A swirl of the glass, the aromas are released, and the senses are triggered in a flurry of ways. The ripe smell of red grapes, the taste of the oak, vanilla, perhaps a hint of red berries. The room fills with the buzz of conversation, the clink of glasses, the pop of a cork from a vintage bottle imported from Bordeaux. Except this is not Bordeaux, not even France, but the swarming megacity of Shanghai, home to the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter.

The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter is a special one-day event playing host to some of the most exclusive wine experts and is certainly an unforgettable day for wine lovers of all kinds. The event takes place in Shanghai, China and provides wine enthusiasts a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with Master Sommeliers in a series of exclusive wine tasting experiences.

Founded in 1975, Decanter Magazine is one of the world’s most renowned wine publications and has been awarded the oldest consumer wine media publication in the United Kingdom. Decanter hosts several events celebrating fine wine from all around the globe and for the sixth year in a row, the event will take place in Shanghai. Here you will find a collaboration with some of the world’s revered Master Sommeliers, so you can be sure to expect that the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter is an event not to be missed.

This year, the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter will take place in November, held exclusively in collaboration with the Ritz Carlton Shanghai. In its history, the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter has showcased hundreds of wines from dozens of countries, and a smorgasbord of fine wine to be sampled, sipped and swirled. At the event, excitement is in the air as vintages as old as half a century are poured.

Attendees have the chance to rub shoulders with some of the greats of wine, coming from famous wine regions of Italy, Spain, France, the USA, Chile, and Australia. The addition of masterclasses throughout the event provide a thrilling sensory wine tasting experience for all levels of wine lovers, from novice sommeliers to distinguished wine experts.

Some previous masterclasses have been hosted by Marchesi Antinori (Italy), Château Figeac (France), Vérité Winery (USA), and due to the popularity of Australian wine in China, the Feature Room recently showcased some excellent Australian wine favourites including Grosset Wines, Henschke, Penfolds, and Yalumba, just to name a few. In these masterclasses, attendees learn about the region and grape, gaining insight into what makes each bottle and each glass, so unique and have wine tasting experiences that include an opportunity to record the tasting notes. This event is truly a feast on your tastebuds and guests will leave with a blush in their cheeks, warmth in their belly and an impressive  knowledge of fine wines from around the world.

The popularity of wine in China has made the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter one of the most popular and affluent wine and lifestyle events across Asia and has led to the rising demand for Chinese wines. Some of the featured Chinese wines of the past includes award-winning Helan Qingxue Vineyard wines from Ningxia, Kanaan Winery, also from Ningxia and Tiansai Vineyards from Xinjiang. The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter presents outstanding wines in a luxurious 5-star setting. There is no denying this is one of the best wine events of the year, especially because of its setting. Come for the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter, stay for Shanghai.

Shanghai is undeniably a hub of frantic, frenzied buzzing, with busy streets full of fast-paced businessmen negotiating meeting times, tourists bargaining the price of a tailored suit, and working mothers selling Golden Rabbit Creamy candy at a market stall. It’s a place that is both east to get lost in and find yourself. Thrilling days lead into vibrant nights, and the Ritz Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is where one can lay their head to rest in complete tranquillity after a busy day. With towering views over the Huangpu River, an opulent art deco aura, decadent Michelin star dining and a spectacular rooftop lounge (perfect for evening cocktails), the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter sure has picked the place to be to host their event, The Ritz Carlton Shanghai, Pudong.

The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter is a fantastic opportunity for all levels of wine lovers to get up close and personal with showstopping world-renowned wine, learn about the region, the history of the vineyard and grape and meet some of the best wine-makers and expert sommeliers from across the globe. Sign up to Decanter Premium for exclusive access to tickets and be sure not to miss this amazing one-day event.