Champion Hong Kong-born winemaker who uses feng shui for bottling and release dates
Eddie McDougall, who recently won a Decanter World Wine Awards gold medal, talks about his love of Asian wines and his winemaking philosophy
Hong Kong is home to quite a few champions – from world-class snooker players and Olympic medallists in fencing, sailing and cycling to globally renowned bars and bartenders.
Now, the city can add winemaking to that list as Hong Kong-born winemaker Eddie McDougall has produced a wine that has won a gold medal at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards.
Founded in 2004, the Decanter World Wine Awards has rapidly become the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. Its immense scale – it receives over 17,000 entries annually – and rigorous judging by top experts make its medals highly coveted. A high score or a medal provides a global seal of approval, instantly elevating a wine’s status and chance of commercial success.
“Winning a Decanter award for the EJ McDougall McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023 is a profound personal and professional accomplishment,” says McDougall. “I’ve dedicated immense effort, time and resources to my business and career, unlike anything else I’ve pursued.”
“Coming from Hong Kong, I wasn’t raised in a winemaking family and had no industry exposure until my undergraduate business degree,” he continues. “Achieving this level of recognition is an immense honour, and I hope it inspires aspiring wine professionals in Hong Kong to pursue their dreams and succeed on the global stage.”