db Asia: February and March in pictures
February may be the shortest month of the year, but our friends and colleagues have been making the most of each and every day. We’ve grouped together the most exciting events of the last two months — everything from a critical football match to a trade show complete with hair styling sessions.
Wine Victoria in Shanghai
Wine Victoria, the governing body representing the state in southeast Australia, hosted its ‘Icons of Victoria’ masterclass in Vic House in Shanghai. The event was hosted by Nichole Mao, head of China for brand building agency Nimbility which is partnering with Wine Victoria on its campaign to promote its wines in Mainland China.
Wines of Hungary headed off on its China Roadshow with a stop-off in Seoul
Wines of Hungary hosted a Sommelier Masterclass in the Seoul School of Wines, presented by Wines of Hungary’s editor-in-chief and wine and gastronomy expert Péter Blazsovszky and Sarah Soo-Kyung, Nimbility head of Korea. Soo-Kyung also hosted an influencer event at the Hungarian ambassador’s residence in Seoul alongside the ambassador himself, István Szerdahelyi. This event was followed by a wine pairing dinner with Korean importers in Seoul.
Then it was off to Mainland China for the Hungarian wine body. Wines of Hungary hosted a masterclass presented by Fongyee Walker MW and a trade tasting organised by the Nimbility team in Shenzhen and Shanghai, which was co-hosted by Nimbility Head of China Nichole Mao with winery representatives and the Wines of Hungary team.
Mao was joined in Beijing by winery representatives, the ambassador of Hungary in China and the Hungarian Government Commissioner for the Wines of Hungary Gala.
Eclipse Beverages and Metabev showed out at Bar Convent Singapore
Eclipse Beverages and Metabev, both subsidiaries of Hong Kong-based Metagroup, headed to Singapore for BCB’s annual event in Southeast Asia. Exhibiting brands included Perrier sparkling water and the brand’s new sparkling beverage range, Baldoria Vermouth, Cincoro Tequila, Martingale Cognac, Amazzoni Gin, Shortcross Irish Whiskey, Finlandia Vodka and the Casa Lumbre portfolio.
Eclipse Beverages and Metabev had a packed schedule at the show hosting a highball tasting corner with Perrier, tasting sessions with Shortcross and Cincoro and offering Baldoria and Martingale cocktails made by Simone Ciambrone, assistant manager of Bvlgari Ginza Bar, which debuted on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024. Visitors to the booths were also offered complimentary Kimbo coffee and hairstyling by Sean, co-founder of Sauce, a premium barbershop in Hong Kong.
Nimbility at BCB Singapore
Members of the Nimbility team — including founding partner Francesca Martin, spirits director Manuel Arce and export director Pratham Wahi headed to BCB Singapore 2025 to represent its portfolio of spirits and beverages to the fair visitors.
Chengdu Wine Fair
Partner Content
Nimbility has been all about the travel these last few months, with co-founder and partner Ian Ford speaking on a panel chaired by Fongyee Walker MW. Xiao Pi, Vinehoo founder and wine KOL also shared his thoughts as part of the discussion.
ComplexCon in Hong Kong
Metabev Hong Kong teamed up with Draft Land to bring its drinks experience to the exclusive concert bar at this year’s ComplexCon. Originating from Taipei, Draft Land is the brainchild of Antonio Lai, an award-winning international mixologist from Hong Kong. The brand is known for its innovative cocktails on tap at affordable prices.
Lai crafted two signature cocktails for the event:
Tito’s Vodka Oolong Tea Collins – a refreshing twist on a classic
Jack Daniel’s Tangerine Puerh Highball – a bold fusion of flavours
Orion beers and ready-to-drinks at HK Football Club
Teams, supporters and volunteers at HKFC10s 2025 were able to enjoy Orion draught beer brewed in Okinawa. The brand also had its non-alcoholic beer and Chura Shikwasa seasalt & soda RTD on pour, and a range of merchandising including HK-exclusive items which quickly sold out.
Congratulations to Tradition YCAC for winning the Men’s Cup and to the RKS NZ Legends for taking home the Women’s Cup.
Bar Sathorn guest shift at The Aubrey
Marco from Bar Sathorn was on shift at The Aubrey Mandarin Oriental, sponsored by Nikka and Perrier.
Ginsberg + Chan’s latest events
Hong Kong fine wine merchant Ginsberg + Chan hosted two major events over the last couple of months. For the first, Pascal and Laure Doquet made their first visit to Hong Kong between 13-15 March. The Ginsberg + Chan team hosted a trade masterclass in the Central shop, a wine evening party at New World Millennium, and exclusive wine dinners at 1880 and Hansik Goo to showcase the couple’s exceptional Champagnes.
The second event welcomed Terry and Jessa from Bendito Destino. Apart from the trade masterclass in the Ginsberg + Chan shop, the duo also hosted a wine dinner at House of Culture, including classic local steamed fish pairing with interesting bottles brought by guests.
Award win
In February, Metabev won the Maison Perrier distributors award in February at the Perrier global distributors meeting in Abu Dhabi for the launch of Maison Perrier in Hong Kong. The jury awarded Gold to Metabev thanks to the omni-channel distribution, in-store offline and online execution, launch event concept, media plan and social media coverage thanks to KOL campaign.
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