JC is deeply passionate about wine education and storytelling.
Certified Educator of the WSET since 2006, he has taught wine courses specifically adapted to the needs of Wine Professionals to help them develop authority and an international perspective, strengthening their careers and driving business growth for their companies.
He also advises on wine communication, including strategy, content development and delivery. He is committed to optimising the growth of Italian wines in international markets through a practical "storytelling" approach...
At 25, he established his first company in Hong Kong. For almost 30 years, he experienced the fascinating growth the region has sustained, first as an Entrepreneur in the Export sector and eventually as an expert in wine communications. He relocated to Italy in December 2020.
A holder of the WSET Diploma Level 4 (Merit) for 12 years, he is a WSET Certified Wine Educator. Eventually, he became a WSET Approved Program Provider in Hong Kong before relocating to Verona, where he continues to host WSET Courses from Levels 1 to 3 and WSET Coaching sessions for the practical and theory exams at all Levels.
His passion for Wine Education brought him to join the Masters of Wine program, during which he gained invaluable international insights into the World of Wine. During his wine career in Hong Kong, he created a much-acclaimed 30-part wine course, “How to Taste Like a Pro, held regular classes on Bordeaux, Burgundy, and especially in Italy. He was an Accredited Tutor at L'École Du Vin De Bordeaux and a Vinitaly Italian Wine Ambassador.
In January 2019, he was appointed Greater China Ambassador for Franciacorta and Master of the Hong Kong Delegation of the “Ordine dei Cavalieri del Tartufo e dei Vini d’Alba”. Former Managing Editor of the wine magazine Spirito di Vino Asia, JC now talks about wine live on RTHK Radio 3 on the first Thursday of each month in Hong Kong. He hosts masterclasses on behalf of several Consorzio and producers, and he is a regular speaker at the annual B2B conference Wine2Wine, delivering seminars on wine issues pertinent to Greater China and at Wine Meridian Continuing Education courses for Wine Professionals.
Experienced Wine judge for the Decanter Asia Wine Awards and 5-Star Wines (Vinitaly), he also attended the rigorous Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) presented by AWRI to prepare Australian Wine Show Judges.
He is a Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia, equivalent to an O.B.E. in the UK and to the Ordre National du Mérite in France.
J.C. Viens