman of The Society of Wine Educators Hong Kong Chapter; Calvin Choi, Chairman of the Hong Kong Wine Judges Association; Wine educator and columnist Rebecca Leung; and sommeliers from Michelin-starred restaurants. With such a line-up of seasoned professionals applying the rigorous judging process, the awards not only reflect the highest standards of wine appreciation but also provide customers with an easy reference for selecting quality wines no matter the occasion.
The Market Place Wine Awards were born from a simple insight. Although many customers feel overwhelmed when choosing a bottle of wine, often assuming that a higher price tag means better quality. The awards initiative offers the perfect solution to this dilemma. The list of award-winning wines highlights the flavour profiles of each selection, and even suggests ideal pairings with various foods—making it akin to having a personal sommelier guide a customer through their wine choices. With expert recommendations to hand, it's easy for customers to select and enjoy great-value wines tailored to their needs.
| | Winners of the Wine Awards (Excerpt): Tscharke Reserve Blanc 750ML Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 750ML Marqués de Riscal Reserva 750ML Villain & Vixen Grenache 750ML Domaine De Chaude Ecuelle Chablis Wine 750ML Chateau D' Issan 2017 750ML |
Expert Picks: Three Must-Try Wines Offering Exceptional Value and Accessibility
The award-winning selections span a wide variety of styles and offer excellent value for money—whether a customer is celebrating an special events, hosting a casual gathering, or enjoying a quiet evening alone, there's a perfect bottle for the occasion. Three of the star judges highlighted their top picks:
- Andy Lau, Commercial Manager (Wine), Market Place, recommends the winner of the Australian Premium Red Category: Villain and Vixen Grenache. This wine opens with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and Turkish delight. It offers a medium body with pronounced tannins and a full mid-palate. Juicy and vibrant, it has clean acidity and balanced fruit, making it a delightfully structured red.
- Juwan Kim, Head Sommelier at La Petite Maison Hong Kong, selects the winner of the Best Exclusive White Wine Category: Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay from Australia. Pale straw in colour, the wine presents aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and peach, with a hint of subtle oak. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, it gains added complexity and a touch of vanilla. Whether paired with seafood or poultry, it’s a stellar choice for white wine lovers.
- Joey Tsang, General Manager of MOSU Hong Kong, highlights the value red wine winner from France: Chateau Holden AOC Haut Medoc. With a translucent ruby hue, this wine reveals distinct blackberry aromas layered with hints of green pepper and spice, followed by tertiary notes of cedar and leather. Its tannins are on the astringent side, the body leans full, and the classic berry finish completes a complex yet well-balanced profile.
| | Most Recommended Wines (Value for Money): Chateau de Chantegrive Cuvee Caroline, Grave 2019 First Drop Mothers Milk Shiraz 750ML Grant Burge Fifth Generation Barossa Chardonnay 750ML Sherwood Stoney Range Pinot Gris 750ML Chateau Holden Haut-Medoc 750ML Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 750ML |
| | Exclusive Winners and Finalists: Chandon Brut Non-Vintage 750ML Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 750ML Sherwood Stoney Range Pinot Gris 750ML Château d' Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 750ML Muriel Rioja Reserva Red 750ML Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2016 750ML Marqués de Riscal Reserva 750ML |
