The founder of Vinosophy on championing rare wines and his recommendations

Pierre Legrandois, the founder of luxury wine distributor Vinosophy, tells David Ho about his goals and his wine recommendations

Luxury wine distributor Vinosophy is the new kid on the wine block in Hong Kong and Greater China. Established in January 2022, the company champions independent, family-owned vineyards with a meticulous, precise and sustainable approach to winemaking. To celebrate its third anniversary this month, Vinosophy came up with an ultra-luxurious wine trunk - Coffret Atelier Drevelle - crafted in collaboration with Les Atelier Drevelle and Domaine Prieuré Roch as the ultimate gift for the wine collector with everything.   

Pierre Legrandois, the founder of Vinosophy, knows better than anyone that ‘great wines are made of great grapes’ after more than 20 years of experience working in wine across Europe and Asia. He tells us about his work and gives us his wine recommendations.

How did your journey to become a wine professional begin? 

My journey into the world of wine started off in a pretty unexpected way. School wasn't where I excelled, so my options seemed limited. But my love for food, even from a young age, drew me towards the idea of working in a restaurant. At just 16-years-old, I took the plunge.

It was during my time at a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Versailles, France back in 1998 that I first got a taste of the magic of wine. I decided to pursue a sommelier degree, and that decision changed everything. The head sommelier at the restaurant became my first mentor. Not only did he fill me with his knowledge, but his passion was seriously contagious.

Thanks to his guidance, I found myself falling head over heels for the world of wine. He saw something in me and recommended me to the wine director at Alain Ducasse's elite restaurant, the Louis XV in Monaco. And just like that, my journey in the wine world took flight. Joining the team at the Louis XV was a game-changer for me, and I've been riding the wave of my passion for wine ever since.

What do you feel Vinosophy brings to the table here that others don't? 

Vinosophy, as a small and independent company, brings a unique set of advantages to the table that set us apart from others. Our size allows us to be nimble and make quick decisions, responding swiftly to the evolving market dynamics. Having been rooted in Hong Kong for 18 years, I have witnessed the significant shifts in consumption behaviour over time. When Vinosophy was established in 2022, we foresaw the challenging market landscape ahead. However, I firmly believed that by offering something fresh and appealing to the younger generation of wine enthusiasts, we could play a crucial role in making wine more approachable and engaging.

At Vinosophy we are proud to represent a new generation of rising stars. Dynamic, independent, and family-owned, our wine growers are committed to quality, authenticity and sustainability above all else. They know that great wines are made in the vineyard, where they work with precision and rigour. All the domains we represent adhere to strict organic farming and methods that respect nature. In the cellar, their winemaking approach is minimalistic.

While our portfolio predominantly features Burgundy wines, a region renowned for its excellence, our producers offer accessible options that cater to a wide range of consumers. We take pride in offering a diverse selection of wines priced between HK$300 and HK$800, making it easier for wine enthusiasts to explore and enjoy exceptional yet affordable Burgundy wines.

You've chosen an interesting time to open shop in Hong Kong given that the retail and F&B sector is still struggling. Why now?  

Timing's everything, right? Opening up Vinosophy in Hong Kong, especially when things are tough in the retail and F&B scene, might seem like a bold move. But for me, it just felt right. I've always been one to jump on opportunities when they come knocking. The vision I had for Vinosophy was clear as day, and I knew I had to make it happen. Hong Kong, with all its quirks and charms, is a place where young entrepreneurs can really make it if they have a solid plan. I have got a soft spot for this city, and I figured, why not take a risk now and set myself up for the long haul?

Sure, the timing might not be perfect, I believe that even in the midst of challenges, there is always a chance to shine if you have got a game plan and a bit of grit. So, here I am, diving in and hoping for the best.

I understand your mission at Vinosophy is to bring a selection of superb cult and under-the-radar French wines to the Hong Kong market. Please tell us what we have been missing out on?

Our recent celebration of our third-year anniversary, although we have had two years of active operation due to the planning and search for wineries in the initial year, was a significant milestone for us. In November 2024, we orchestrated a grand event at the Grand Hyatt, where we hosted more than 20 esteemed wine producers for an expansive wine tasting event coupled with a Paulee-inspired dinner. Across the span of three bustling days, we had the pleasure of accommodating over 500 guests.

Navigating through and organizing such a large-scale event with just three full-time team members, myself included, posed a remarkable challenge. The overwhelmingly positive responses from our clients have been truly heartening. The anticipation for our next event is evident, with inquiries pouring in from all corners. For further insights and updates on our upcoming events, please visit our dedicated event page.

In your opinion, what can winemakers do to better get the word out to Asian wine lovers about their masterpieces?

Getting the word out to Asian wine lovers about our family-owned, independent, and small wine growers can be a bit tricky. These growers have limited time for winery visits and tastings, which can be a bummer for Hong Kong clients who make the long trip only to miss out on the experience.

One way to tackle this is by finding more ways to interact with consumers, despite the long growing season that ties up the wine growers. We are super excited about the upcoming launch of Domaine de la Commaraine's sumptuous hotel and restaurant later this year. It is going to be a game-changer, offering wine lovers a chance to soak in the full experience while dining with an amazing view of their flagship vineyard, Le Cos de La Commaraine.

By creating these immersive experiences, winemakers can really connect with wine lovers, letting them not just taste the wines but also dive into the stories and passion behind each bottle. It is all about building those connections and sharing the love for great wine in a more engaging way.

On the flipside, how can wine lovers that are eager to expand their palette know what to go for?

Hong Kong hosts a vibrant wine scene with numerous events happening almost daily. For the curious wine lover, this abundance of opportunities makes it effortless to explore new wines and connect with producers, rendering Hong Kong as one of the most captivating destinations for wine enthusiasts.

What should we keep in mind when picking wines for special occasions? Any key recommendations for both red and white?

After our successful events last November, two notable wines that have gathered significant interest from our clients are:

White: Antonin Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru “En Caradeaux” Blanc, cherished for its intensity, minerality, and complexity, priced at HK$525 per bottle.

Red: Aurelien Verdet Gevrey-Chambertin, known for its generosity, approachability, and charm, available at HK$595 per bottle. 

These exceptional selections have captured the attention of our clientele and would be excellent choices for special events.

What do you think 2025 looks like for the wine industry in Hong Kong, and perhaps Asia at large?

Very similar than 2024, we'll have to be resilient once again, but I am a natural optimist! 

Anything exciting we should look out for from Vinosophy in the near future?

We are currently in the works of curating a series of intimate and engaging wine dinners and tastings, tailored for small groups of up to 12 guests each time. Our aim is to elevate the guest experience and create unforgettable moments.

Our events standout due to our distinctive thematic strategy. Rather than hosting conventional winemaker dinners, we are emphasizing intriguing themes. Imagine this - immersing yourself in the realm of Vosne-Romanée, where you will explore a selection of wines from a specific vineyard and vintage. This experience enables guests to uncover the artistry of different producers. Expanding on this idea, we are also venturing into well-known Burgundy villages like Chambolle-Musigny and Puligny-Montrachet among other great names.

As we step into 2025, we are turning back the clock to 2005 and 2015 vintages, offering a retrospective look at these exceptional years. It is all about immersing ourselves in the richness of Burgundy's terroir and heritage.

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