“The world is such a small place!” This is a phrase I hear and use all the time. So often at an unexpected time and place we will meet someone who knows someone we know. And with communication becoming so easy via all the social networks, we manage to stay in contact regardless of where we are in the world.

Up until a few years ago, for most of us anyway, Asia was not part of our global village. What we knew about the foreign culture and traditions of China and its neighbours in the East, were mostly Westernised into palate-friendly take-aways and fun themes for parties.

In recent years, however, that has changed a lot and with the Western world struggling economically, all eyes turned to Asia and especially China with its booming economy, massive population and enthralling culture. In the wine trade especially, China has become both a market and producer of note and nowadays we are much more informed about Chinese culture.