Welcome to the Asia Wine Market and Episode 2535 of the Italian Wine Podcast. Today, Roza Zharmukhambetova sits down with Reeze Choi, Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific 2025, to explore the Hong Kong wine scene, uncover consumer trends, and discuss opportunities for Italian wines in this dynamic market.

Key learning objectives:

Understand the Hong Kong wine market, consumer preferences, and top-performing Italian wines.
Learn practical strategies for market entry, partnerships, and brand activation.
Gain insights on cultural adaptation, education, and long-term planning for success.

More about today’s guest:

Reeze Choi is one of the world’s most acclaimed sommeliers. He has worked at prestigious venues in Hong Kong and, in 2019, became the Hong Kong Ambassador for Star Wine List, sharing the city’s best wine stories with the world.

He is the founder of Somm's Philosophy, a sommelier services and wine consultancy company, and launched his winemaking project in Hiroshima with Vinoble Vineyard and Winery in 2023. Reeze holds the Advanced Sommelier diploma from The Court of Master Sommeliers, A.S.I. Gold Diploma, WSET Level 3, and Certified Specialist of Wine Certification, and is also a WSET educator.

Reeze’s accolades include Champion of the 2025 Best Sommelier of Asia and Pacific, third place in the 2023 Best Sommelier of the World Competition, and multiple wins as Best Sommelier Greater China (2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2025). He is also the brand ambassador for Saicho Sparkling Tea, VIVANT, Star Wine List, and serves as wine consultant for Yata.

Connect:

Website: https://www.sommsphil.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeze_the_sommbie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeze-choi-a5852477

More about the host:

Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions.

Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_en_rose/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/

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Until next time, Cin Cin!

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