Header image: Watson’s Wine
The California Wine Institute is celebrating their second summer-long festival, California Wine Month, with a Sips of Summer pop-up store! Get excited as this one-of-a-kind shopping experience, situated conveniently in the heart of Causeway Bay at Fashion Walk, is taking place very soon! Stop by from August 20–23 and August 27–30 to shop the best in Cali wines.
The specially decked-out space will allow wine lovers the opportunity to explore and purchase an exciting array of California wines at special prices, from a rotating roster of wine merchants. If you haven’t already done so, remember to complete your shopping experience with a limited-edition Sips of Summer goodie bag or pre-register for priority entry and get exclusive chances at special prizes!
Here are some of the top wines and exhibitors you can look forward to:
Week 1: August 20–23
Anrise-IMC Limited
Exhibitors Anrise-IMC Limited will showcase wines from Ironstone Vineyards in Lodi, California. Lodi is the self-proclaimed Zinfandel capital of the world, producing over 40% of California-grown Zinfandel! Ironstone Vineyards Zinfandel 2017 is comprised of 90% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah and 5% Shiraz. This smooth and silky wine is ideal for hearty meals such as meat dishes and stews.
Ironstone Vineyards Obsession Symphony 2018 (pictured above) is a hybrid grape of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris. This aromatic wine will appeal to those who enjoy tropical flavours like peach, pineapple and honeydew. Obsession Symphony pairs well with spicy, Asian-style dishes.
Golden Gate Wine
Golden Gate Wine presents a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from J. Lohr Vineyards. The J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay (pictured above) is a fresh, youthful and textured Chardonnay with flavors of white peach, flowers, citrus, baking spices and honey.
The J. Lohr Sevens Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah and 5% Merlot. This dark and intense wine features layered aromas of black cherry, currant and blueberry, which are accented by an authentic barrel-aged bouquet of dark chocolate, cocoa powder and roasted coffee.
Liquid Bless Company Limited
Take a trip to a galaxy far, far away with Liquid Bless and George Lucas’ Skywalker Vineyards. Skywalker Viandante del Cielo Pinot Noir 2011 (pictured above) displays the aromas of hillside wine growing – dark berries, forest floor, clove and allspice, with flavors of cherry, cranberry, dried currant, white pepper and cedar notes on the palate.
Liquid Bless will also offer Gifft Chardonnay 2012. This vintage from Monterey, California, features tropical fruit flavors with a rich texture, complexity and hint of buttery creaminess.
Wine Shop Asia
Wine Shop Asia promises to bring you versatile wines that pair well with a surprisingly wide range of foods. For example, Wente Riva Ranch Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2018 can be paired with creamy risotto, chicken piccata or even movie-theater popcorn! Why not sip on this on your next movie night?
Wente Charles Wetmore Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (pictured above), on the other hand, pairs beautifully with red meat like filet mignon or pasta bolognese with its notes of earth and dust that are complemented by clove and warm berries.
Week 2: August 27–30
ASC Fine Wines
You can look forward to some fine reds with ASC Fine Wines such as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from Napa Valley (pictured above). This wine will satisfy those with a love of rich flavours such as chocolate, cedar and spice.
Or check out the Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014, which is smooth and elegant with hints of menthol and fresh leather. This Pinot Noir offers a bright acidity, with aromas of warm cherry cobbler, butter crust, cinnamon, clove and Mexican chocolate.
Thy Wine
California wine specialists Thy Wine will represent Silvia Cellars with the Silvia Three Barrels Red Blend 2016 and Silvia Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (pictured above). The red blend is made up of 60% Syrah, 20% Zinfandel and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and is a highly accessibly wine with aromas of coffee beans, perfect for pairing with almost everything.
The Cab Sauv also features aromas of coffee beans as well as blackberries. It is medium- to full-bodied with velvety tannins and promises to age beautifully over the next 15 years.
Watson’s Wine
Watson’s Wine will also be showcasing a special selection of its California wines. From Russian River Valley, Watson’s will present DuMOL Highland Divide Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2016 and Senses Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017 (pictured above). The Highland Divide Chardonnay is a cool-climate blend of two world-class vineyards in Green Valley, while the Senses Pinot Noir reflects the unique terroir of the true Sonoma Coast, defined by acidity with textured and intense flavors.
Watson’s Wine will also showcase Orin Swift Machete 2017 (pictured above) and Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. Known for their quirky labels and artsy designs, Orin Swift sources the best grapes from over 100 vineyards across California. Machete is a blend of Petite Sirah, with ripe and bold black fruit flavours accompanied by a pleasant texture.
Established in 1876, Beringer is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. It is the only winery that was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year for both red and white wine, and it has appeared on the Top 100 list more times than any other producer in the world. The Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is wonderfully rich and referred to as a “best-kept secret” in Sonoma County.
To skip the line, gain priority entry and get a chance to win some special prizes, pre-register now to secure your spot!
You can also pre-purchase limited-edition goodie bags to get fabulous California wine, cash vouchers and other summer-ready souvenirs at a fraction of the retail price!
Sips of Summer pop-up store
Dates: August 20–23 and August 27–30
Time: Thursday and Friday, 2–9pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12–9pm
Location: Shop 16B, G/F, 11–19 Great George Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay
Sips of Summer limited-edition goodie bags (valued at over $400):
* Foodie Club members: $150
* Sips of Summer special price: $175
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
- To better manage crowds/capacity, we ask that customers purchase goodie bags based on which weekend they would like to collect their bags (i.e., August 20–23 or August 27–30). We will strictly enforce in-store capacity limits so as to avoid overcrowding and allow social distancing – so do arrive early to avoid disappointment.
- As a precautionary measure in view of the current COVID-19 situation, tastings will no longer be carried out at the pop-up store. Goodie bag holders and pre-registered guests will instead get a chance at an on-the-spot prize to win cash vouchers and bottles of wine and a chance at a grand prize (winners selected on August 31) to win a case of wine (12 bottles mixed case; worth more than HK$3,000).
- Visitors who have traveled outside Hong Kong 14 days prior to visiting our store and/or are under a 14-day HKSAR compulsory quarantine order, or who have been in close contact with any such person, are kindly requested to refrain from visiting the store.
- Those who display any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, should not visit the store and are recommended to promptly seek medical advice.
- Organizers reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone found in violation of these precautionary measures.
- Organizers will continue to monitor the evolving situation to ensure that appropriate hygiene measures are put in place at the pop-up store.
