Serena Yeung is one of our Account Managers in Hong Kong. We were delighted to welcome her to London this autumn, and she joined our UK-based Account Managers on an En Primeur trip to Burgundy. Here she shares some of her reflections on her time spent in our St James’s office and in producers’ vineyards.  

Having been with Berry Bros. & Rudd for over eight years, I finally had the chance to visit our UK office for the first time. This was an experience I had eagerly anticipated, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. 

Stepping into the original shop on St. James’s Street felt like walking into a museum. The vintage coffee scales and coffee grinder are beautifully maintained, and the charming antique door handles add a special touch. Meanwhile, our office on Pall Mall strikes a balance between tradition and modernity – stylishly simple, clean, and neat. 

During my visit, I explored our cellars, both steeped in an incredible 326 years of history. Discovering those old, dust-covered bottles, each with its own story, made me reflect on the richness of our heritage. I also had the pleasure of seeing the private event spaces for lunches, dinners and tastings. These rooms exude traditional charm, with over 300 years of history embedded in the wooden ceilings. I was pleasantly surprised by how well preserved everything was, which added to the elegant atmosphere. I truly hope to join some events there in the future; I can only imagine what a unique experience it must be.  

My colleagues in the UK were incredibly welcoming, making me feel right at home. It was delightful to see that they often have wine or spirits opened for tasting, accompanied by training sessions from producers. One highlight was joining a regular meeting and finally meeting many colleagues face-to-face – people I’d only ever communicated with via email. It was a touching experience to connect in person. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my week in the UK. I took the opportunity to run in St. James’s Park, Green Park and Hyde Park, all while enjoying lovely weather. Jogging alongside ducks swimming in the lake and watching children feed squirrels as yellow leaves gently fell around me felt like running through a beautiful painting. 

As I write this, I already miss that week and all the wonderful experiences it brought. I look forward to carrying these memories with me and hope to create more connections between our offices in the future. 

After my visit to the UK office, I was truly honoured to represent the Asia team in Burgundy and partake in the Burgundy 2023 En Primeur tasting. This was my second trip to Burgundy – my last visit in June was filled with lush greenery and sunny skies. However, visiting in November provided a completely different experience, allowing me to witness the vineyards in their stunning winter splendour. 

The weather during our visit was a bit foggy, making navigation challenging and the roads somewhat slippery. I’m especially grateful to my colleagues who drove us to the wineries, ensuring we arrived safely and could fully immerse ourselves in each tasting without worry. 

Throughout my time in Burgundy, I explored over 25 wineries and tasted more than 150 wines. Each producer showcased their unique character, and it was fascinating to interact with winemakers whose wines I’ve enjoyed but never met in person. Hearing their insights and understanding their winemaking processes added immense depth to the wines, making each one come alive with its own story and personality. 

The 2023 Burgundy vintage is truly remarkable – pure, fruity, fresh, and incredibly approachable. Even though these were En Primeur wines, unbottled and still maturing, I found them to be expressive and vibrant. Each sip offered a delightful glimpse into what the final product will deliver, and I couldn’t help but feel excited about their potential. The balance and clarity of the fruit, combined with the finesse of the tannins, suggest that this vintage will be a standout in years to come. 

Visiting the vineyards was another highlight of the trip. Standing in Montrachet, I finally grasped the exact distances between the vines and observed the planting stages up close. This firsthand experience not only solidified my memories but also deepened my appreciation for the meticulous care that goes into cultivating each vineyard. The beauty of the landscape, with its rolling hills, was simply breathtaking. 

This trip to Burgundy was more than just a tasting; it was an unforgettable journey into the heart of an iconic wine country. The connections I made, the wines I tasted, and the sights I experienced will stay with me for years to come. I returned home not only with a greater understanding of Burgundy’s exceptional wines but also with cherished memories that will enrich my ongoing journey in the world of wine. I look forward to sharing these experiences and insights with my colleagues and customers back in Asia, fostering a deeper appreciation for the remarkable wines that Burgundy has to offer.