ProWine Asia 2018 came and went, and left a trail of discussion. First off, some numbers:

7,200: Trade visitors over four days.

40%: From the SEA region.

300/33: Companies/Countries.

18: Masterclasses (over 1,000 sign-ups)

By most accounts the event was a success. Various spirits and wine companies reported distribution deals being clinched, both in Singapore and the region. And many other reps say that Prowine Asia (Singapore) is the gateway to the Southeast Asia, plus Australia.

And while we were busy sampling and taking stock, we also made notes and this is our impression.

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Photo © Joel Lim Spirited Singapore

Singapore represent. Besides the more ubiquitous Brewlander & Co craft beers, it was good to see smaller local outfit Rachelle The Rabbit Meadery make an appearance. If you haven’t tried it, these peeps are making old tradition meads with a modern twist.

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The Croatian section was pretty impressive for a few reasons: It was their first time in Singapore, and they built a fully realised pop-up with a schmoozing area (charcuterie platter, natch), two bartop counters, and two full shelves of wines, spirits and fizzy pop. We like the Dalmacijavino Herb Brandy Travarica, a native aperitif that’s herbaceous (made from sage and fennel). Note to self: Visit the Adriatic region soon.

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Nobushi: A Japanese whiskey that isn’t over-priced yet. This is a blended quaff made from whiskies from the Nagano and Miyagi prefectures.

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Photo © Joel Lim Spirited Singapore

From Transylvania we had Romanian wines, and they also brought along – presumably in a large dark wine crate – you know who. We wanted a bottle of wine, he wanted something else. Quid pro quo we say!

[ Our Friends at Highest Spirits Also Have a Prowine Asia Round-up ]

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Photo © Joel Lim Spirited Singapore

The Champagne Lounge was an inspired idea, as it was only occupied by boutique brands. The 18 champagne houses were all new to us, and were all looking to make inroads into Asia. Some of the brands we loved were Champagne Forget-Brimont and A.Bergère.

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Photo © Highest Spirits

The words ‘Welsh whisky’ just rolls off the tongue, the dram just flows right in. Penderyn Distillery produces award-winning single malt whiskies in the foothills of the magnificent Brecon Beacons in South Wales. They also create special limited-edition Icons of Wales, honoring Dylan Thomas, and the greatest try in that 1973 rugby match in Cardiff. We’re angling for the Ryan Giggs tribute.

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Photo © Highest Spirit

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Photo © Joel Lim Spirited Singapore

The Chianti Masterclass was most enlightening, as was the sampling. In fact, the Italian Chianti centrepiece in the middle of the hall was the wine highlight for us.

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Maybe things did get a bit wonky near the end of the four-day siege, but if anything our Austrian wine masterclass taught us, was that most of their varietals will surprise and delight you. In particular, we loved Hafner, a winery in the quaint town of Moenchhof. They’re the first producers of Austria’s ice wine, and also the world’s first kosher ice wine. Definitely hope to see them again soon.

Prowine Asia (Singapore) will happen again in 2020, 31 Mar – 3 Apr.

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