The Peninsula’s Yang Lu is China’s first internationally certified sommelier and a judge at the upcoming China Wine Challenge. We caught up with him to find out more about his career in wine.

How did you go from being born in Xinjiang to translating Master of Wine Jancis Robinson’s book?
I was born in Xinjiang, studied in Shanghai and then moved to Toronto for university. During my final year studying towards a degree in physics, I decided it was time to do something else. Soon after, I enrolled in a wine making and viticulture program at Niagara College, Canada. I had no previous knowledge of wine. How To Taste Wine by Jancis Robinson was my first textbook, and it will be my first and last translation. It’s the first book in Chinese fully dedicated to tasting wine.

What inspired you to pursue a career in wine?
I’ve always felt most at peace when I’m in a vineyard and close to nature. I really miss the vineyard of the college where I studied.

What happens at the China Wine Challenge?
China Wine Challenge is the most important wine competition in China due to the caliber of international judges from Britain, America and France including Steve Spurrier, Michel Bettane and other top players in the wine world. All the suppliers in China are asked to enter their wines to compete against each other in blind tastings. These are all wines you can find in the China market and it’s a great way for small importers to get exposure to and compete against past winners.

What’s next for you?
I will try to become a Master Sommelier. I plan to have a long-term career as a sommelier. My passion is with service and being on the floor at a restaurant.

DETAILS

What: China Wine Challenge 2011

When: July 19-22

Where: Hilton Shanghai

Web: www.chinawinechallenge.net

Tel.: 6248-7777 ext. 1140