Entire websites and innumerable columns are dedicated to the grape concerns of wine countries and their blushing residents who worry about their lot with the burning question: What happens to leftover wine? What does one do with an uncorked, vital varietal before it turns to vinegar? How does one preserve an opened bottle still brimming with promises?
Knocking on the reserves of Penfolds has once again proven to be enlightening, as the clever corks from Down Under are bringing back to Hong Kong a much-needed service not seen in the city since 2017: the Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic.
Raising the experience of refined wine ownership to unmatched heights, this unconventional “clinic” is set to return to Hong Kong this August, offering discerning collectors a rare opportunity to preserve the integrity and legacy of their prized Penfolds bottles. Under the expert guidance of chief winemaker Peter Gago and winemaker Shavaughn Wells, the Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic epitomises the gold standard in wine stewardship, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in fine wine and showcasing a long-term commitment to its wine connoisseurs.
The Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic is more than just a service—it is a masterclass in preserving the essence of fine wine and demonstrates a continued investment in a trusted circle of clients. Each appointment, held only in select cities, allows collectors to bring their bottles to be professionally inspected, assessed, and re-corked, ensuring that each bottle remains a testament to its rich provenance. It is a careful process that guarantees the longevity of the wine and enhances its market value, a crucial consideration for collectors who see their acquisitions as both passion and investment. Penfolds’ attention to detail is a luxury that few winemakers provide. Notably, Château Lafite Rothschild, a name synonymous with fine wine, last offered a similar service more than a decade ago, underscoring the rarity of this commitment.
For those with long stems of memory, back in 2017, one would remember that Hong Kong had welcomed the Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic, hosted by chief winemaker Peter Gago, as approximately 400 exceptional wines were meticulously examined, including highly coveted limited releases such as the Bin 90A Coonawarra Cabernet Barossa Valley Shiraz, Bin 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bin 333 Shiraz. Notably, the collection featured inaugural vintages of Magill Estate Shiraz and RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz, dating back to 1983 and 1997, alongside well-cellared selections of Penfolds Grange and St. Henri Shiraz, spanning several decades. The rarity and diversity of the wines helped ripen the reputation of Hong Kong as one of Asia’s most sophisticated wine markets. This year’s event should push that legend further as the world’s most sophisticated ones with collectors who are second to none.
To partake in the Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic, your selected wine must be a distinguished red wine from Penfolds, boasting a minimum age of 15 years from its vintage date, with a clearly legible label that indicates this vintage. Each submission will undergo a quality assessment by a Penfolds winemaker to ensure it meets the requisite style criteria. However, certain wines will be deemed ineligible at the sole discretion of Penfolds. Wines lacking their original label, featuring illegible markings, previously assessed at a prior Re-Corking Clinic, or missing an original capsule automatically fall into this category. Wines may also be considered ineligible if they show signs of significant ullage, water damage, tampering, or fail to meet the quality standards set forth by the winemakers. Such is the price to pay for quality and the high standards the brand has established since its early years.
Penfolds’ Re-Corking Clinic respects wine ownership with the same thoughtful consideration as similar aftercare services found in other luxury sectors, such as Patek Philippe’s Restoration Workshop or vintage automobile certifications. Just as these brands preserve the stories and craftsmanship behind their creations, the Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic safeguards the narrative of each bottle, strengthening the emotional value tied to these wines—often passed down through generations—making the service not just about wine, but about legacy.
For long-time collectors in Hong Kong and across Asia, where fine wine is revered, the return of the Re-Corking Clinic by Penfolds is a heartfelt gesture that reinforces the brand’s commitment to quality and stewardship. This intimate, experience-led service underscores the vital bond between collectors and the winery, where each consultation helps preserve a bottle’s unique story and offers collectors a chance to engage deeply with their wines in an elegant setting at The Upper House.
Each bottle that passes through the Re-Corking Clinic’s doors is a portal to the past, a connection to heritage and craftsmanship that transcends mere consumption, and a window to the future. As Peter Gago aptly states, “Every Clinic is unique; each bottle tells a different story, and our role is to help those stories endure.” New collectors are invited into a community that values the preservation of fine wine, transforming ownership into responsible custodianship, where aged bottles are not just stored but celebrated. In fact, the Re-Corking Clinic extends beyond mere preservation, providing an immersive experience that includes curated wine flights and personalised keepsakes. Guests will benefit from expert advice on cellaring, investment potential, and custodianship, making the event a must-attend for wine enthusiasts.
For those who secure an appointment, it promises to be an experience that echoes through generations, ensuring that the stories of Penfolds wines continue to unfold with every sip. Re-corking clinic sessions are now open for registration, for more details and information, visit the Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic’s page here to register. Starting 4 August 2025, a limited number of public viewing slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
22 August 2025–23 August 2025
The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
