Beating 25 other contestants to win the Sommelier of the Year Award came as a surprise to William Chan.
'It was something special to win as the other competitors were really knowledgable about wines and some had even won championships before,' says the 26-year-old, who has never even worked as a sommelier.
He credits his extensive wine knowledge and finely tuned palate to voracious reading on the subject and numerous wine tastings.
As the junior captain of Gaddi's at the Peninsula, William's down-to-earth and low-key manner has made him a favourite among regular diners, and his amiable persona makes the complex world of wine less intimidating to those who seek his help and recommendations. The award is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Sommelier Association, the Australian Wine Importers' Association of Hong Kong and Winevents.
William outperformed five other finalists - all restaurant sommeliers - in general knowledge, blind tasting, serving, presentation of lists, wine temperature and etiquette.
'It was while I was studying at hotel school in Switzerland that I first got interested in wine,' recalls William, whose favourite red is Penfolds Bins 407 1994 from Australia because 'it is complicated and has depth with a balanced aroma and bouquet'.