AMA Selection China Tour 2026

Ten Cities, Countless Memories

This summer, the AMA Selection China Tour 2026 travelled across ten cities, bringing together wine lovers, professionals, distributors and young winemakers through a series of tastings and masterclasses.

At each stop, I shared a carefully curated range of wines from AMA Selection 2023. From iconic estates and rising stars to an exciting new generation of Bordeaux whites, every bottle offered a glimpse of the energy reshaping Bordeaux today.

The enthusiasm we encountered throughout the tour was wonderful. Many guests told me they had not realised just how much Bordeaux had evolved: the wines are becoming more precise, expressive and approachable, while Bordeaux whites are entering a particularly exciting new chapter.

But what stayed with me most were the thoughtful questions, the conversations that carried on long after the final glass, and the friendships that began around the tasting table. Once again, wine brought us together—and gave us plenty to talk about!

July 11 · Hong Kong

Our first-ever Hong Kong masterclass, hosted with Grand Glory, welcomed more than twenty wine lovers and professionals. It became our fastest-filled and best-attended event so far. Hong Kong wine lovers certainly know how to show their enthusiasm!

I was equally impressed by the audience’s deep understanding of Bordeaux. The questions continued long after the tasting had finished—which, as you know, is exactly the kind of exchange I enjoy most.

July 12 · Guangzhou

The following day, I reunited with our long-standing partner Jointek in Guangzhou, a city where good food is taken very seriously—and naturally, the wine list has to keep up!

Alongside Branaire-Ducru, Gruaud Larose, Léoville Las Cases and Canon, we explored another side of Bordeaux through the white wines of La Garde, Malartic-Lagravière and Tronquoy. Their distinctive styles opened up plenty of possibilities for food and wine pairing, and the response was fantastic.

July 17 · Liuzhou

In Liuzhou, we gathered at Fugui’s wine club for a relaxed dinner dedicated to our Hidden Jade Selection.

These lesser-known red and white wines may be difficult to find, but they certainly deserve to be discovered. By the end of the evening, Bordeaux had revealed a few more of its hidden treasures—and perhaps surprised us all a little.

July 19 · Xiamen

Returning to Xiamen after twelve years felt like meeting an old friend. The warm air brought back memories of my student days almost immediately. Several guests who had arrived as strangers enjoyed the tasting so much that they decided to continue with a second round together!

People sat down at the same table because of wine and left as friends. Perhaps that is still one of the most beautiful things wine can do.

August 6 · Hangzhou

I have always had a soft spot for Hangzhou, and this visit felt especially welcoming thanks to Jael and Yay Terroir’s thoughtful organisation.

Petit-Village, Giscours and Gruaud Larose showed the confidence and energy of contemporary Bordeaux. Meanwhile, a series of Sémillon-led whites, including the old-vine dry white from Suduiraut, offered a fascinating glimpse into the revival of this historic grape variety.

We kept talking until 10:30 p.m., and I still felt there was more to say. Let’s save a little for next time!

August 9 · Nanjing

Our first Nanjing event took place beside Xuanwu Lake, where twelve carefully selected wines took us on a miniature journey through the terroirs of Bordeaux.

A typhoon was approaching, yet guests still travelled from Yangzhou, Shanghai and Suzhou to join us. That kind of commitment is something I will not forget.

August 14 · Tianjin

Perhaps Tianjin’s cheerful spirit was contagious: this masterclass was filled with laughter from beginning to end.

At some point, I realised the tasting had almost turned into a stand-up show. Even the wines seemed happier that evening, with every bottle showing at its best!

A big thank-you to Monopole and to everyone who brought such wonderful energy to the room.

August 15 · Beijing

The Beijing tasting was already full of surprises, and then my cancelled flight gave us enough time to open a few extra bottles. Secretly, I was rather pleased about that…

The evening ended with old friends, traditional meat pies and, of course, more wine. Not a bad way to miss a flight!

A huge thank-you to our long-standing and trusted partner, COFCO 中粮荟. We are already looking forward to our next event together!

August 20 · Yinchuan

Returning home to Yinchuan always feels different. Outside the window, the Helan Mountains glowed in the evening sun, and the wines seemed just as happy to be there as I was.

Many young winemakers from Ningxia joined us that evening. Seeing their curiosity and eagerness to learn, how could I possibly hold anything back?

Thank you to LANWINE for bringing us together once again.

August 21 · Chengdu

Our summer journey ended in Chengdu with an all-white-wine tasting at Cru wine bar—and a rather cruel schedule of just 22 hours in the city.

It was the only tasting on the tour dedicated entirely to Bordeaux whites, and also one of the most eagerly anticipated. The enthusiasm in the room made one thing very clear: more and more wine lovers are discovering just how exciting Bordeaux whites can be.

The Journey Continues

To every partner, student, professional and wine lover who joined us this summer: thank you for your trust, curiosity and warmth.

You made every stop feel different and every gathering worth remembering.

The AMA Selection China Tour 2026 is far from over. In October, we will continue our journey in:

Shanghai · Guangzhou · Hangzhou · Hefei

There are still more wines to discover, more stories to share and, I am sure, many more questions to answer.

See you very soon-and let’s share another glass together!