John Duval's long-awaited return to China after nearly four years away

In late November, John Duval, founder of John Duval Wines, and his eldest son Tim Duval embarked on a 10-day trip to China, accompanied by East Meets West Fine Wines. John and Tim had been looking forward to this long-awaited return to China. After nearly four years away, their return signifies more than just a comeback - it represents the revival of a strong bond between Australian fine wines and the Chinese wine community.

 

John Duval & his son Tim Duval

 

John Duval, a name synonymous with excellence, brings us his latest creations, crafted with unparalleled dedication and expertise. 

 

John was the Chief Winemaker at Penfolds from 1986 - 2002, entrusted to make some of Australia's iconic wines. In 1989, he was named International Winemaker of the Year at the UK's 1989 International Wine & Spirit Competition. In 1991 and again in 2000, he was named Red Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in London. During his time, John was responsible for introducing Bin 138 and Bin 407; in his time as the third Chief Winemaker ever at Penfolds, John won Wine Spectator Magazine's Wine of the Year for the 1990 Grange, securing a place in wine history.

 

After 29 years as a winemaker with Penfolds, he established his eponymous brand in 2003. Today, his focus on old-vine Barossa has created wines that are a testament to his passion, precision, and unwavering pursuit of quality.

 

 

Masterclass

November 19 / The China Club, Hong Kong

 

John, Tim & EMW Hong Kong team

 

Dinner

November 21 / Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou

 

Left: John, Tim and client; right: November 20 is John's birthday, so EMW prepared a birthday cake during the dinner.

 

Dinner

November 22 / Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai

 

 

Masterclass

November 25 / Grand Hyatt Shanghai

 

EMW CEO Olivier Six delivers the opening speech

John Duval makes presentation about the estate and the wines

 

Dinner

November 26 / Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing

 

 

Masterclass

November 26 / Terroir Wine Bar, Beijing

 

 

In 2025, EMW will have been the exclusive importer and distributor of John Duval in Greater China for a decade. Let's honor the artistry and legacy of John Duval Wines and anticipate more partnerships in the future, along with additional expectations to taste more Barossa fine wines.

 

Wine Portfolio

 

John Duval Plexus MR

 

John Duval Plexus SGM

 

John Duval Annexus Grenach

 

John Duval Annexus Mataro

 

John Duval Annexus Shiraz

 

John Duval Compono Cabernet Sauvignon

 

John Duval Entity Shiraz

 

John Duval Eligo Shira

 

John Duval Integro Cabernet Shiraz

 

EMW Fine Wines

 

EMW is a leading importer, distributor, and brand builder in the Greater China market, working closely with more than 110 family-owned and premium wine estates, sake breweries, and craft spirit producers from 16 countries worldwide. EMW has an unequaled distribution network to top restaurants, hotels, wine shops, online VIP customers, and an exclusive network of distribution covering over 160 cities in China. EMW has been awarded "Best Wine Importer" for 13 consecutive years since 2011 by China Sommeliers Wine Challenge, Golden Prestige Awards and WINE100 Challenge.

 

Contact EMW

 

Zoe ZHANG    Brand Executive, Greater China

Email: zoe.zhang@emw-wines.com

Juanita YU      Marketing Director, Greater China

Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020

Email: juanita.yu@emw-wines.com

Shanghai Office Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai