IMW

Biography

Jeannie Cho Lee was born in Seoul, Korea, but has lived in numerous cities around the world including New York, Boston, London and Kuala Lumpur. Since early 1994, Hong Kong has been her permanent home.

Jeannie's interest in wine began at Oxford University where she spent her junior year before returning to Smith College in Massachusetts where she graduated with a dual degree in Political Science and Sociology. Jeannie then went on to obtain a Master's degree from Harvard University.

Jeannie led a successful career in business journalism, writing for publications such as Asia Inc, Far Eastern Economic Review and The Asset where she currently remains as Contributing Editor. In 1996, Jeannie moved to Kuala Lumpur where she became the weekend Editor of The Sun newspaper. However, her heart and passion were in food and wine which led her to obtain the Certficat de Cuisine from Cordon Bleu and the WSET Diploma.

Since 1997, Jeannie has specialised in wine writing, becoming a wine columnist and regular contributor to numerous publications such as Wine Spectator, The World of Fine Wine, Revue du Vin, Wine Business International and Decanter.

Currently, Jeannie is Singapore Airline's Wine Consultant, involved in selecting the wines served on board along with Steven Spurrier and Michael Hill Smith. Her first book about Asian cuisine and wine called Asian Palate, was launched in November 2009. Jeannie was awarded the Vinitaly International Award in 2009 for her contributions to the wine industry.