CALIFORNIA WINES CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS

 

It’s a coup like no other. In 1976, California wines outscored highly regarded French wines in a blind tasting organised by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier in Paris.

Known as the Judgment of Paris, the ground-breaking event established the excellence of California wines and California as a world-class wine producing region.

In celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, California Wine Institute hosted a convivial afternoon of California wine sampling for trade partners and local media.

Christopher Beros, Director for Greater China & Southeast Asia (top pic) said, “2026 is a landmark year for California wines. The 50^th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris not only commemorates the historic victory for California wines but also showcases how California continues to lead in quality, innovation and sustainability of its wine-making.”

Held at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, we watched a short documentary on the Judgment of Paris. A curated range of California wines including those from participating wineries in the pivotal event 50 years ago.

The Chardonnays showcased were Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2023, Spring Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay 2024, Veedercrest Vineyards Chardonnay 2022 and David Bruce Winery Chardonnay 2022.

Notable Cabernet Sauvignons included Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Ridge Vineywards Monte Bello 2023, Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Clos du Val Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Heitz Wine Cellars Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.

 
Stellar pioneers such as Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2022 and Robert Mondavi To Kalon Reserve Cabernet 2022 left us thoroughly charmed.

The Golden State of Mind, embodying California’s optimism, boldness, innovation and sustainability, is in every bottle of California wines.

Notable modern day picks included Gallica Albarino 2022, Maggie Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir 2021, Massican Annia 2024, Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Rombaeur Chardonnay 2024, Senses Charles Heintz Chardonnay 2023, Terah Barbera Amador County 2024 and Titus Napa Valley Zinfandel 2023.

For more information, visit the official website: www.discovercaliforniawines.com
 

NEW READY-TO-EAT RANGE MARKS MALAYAN FLOUR MILLS BERHAD’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

 

The debut of ready-to-eat (RTE) Sate Ayam, Ayam Masak Merah, Ayam Kicap and Ayam Kam Heong mark the 60th anniversary of Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM).

 
Established in 1966, MFM began as Malaysia’s first modern flour mill in Lumut, Perak. Today, MFM’s vast business interests span flour milling, poultry integration and aquaculture. Its foray into the RTE product segment is part of the company’s focus on innovation, sustainability and maintenance of product quality.

 
Executive Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Teh Wee Chye said MFM’s forward-looking venture is in sync with its commitment in supporting the country’s food security through resilient, safe and dependable food production.

At the recent 60^th Anniversary and RTE launch event, chef Fikree Aznan demonstrated the ease and convenience of MFM’s RTE product range.
Designed for modern, time-constrained consumers, the RTE products are protein-rich, and can be prepared within minutes using oven, microwave or airfryer.

The charcoal-grilled Sate Ayam (chicken satay) tastes delicious; richly marinated with turmeric, lemongrass and spices leaving the chicken pieces tender and juicy. Each RTE pack contains 20 skewers and includes the quintessential peanut gravy.

 
We also like the Malay-inspired Ayam Masak Merah and Ayam Kicap. Both boast bright, punchy flavours and should emerge as surefire crowd-pleasers. Likewise, the Chinese-inspired Ayam Kam Heong flaunts big, bold and tantalising accents. All the RTE offerings are also Halal-compliant.

DISCOVER ROYAL KLANG TOWN VIA HERITAGE WALK

 

The rich historical and cultural heritage of Royal Klang Town came to light after we went on the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk (RKTHW) hosted by Tourism Selangor.

In collaboration with the Royal Klang Town Municipal Council, our media group was welcomed to Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, one of the town’s landmark buildings. According to Mayor of Royal Klang Town, Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan, the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk (RKTHW) reinforced the state committee’s efforts in preserving historical buildings and cultural practices.

It was a Muhibbah affair as members of the media were invited to experience various activities onsite. After we saw how Lo Han Guo (monkfruit) herbal drink was brewed, we sampled the drink itself.

Then we watched how meticulously Malai floral garlands were made. Another group of enterprising ladies taught us how to use coffee beans and saga seeds repurposed into little trapezoid pouches for the folk game of Batu Seremban.

A popular snack vendor was also at hand, to rustle up freshly made Vadai for us to savour. The chosen activities were integral to Klang’s multi-cultural identity and can be experienced during the RKTHW.

After the immersive activities, we spent some time touring the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery. The well-curated exhibits and displays proved insightful, enabling us to learn the history of the Selangor sultanate and how the royal families spurred the state’s progress and development throughout the centuries.

We then proceeded to Chennai Silk House to admire the vast textile selection and how the team helps shoppers with their needs: from purchasing saree fabrics to the tailoring of bridal and special occasion attires.

The heritage walk route also covers notable locations and significant places such as Royal Klang Club, Alam Shah Palace, Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang Convent School and Church, Masjid India and Balai Bomba Klang.

The complimentary RKTHW tour begins at 9.15am and ends around 12.30pm, every weekend. Registration begins at 9am sharp at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery. Contact Klang Municipal Council Tourism Department, tel: 03 3375 5555 ext. 1013/1235 for more information.