The 8th Estate: Hong Kong’s Very First Winery
Winebuzz.hk tours Hong Kong’s very own winery.
Opened in 2007, 8th Estate is Hong Kong’s first winery producing wine from grapes shipped frozen from other countries and made in Hong Kong.
We recently caught up with 8th Estate owner, Canadian Lysanne Tusar and 8th Estate’s master winemaker, Edward McDougall, as they were preparing to release their second batch of wine.
The winery is located in Ap Lei Chau, and unlike any winery anywhere else in the world, the grapes fermentation, aging and blending takes place in a high-rise warehouse 30 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the densely populated city of Hong Kong.
The winery is fully equipped with stainless steel fermenting tanks, pneumatic grape pressing machine and oak barrels to store and age wine.
Visitors can taste wine at the cellar’s wine bar and there is an outdoor area with an amazing seaview that’s perfect for events or just sipping your wine outdoors. We highly recommend the tour as it is quite something to be tasting wine from a barrel in a Hong Kong wine cellar and Eddie’s passion and knowledge about wine making is contagious.
Lysanne and Edward talked to Winebuzz.hk about the 8th Estate and what they will be releasing this summer.
Winebuzz.hk: Why did you decide to set up a Winery in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong in 2007 was set to become the wine hub in Asia and we saw that there was a lot of interest in Hong Kong in wine. We wanted to bring the whole wine making process closer to home so that people can appreciate and experience the process closer to where the wine is being produced. The government has been very supportive in terms of promoting us and our wines are served at official functions and to visiting dignitaries.
What types of wines do you make at 8th Estate Winery?
We have white, red and dessert wines from grapes brought in from Washington D.C in 2007.
Whites include a Gewurztramier, Sauvignon Blanc and Chadonnay. For the reds, there’s Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Heritage, our own blend of Merlot, Carbernet Sauvignon and Carbernet Franc.
What types of wine will you be bringing out to market this year?
This year, we will have our Italian Nebbiolo and Sangiovese ready late this summer. Our Australian Reisling will also be ready early autumn.
Where can people taste your wine?
Our wines can be bought directly from our winery here in Ap Lei Chau or via our website. Our 2007 wines have sold out at hotels and restaurants that were serving them.
Can the public visit your winery and taste the wines for themselves?
Wine lovers can visit the winery for a taste of their wine and guided tours are offered every Saturday from 2-5pm. Check our website for the latest info.
- Unit 302, Harbour Industrial Center, 10 Lee Hing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong.
- Tel: 2518 0922
- www.the8estatewinery.com
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