HK-based wine importer expands champagne portfolio with latest acquisition

Hong Kong-based Golden Gate Wine, an importer of fine American wines, has expanded its operations by successfully acquiring another Hong Kong wine importer, Boutique Wines. Golden Gate, which focussed on award-winning US wines for the past 15 years, said the purchase would enable the company to acquire various champagne houses specialising in grower champagne.
Boutique Wines has enjoyed a long and highly successful history in Hong Kong. The 25-year old importer boast of an impressive portfolio of wines from all around the world. It is one of the first importers in Hong Kong to focus on new world wines, and also one of the first to offer an expansive selection of Grand Cru and Premier Cru grower champagnes.
Hong Kong's wine industry has steadily developed over the years, amidst ever-growing demand in Asia. The city's reputation as the region's culinary centre has served to boost the sector significantly, leading to the fast expansion of wine imports. According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this growth amounted to HK$4.5 billion (US$574 million) during the first half of 2019 – nearly three times that of 2007.
With more consumers starting to develop a more sophisticated palette, wine consumption in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia has blossomed. There is renewed interest in several product trends, including a growing appreciation in grower champagne, which are sparkling wines produced by independent estates from their grapes.
Fifi Kirstein, a managing partner at Golden Gate Wine, said there would be a more comprehensive choice of family-owned and operated award-winning wines from all around the world.
"We are committed to offering the very best and unique wines in the market and educating wine lovers to appreciate niche wines from other parts of the world. Our acquisition of Boutique Wines highlights our ongoing pursuit of being a leader within this rapidly growing industry," she concluded.