Leading wine expert Jeannie Cho Lee appointed as Galaxy Macau™’s Master of Wine (China)
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Leading wine expert Jeannie Cho Lee appointed as Galaxy Macau™’s Master of Wine (China)
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Category: Asia Pacific - China - Careers
- Gourmet restaurants
- Appointments - Gourmet restaurants
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2011-03-03
One of the foremost authorities on wine to complement Galaxy Macau’s world-class dining
Ms. Lee’s expertise in Asian wines, Asian food and wine pairings a perfect match for the first authentically Asian resort destination of its kind
Jeannie Cho Lee MW, who in 2008 became the first Asian to pass the notoriously difficult Master of Wine Examination, is bringing her impeccable knowledge and credentials to Galaxy Macau™, the most eagerly anticipated resort property to open in the city this year.
Ms. Lee will serve as Master of Wine for Galaxy Macau, overseeing the development of its carefully selected wine list, food pairing aspects and a series of dinners, seminars and other special events. Ms Lee is known as one of the world’s leading voices in wine, and she is highly sought-after for her consulting, commentary and professional judging skills.
Galaxy Macau executives said Ms. Lee’s acumen as well as her Asian wine expertise and heritage clearly reflect the “World Class, Asian Heart” positioning of the property, helping immediately establish the international caliber of its food and beverage offerings while also cementing its leadership in Asian cuisine and wine pairing. According to Ms. Lee, this was a significant factor in why she chose to partner with Galaxy Macau.
“I respected and agreed with Galaxy Macau’s platform on being a resort by Asians, for Asians,” Ms. Lee said. “From a food and beverage perspective, we have a philosophical synergy – their focus on Asian tastes is in line with what I’ve been researching and studying for years.”
Under the guidance of Ms. Lee, Galaxy Macau will be a wine specialist in key areas. One is that it will offer boutique wines that are not easily found in Asia, stocking a range of vintages from each in an effort to develop deep relationships with the producers.
Another is that Galaxy Macau will put significant emphasis on Burgundy and the red Pinot Noir grape, based on Ms. Lee’s belief that Pinot Noir is a truly exceptional and versatile red grape that pairs well with a variety of Asian cuisines. The master wine list will contain an extensive offering of the very best expressions of Pinot Noir from around the world, including Burgundy.
Galaxy Macau will also be the best place in the region to experience the best wines made in Asia. “I have already selected more than 20 Asian wines for the property’s master wine list, from countries such as China, India, Japan and Thailand, and this number will continue to grow,” said Ms. Lee. “I have been cultivating relationships with producers across the region for over a decade, following them and writing about them, and now they have the opportunity at Galaxy Macau to share the stage alongside those from more classic wine-producing countries.”
For VIP guests to the property as well as serious wine connoisseurs, Galaxy Macau will offer a special “Collectibles” list comprising mainly blue-chip Bordeaux from top vintages as well as top cult Californian, Australian, Spanish and Italian wines. Some of the very best wines in the world, like Chateau Margaux, have recently established relationships with Galaxy Macau and Ms. Lee to supply wines and participate in future collaborations.
Mr. Michael Mecca, President and COO of Galaxy Entertainment Group, said, “Galaxy Macau’s partnership with Ms. Lee demonstrates that we take ‘World Class, Asian Heart’ very seriously. This is a place where Asian tastes, sensibilities and design influences will attract visitors from around the region, as well as international guests seeking an authentic Asian resort holiday experience. Under Ms. Lee’s guidance, we will be able to provide them with a culinary and wine experience that is unique, memorable and world-class, and one that is tailored for this part of the world.”
In addition to directing the selection of wines for Galaxy Macau’s master and Collectibles wine lists, the partnership with Ms. Lee will extend to a series of events at the property’s numerous restaurants. These will include winemaker dinners, Asian food and wine pairing evenings, invitation-only wine appreciation events, seminars and tastings for enthusiasts of all backgrounds, and potentially even ladies-only functions such as tastings, cooking events and more.
Ms. Lee is well regarded for her regular wine columns and articles, which can be found in several noted publications including Wine Spectator and Revue du Vin, and she serves as Contributing Editor for Decanter UK. She is also a consultant to Singapore Airlines, a frequent lecturer at high-profile wine events and expos, and a sought-after judge who has participated in competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, the International Wine Challenge and the Royal Adelaide Wine Show.
Her passion for food and wine inspired her to write her first book, “Asian Palate”, which won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Food and Wine Pairing Book in the World. “Asian Palate” was also shortlisted as one of four books considered for the UK’s Andre Simon award. She is founder and director of AsianPalate.com, a website that celebrates authentic Asian cuisine and wine together.
Owned by Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG” or “the Group” – HKEx stock code: 00027), the HK$14.9 billion, 550,000-square-meter Galaxy Macau is the first truly integrated property of its kind in the city due to its resort features. Most prominent of these is the property’s resort deck, where a man-made beach—with 350 tons of white sand deposited along a 150-meter-long shoreline—frames the world’s largest rooftop wave pool, covering 4,000 square meters with waves reaching as high as 1.5 meters.
In line with its commitment to the Asian resort experience, Galaxy Macau will offer one of the largest selections of Pan-Asian cuisine in the region within its more than 50 food and beverage outlets. Signature and specialty restaurants include Japanese, Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian, Macanese and several ethnic Chinese cuisines.
Accommodation is provided by three leading Asian hotel brands: the Banyan Tree Macau, which will offer 246 suites and 10 floating villas; the 488-room Hotel Okura Macau; and the 1,500-room Galaxy Hotel, which will become GEG’s flagship Cotai hotel. Galaxy Macau marks the entry into the Macau market for both the Singapore-based Banyan Tree and Okura, Japan’s most prominent hotel company.
Also attracting visitors will be the ultra-exclusive China Rouge, a hybrid nightclub, bar and restaurant conceptualized by renowned Hong Kong designer Alan Chan to evoke a modern vision of 1930s Shanghai. It is anticipated that China Rouge will instantly become one of the trendiest nightspots in Macau, drawing discerning clientele from around the region. The property will also feature a retail boulevard offering a unique shopping experience of Asian as well as international brands.
Guests will be able to experience the authentically Asian food and wine offerings of Galaxy Macau and Jeannie Cho Lee from early 2011, when the resort is scheduled to open.
About Galaxy Macau
Galaxy Macau™ is the only truly authentic Asian five-star resort destination in Macau. Opening in early 2011, at an investment of nearly HK$15 billion, it will include more than 2,200 rooms, suites and villas across three world-class hotels: the award-winning and ultra-exclusive Banyan Tree Hotel and Resort, Japan’s legendary Okura Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and the highly anticipated five-star Galaxy Hotel. Facilities include a selection of more than 50 food and beverage outlets, including the widest selection of pan-Asian cuisine in Macau; distinctive retail shopping; lush oasis gardens covering 52,000 square meters, and the world’s largest Sky Wave Pool covering 4,000 square meters and featuring a 350-ton white sand beach.
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