About Premier Cru
Since opening, Premier Cru has operated as a French wine shop in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong. Our focus has been on Burgundy and the Rhône Valley, alongside a smaller selection from Bordeaux and other French wine regions. But being a French wine shop never meant being snobby about the rest of the world. Wines from Italy, China and beyond have also found a home on our shelves.
For us, choosing wine has always been about curiosity and conversation. We wanted customers to leave with more than a good bottle: a little more knowledge, confidence in their own taste and an openness to trying something new. Our regular tastings brought together newcomers and experienced wine lovers to explore everything from tannins and body to aromas and flavour notes, helping guests discover what they enjoy and why.
Now, Premier Cru is preparing to reopen as a wine bar and shop. You’ll be able to settle in with a glass or share a bottle, with a few new additions to the menu too. Sharing wine knowledge will remain at the heart of what we do, and we’re excited to bring back our tasting events. Whether you know your Bordeaux from your Burgundy or are still working out what “dry” means, there’ll be a place for you.
To our loyal patrons, thank you for your continued support over the years and your patience while we complete the renovations. We’re working hard to bring Premier Cru back, better than ever, and can’t wait to welcome familiar faces and meet new ones. We’ll be sharing a few behind-the-scenes glimpses on our social media soon, so keep an eye out for a sneak peek.
The past few years have brought their share of challenges and changes, but also given us the chance to rethink what Premier Cru can become. This next chapter builds on what we’ve always loved: good wine, good company and the pleasure of discovering something new.
john dewe
Owner, Wine Lover & Friend.
Believe it or not, I was once a wine novice whose knowledge stretched to telling red from white. I also thought Champagne was simply another word for anything sparkling. So when I first walked into Premier Cru many years ago, I had no idea this hidden gem in Sai Ying Pun was about to become such a big part of my life.
At the time, Christophe, a trained sommelier, was running the shop alongside the owner. Our friendship and my wine knowledge grew together over wine, cigars and plenty of laughs. An Englishman and a Frenchman might seem an unlikely pairing, but Christophe would be the first to tell you that the right wine can go with almost anything. When the opportunity arose to run the shop with him, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Premier Cru continues to introduce me to new wines and experiences, and sharing what I’ve learned with our customers is one of its greatest pleasures.
Born in Gloucester, England, I spent most of my childhood in Canada. After returning to England, I joined the Household Cavalry, serving as a professional soldier on both horses and tanks. After 15 years, I traded military life for a new chapter in Ireland, becoming a father and building a career in IT management, security and data solutions. A role in aircraft leasing eventually brought me to Hong Kong in 2014.
I still work in IT, so my role at Premier Cru is mostly behind the scenes, focusing on business operations and development. That said, you’ll often find me in the shop during the evenings and at weekends, enjoying a conversation and, quite possibly, a glass of wine.
I love hearing about people’s wine experiences, even the bottles they’d rather forget. Those conversations help shape our selection and introduce me to new discoveries too. Above all, I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel the same welcome that drew me in all those years ago. You don’t need to know everything about wine to enjoy it. I certainly didn’t.
As I like to say, “If you have always succeeded and never failed, you have never tried something you didn’t already know.”