Cecilia Wong
Wine & Spirits Critic, Writer, Judge & TV Host
Photo by Star Sabroso I Shot on location burgundy etc
Meet Cecilia “CC” Wong, a woman of many titles: a wine and spirits critic, a writer, an expert judge in the beverage industry, and a TV host—a name so familiar in the Hong Kong bar community that she practically deserves her own drink special. With her engaging Viu TV show, Night Talk – Chit Chat Drink, and the recently concluded mixology competition series Master Mixologist, she has transformed sipping into a coveted career, making her a household name both on screen and in the bar community.
Watch the video for her full interview:
“If you’re passionate enough, good things will happen.”
Among her areas of expertise are her roles as a certified Whisky Ambassador and a Champagne Officier of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne. As the winner of the coveted Communicator of the Year award at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2019, she is no stranger to accolades. Cecilia chairs The Drinks Business Global Masters Asia and leads high-profile judging panels, including the recently concluded SIP Supernova Cocktail Grand Prix for Hong Kong and Macau, lending her discerning palate to the best in the industry. You can also find her insightful contributions in esteemed publications such as The Drinks Business, Ming Pao Daily, and Headline Daily.
In 2023, she added ‘author’ to her impressive resume with the release of her first book, “Sip Around the World,” a testament to her passion for spreading the joy of wine and spirits. With her dynamic blend of knowledge and enthusiasm, Cecilia Wong continues to elevate the beverage scene in Hong Kong—one sip at a time.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the drink industry?
I was taught how to drink by my dad. As I grew up, I started to wonder why certain things tasted different. So, I began taking various courses and obtaining different certifications to learn more about spirits. I started by writing a column for a wine magazine, and I was very happy that I also got to write for newspapers. After that, I got the chance to host the Viu TV show, ‘Night Talk – Chit Chat Drink,’ which ran for three years with around 140 episodes.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
I think my most challenging moment is when I work on the Viu TV show, “Chit Chat Drink,” because it’s one episode per week. As the consultant, I have to prepare a different topic each week and look for different wines or spirits that we drink with a guest and a host—three different wines or spirits under one topic. It’s quite challenging in terms of time management because I have to shoot for this week while also preparing for the next week. But, I think it’s a happy problem.
“I find it inspiring to meet winemakers, spirit makers, and even bartenders. Every time I meet new people, I learn more from them.”
What have been the most rewarding aspects of your work?
It would be a chance to go to different events, like cocktail tastings or wine and spirits tastings. It helps me a lot to meet a variety of people. I find it inspiring to meet winemakers, spirit makers, and even bartenders. Every time I meet new people, I learn more from them. They also invite me to different places, like wine regions and so on. I think the most rewarding and satisfying thing is, aside from meeting different people, I get the chance to visit wineries or distilleries, allowing me to learn more about the details and the processes, like how whisky is made or how wine is produced. It’s very enjoyable to travel around the world and to get to know more.
What has been the most significant change you’ve witnessed in women’s representation in the drinks industry?
There are more women in the industry now compared to before. You can see that we have more female mixologists in Hong Kong, Asia, and everywhere. Besides that, there are also more women in the wine and spirits industry. For example, many whisky makers, like those at The Macallan, include women. Additionally, from the winery side, there are more female winemakers and more female winery owners as well.
How do you use your platform to inspire and uplift other women in the industry?
I think it’s inspiring not just women but also other generations and younger generations. With my platform, I aim to share my stories and my experiences in different areas and topics about wine, spirits, and cocktails.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
I would say to follow your dreams. That’s very important. If you’re passionate enough, good things will happen.
Want to know more about CC? Follow her regular adventures on her personal page, CC Wine Voyage, on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Special thanks to burgundy etc located at shop 108, 1/F, Central Building, Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong.
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