Singapore’s wine scene has come a long way. The world is taking notice

Singapore has undergone a remarkable transformation in its wine scene, evolving from a small, limited market with storage challenges to an international destination for wine events, auctions, and enthusiast gatherings. The flagship event of Singapore Wine Week, the Judgement of Singapore, draws inspiration from a historic Paris tasting from half a century ago.

This contemporary event, co-led by Ronan Sayburn and Lisa Perrotti-Brown, assessed 24 wines blind, comprising 12 Chardonnays and 12 Cabernet Sauvignons sourced from around the world in the 2019 vintage. The results, while not as dramatic as the original Paris tasting, did produce surprises. For instance, the relatively unknown Vine Hill Ranch VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 triumphed in the red category, outperforming first-growth Bordeaux wines such as Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2019 and Chateau Margaux 2019.

In the white category, Burgundy wines led the pack, with Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2019 taking the top prize. The decision to host the tasting in Singapore represents a broader shift in the global wine world, reflecting a democratisation of taste and a growing appreciation for fine wine. This transformation is evident in the increased knowledge, diversity, and professionalism of the Singaporean wine community, as well as the city-state's improved wine storage and service standards.