Education

If you are embarking on a wine-learning journey, Hong Kong - with its vibrant industry and duty-free tax status - is probably one of the best places to start. All you need to do is be confident, taste more and keep a record of wines you like or dislike.

Reference books

- Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2012: compact but full of tips and suggestions. Conveniently organised by wine region.

- Wines of the World: DK Publishing: comprehensive guide to wine regions with a list of producers worth trying.

DVDs

You don't have to enjoy cars or be a wine geek to enjoy the antics of Oz Clarke and James May. Follow their adventures and hangovers, meet wine personalities and laugh aloud while viewing California and France from the comfort of your sofa. Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure is available from amazon.co.uk

Structured courses

The Wine & Spirit Education trust in Britain specialises in wine courses. (wset.co.uk)

Wine education in Hong Kong

- Open University of Hong Kong. (ouhk.edu.hk )

- Asia Wine Service & Education Centre. (awsec.com/)

- Berry Bros & Rudd. (bbr.com/HK/)

Online

The internet is a valuable repository of information. The downside is that you might be overwhelmed by the amount available. Bear in mind that not everything you read online is reliable.

- Robert Parker is perhaps the most influential wine critic, especially when it comes to Bordeaux. There is an Asia-based forum, which is useful for local wine lovers.(erobertparker.com)

Magazines

Available in hard copy and over the internet, useful for getting news and learning about new wine releases.

- Decanter is a specialist publication for the latest news and scandals in the wine world. (decanter.com)

Wine writers

- Wine anorak Jaime Goode has a PhD in plant biology and is the author of numerous books. Despite its title, the site is easy to read, approachable and not stuffy in tone. Articles for the novice to the wine expert. (wineanorak.com)

- Discover innovative ways to learn about wines and winemakers through Debra Meiburg's series Meet the Winemaker. You can catch her in Hong Kong and Shanghai taxis in Grape Moments or join her on her wine travels in Taste the Wine on Cathay Pacific Airways. (debramasterofwine.com)

- Jancis Robinson is a well-known British wine writer, and her monumental wine encyclopedia, The Oxford Companion for Wine is available for download. Read about new releases, discover new regions and share opinions with other wine lovers. (jancisrobinson.com)

Wine tastings

If you are the type of person who prefers to learn through a social environment, wine tastings and dinners are ideal. Wine merchants and trade organisations run regular tastings, fairs and dinners. One of the best sites to find out what's happening in Hong Kong, where wine-related events happen almost daily, is winebuzz.hk