Tell us about your business
Indigo Wine Co was established in Singapore in 2016 as an importer and retailer of boutique family-owned Australian wineries. While only a young business, it was my 20+ years in the wine industry that lead me to this point. Indigo was created to bring some of the amazing Australian wines I have discovered over the years to this vibrant market. But it is not just about the wines, it is also telling the stories about the people behind them and their passion for creating such unique wines. In a relatively short period of time we have developed partnerships with a range of wineries from all the key wine regions that represent the diversity and quality that Australia has to offer.
What’s your role all about?
When I am not spending time travelling around Australia sourcing the wines for our business or bending the ear of one of the winemakers we represent, I am running around in the trade or hosting events to introduce the wines to the Singapore market. I look at my role as the conduit between the wineries and the marketplace and how to best provide a true understanding of the wines Australia has to offer. However, this year has chucked up some real curveballs for everyone with travel and events severely curtailed. It means we have had to design some interesting virtual tastings that allow us to continue to showcase and educate people on our wines. The other aspect of the business I have been working on due to the changed environment is developing our online business to provide a better experience for our clients.
What’s the hot topic in your sector right now?
There is a massive push on sustainability and minimal intervention winemaking at the moment within the wine industry. This is being reflected by the F&B industry and consumers alike. In this day and age, anything that can be done to decrease the impact on the environment is front of mind with many of the winemaking community. Provenance has also become a real factor, where people are interested in not just how the wine is made but also where it comes from and how the vineyards are cared for. Then there is the whole natural wine movement, but that is a topic for another day!
Why are you a member of AustCham in Singapore?
When I first started the business, I wanted to find a community where I could meet like-minded people and get to know the ins and outs of doing business in Singapore. Austcham has provided just this. In my time as a member I have met an array of interesting people and learned to truly appreciate doing business in Singapore. It is a great market for Australian businesses and provides a strong platform and gateway to SouthEast Asia for future expansion. Austcham and it’s community has been such a bonus in helping me develop the business and keeping connected with passionate people involved in promoting Australia and what we have to offer.
What is your pick for a Christmas day wine to share with friends this year?
Where do you start. So many great wines out there and so hard to pick just one. Christmas in Australia for me was always a blend of great Aussie seafood and the traditional turkey and ham. So here are a couple of wines to match.
Vickery Clare Valley Riesling – nothing beats fresh prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and a good glass of crisp dry citrussy Rizza.
Montalto Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir – the bright spicy cherry flavours are the perfect match for turkey and cranberry sauce.
And perhaps a glass or two of Oliver’s Taranga “The banished” fortified Grenache to polish off that Christmas plum pudding!
Where is your go-to place for a wine?
Again, too hard to just pick one. If I am looking for the true Aussie emersion, I can’t go past Burnt Ends. The best array of Aussie wines in Singapore matched to innovative Australian cuisine . For just having a glass or two of wine from anywhere in the world, Praelum Wine Bistro in Duxton Hill is a must. The owner, Gerald Lu is one of the key figures in the Singapore wine community and a great host. Then there is nothing like a glass of wine with a knock out view, so I do find myself perched at the bar in Skai at the Swissotel just watching the world go by, when time permits.
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For more information on Indigo Wine Co, visit https://indigowineco.com/