Hong Kong, October 27, 2023 – In response to the persistent threat of counterfeit wines in Asia’s thriving wine market, Maureen Downey, acclaimed worldwide as the “Sherlock Holmes of wine,” is set to lead a workshop aimed at tackling this burgeoning issue. Originally slated for October 21-22, 2023, the event has been rescheduled and will now take place on March 2-3, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong.
The two-day workshop, organized by Chai Consulting, is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the wine industry, with a particular focus on the detection and prevention of wine fraud. Attendees will delve into the world of wine and spirits fraud, gain insights into the methods employed by wine counterfeiters, and engage in hands-on sessions to learn the art of bottle inspection for authentication and quality assessment.
Maureen Downey, a respected authority in wine authentication, previously served as a consultant for both the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during their investigations into the notorious Indonesian wine counterfeiter, Rudy Kurniawan, known as “Dr. Conti” due to his fascination with the rarefied Domaine Romanee Conti. Downey’s expert testimony played a pivotal role in the conviction of Kurniawan, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in the United States before his release in 2021.
Counterfeit wines have been a persistent concern in the Asian wine market, and Maureen Downey’s forthcoming workshop aims to empower industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to combat this issue effectively. With her extensive expertise and experience, Downey is poised to guide participants through a comprehensive understanding of wine fraud and its intricacies, reinforcing Hong Kong’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its wine industry.
