The interactive presentation walked the audience through making a successful transaction of a Bordeaux vineyard winery. There were over 100 people present who were invited to ask questions at the end of the presentations and there was a chance to meet many of them after the event. This gave us an idea of the questions and concerns that the Chinese investors have. We were asked questions such as:
- How will I manage my winery after I have purchased my Bordeaux vineyard.
- Who will help me sell the Bordeaux wine once I am the new owner.
- How does a Bordeaux vineyard differ from other types of real estate investment.
- What are the annual costs of operating a Bordeaux vineyard.
- How do I deal with language and cultural differences.
- What are the costs of purchase charged for agency and SAFER and due diligence fee.
For Vineyards-Bordeaux it was a huge success. Being able to give a presentation and show our expertise in Bordeaux vineyard transactions to so many members of the wine trade and business professionals from both Hong Kong and mainland China in one place, was invaluable. Following the presentations Lily was whisked away by Hong Kong TV to do a 2 hour long Interview at our Christie’s International Real Estate Stand within the Christie’s Auction house next to the convention centre. Christie’s was buzzing with the May art sales taking place and Christie’s Auctions were going on all day with standing room only.
On Wednesday, Karin Maxwell and Li Lijuan were presenting again. This time at an event “Elegance and Provenance” co-hosted by Vineyards-Bordeaux and KS Koh of Landscope, our Christie’s affiliate in Hong Kong. The “by invitation only” wine tasting event was combined with a presentation of the Bordeaux Vineyard market. Karin had chosen 4 wines and Lily taught our guests how to taste the wines (in Chinese) which had been paired with various Tapas that were served with each wine. We started with a white wine from Pessac-Leognan, followed by a Saint Julien, Saint Emilion Grand Cru and a Saint Estephe. With each wine we explained the different regions, grape varieties, terroir and climatic conditions to the audience as they tasted. Our guests received an overview of Bordeaux, the city, the architecture, the chateaux and Bordeaux vineyards as well as the wines. We were thrilled that many of them now want to come to see it for themselves in the weeks and months ahead. Clearly the appetite for Bordeaux, its wines and its vineyards remains as strong as ever.
Karin Maxwell and Li Lijuan were then guests at a dinner in a private room at the famous Jockey Club. The dinner was exceptional, Chinese food of the highest standard served in a western way like a tasting menu with perfectly prepared little dishes which kept coming, together with some exquisite wines from both sides of the Atlantic. Sonoma valley white wine – Kistler, Château Léoville-Barton, 2nd Cru Classé in AOC Saint-Julien, and a red from Napa called “The Puzzle” from the Newton Vineyard. We remain very encouraged by the quantity and quality of Chinese investors that indicated their interest in purchasing in Bordeaux during the coming months and look forward to providing them with the full Christie’s MSB service… in Chinese!