Fine-dining restaurant, Canton Blue at The Peninsula London, has launched the Canton Blue Wine Club, a monthly celebration of superlative vintners and an exploration into the world of matching fine wine with Cantonese cuisine.
Focusing on beverages from Japanese sake to French Burgundy, each event will be a collaboration with a producer chosen for their ethos to winemaking, and the ability to complement the sweet, sour, savoury and bitter flavours of Cantonese cuisine.
The team of chefs at Canton Blue will create a multi-course menu, tailored to suit the characteristics of each drink.
Beginning on 9 August with a celebration of Chinese Baijiu for World Baijiu Day, the programme has been curated by the hotel’s Director of Wine, Melody Wong, recognised as the top first female sommelier in the UK at the Top 100 Sommeliers 2023.
Canton Blue’s aesthetic and ethos is inspired by tales of Maritime passage through a transportive dining journey, reminiscent of the Keying Junk’s odyssey, shipping goods from China to Britain.
Located on the ground floor of The Peninsula London, the restaurant celebrates fine Cantonese food. Guests are encouraged to share multiple dishes to emphasise the myriad textures, flavours and aromas, integral to Chinese haute cuisine.
The drinks list showcases a collection of rice-based beverages such as Chinese Baijiu and Japanese Sake, alongside a selection of over 200 fine wines from around the world as well as single-origin leaf tea.
Each dinner will take place in The Silk Room, the exquisite private dining room in Canton Blue.
Tickets are available online and directly via Canton Blue reservations team on their email and phone number directly.
Full list of events below:
World Baijiu Day Celebration | 9th – 15th August
In celebration of World Baijiu Day on 9th August, Canton Blue will be showcasing a series of seasonal specials and Baijiu tastings for diners. Guests will be introduced to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant flavours of the world’s most popular spirit through innovative dishes inspired by its unique taste. Think Drunken chicken with goji berries and Shao Xing Rice Wine; wok-fried Wagyu tenderloin with garlic, and black pepper sauce served with Moutai Flying Fairy; and delicate, steamed lobster made with Fen Chiew, each paired with different Baijiu to match the complexities of the drink.
Philip Harper and Kinoshita Sake Brewery | 22nd August
An exclusive evening with Philip Harper, Master sake brewer at The Kinoshita Brewery, the first British national to earn the title tōji (Master Sake Brewer). Philip’s remarkable sake journey began in 1991 and he continues to share his expert knowledge and passion for sake across the globe. At Canton Blue, guests will be guided through six courses of exceptional Cantonese cuisine alongside a tutored tasting of Philip’s celebrated sakes. Book online here.
The Wines of Jim Barry – Clare Valley’s Riesling and old vine Shiraz | 3rd September
A sophisticated evening celebrating the marriage of premium Australian wines and Cantonese dishes, presented by Tom Barry, the third generation in his family to run the winemaking at Jim Barry Wines. Jim Barry was the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, and over the years became synonymous with the wine region. At Canton Blue, guests can expect a playful menu of Cantonese dishes that highlight the distinctly floral aromas and fruity notes of Australia’s outstanding Riesling and Shiraz. Book online here.
An Evening with Château Montrose | 9th October
One of the leading wine properties in the famous Saint-Estèphe appellation, Château Montrose produces some of the oldest wines in the world. The special ‘Wine and Dine Evening’ will be presented by Chateau Montrose and Lay & Wheeler, highlighting the elegance and complexity of Montrose’s renowned wine which will be expertly paired with a gourmet multi-course dinner created by Canton Blue’s team of chefs.
Vietti Winery Showcase | 14th November
Perfect for the colder months, November’s wine dinner will be presented by Piedmont’s Vietti winery, whose family has been producing wine for four generations in Castiglione Falletto, at the heart of the Barolo area in Italy. The winery was founded in 1800s by Carlo Vietti and today, the Vietti is considered as one of the very best Piedmont producers. Guests will be introduced to Vietti wine through a harmonious blend of Piedmont and Cantonese traditions.