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California Vintage, a chain of California-themed wine bars, today (January 11) announced the opening of its first venue at 77 Wyndham Street, Central, which is at the heart of the city's entertainment district. From this regional headquarters, over the next five years, the company plans to expand to more than 20 outlets throughout Asia, with at least two more venues in Hong Kong and others in Mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and beyond.
California Vintage will serve wines from a select group of 22 family-owned wineries that collectively span the spectrum of California's multiple and diverse wine regions. Over 88 wines will be available to taste by the half-glass, full-glass or bottle, and can be enjoyed with creative, California-inspired cuisine from the seasonal pairing menu. Connoisseurs and casual consumers alike will be able to expand their wine knowledge and experience in an interactive and technology-enabled environment, with well-informed service staff, smartcard wine dispensing systems and informative iPad menus. All wines will also be available for retail purchase directly from the wine bars and wine clubs or online at www.cvwinebar.com.
California Vintage's Chief Executive Officer Michael Sadak, said, "I am thrilled to introduce the authentic California wine experience into Hong Kong. There has been a dramatic increase in wine appreciation in the city and today; among all Asian regions and countries, its per capita consumption of table wine is the highest. This is definitely the right place and the right time to develop awareness of the high-quality boutique wines that are being produced in California."
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong Andrew Davis warmly welcomed the launch of California Vintage in Hong Kong. He said, "There has been a phenomenal growth in Hong Kong's wine market since the abolition of wine tax in February 2008. This growth has boosted wine trading, distribution, auctions, catering and educational activities. Coupled with Hong Kong's enduring business advantages, the city is very attractive to wine investors from overseas and Mainland China. We wish California Vintage every success in its launch and look forward to providing continual support during its expansion in the city."
About California Vintage
California Vintage is a chain of California-themed wine bars committed to serving only the finest California wines. It has partnered with a select group of 22 family-owned wineries from throughout the state. Unique in concept and design, California Vintage will engage both wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers through an interactive, user-friendly and tech-enhanced environment. The first flagship venue is in Hong Kong and it will roll out a chain of wine bars throughout Asia. For further information, please visit www.cvwinebar.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,100 investment projects creating over 26,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$56 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:48
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