Ep. 2735 A Sommelier’s Journey from Hong Kong with Kwong Shing (Derek) Li | Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026

Welcome to episode 2735 of the Italian Wine Podcast recorded live at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026. As an official media partner, Italian Wine Podcast brings you firsthand insights from Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino 2026, Piedmont's premier wine event that took place on January 26-27, in Turin. Join top producers, buyers, and experts to explore emerging styles, winemaking innovations, and market trends shaping the region's future. From Barolo and Barbaresco to hidden gems, this series offers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, revealing Piedmont's impact on the global wine scene. Today, Stevie Kim’s guest is Derek Li, a Hong Kong-born wine professional, consultant and educator with a long-standing background in hospitality. For his first time at Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino, Derek shares his impressions of Piemonte, its producers and the incredible diversity of wines gathered in one place. In this conversation, Stevie and Derek talk about what makes Grandi Langhe such a valuable experience for wine professionals and students, how passion plays a key role in learning wine, and why Piemonte continues to stand out for quality, identity and value in markets such as Hong Kong. And to close the conversation, Derek shares a pairing that brings Piemonte and Hong Kong together: Barbera with roast goose. About the Grandi Langhe: Grandi Langhe e il Piemonte del Vino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine events, dedicated to showcasing the excellence of Piedmont. Organized with the support of the region’s leading wine consortia, it brings together hundreds of producers representing top denominations such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Gavi, Asti, and Alta Langa. The event is designed as a key meeting point for international trade, offering tastings, professional networking, and a powerful snapshot of Piedmont’s role in the global wine market. Discover more: https://www.grandilanghe.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!