Jeannie Cho Lee MW appointed as Consultant for the Annual Hospices de Beaune Wine Sale Jasper Morris MW to Step Down

BEAUNE, 19 NOVEMBER 2023 – The 163rd edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine sale will see Jasper Morris MW stepping down from his role as a consultant for the annual wine sale. Jasper joined the Sotheby’s Wine team in 2021 following the announcement of Sotheby’s partnering with the Hospices de Beaune for the first time. Having previously worked as a consultant on the world’s most renowned wine auction since 2016, his special relationship with the Hospices de Beaune team led by Ludivine Griveau was already well established. During his tenure across three harvests with Sotheby’s, Jasper’s deep knowledge of the whole region, as illustrated by his second edition of Inside Burgundy, provided invaluable insights with each vintage.

Stepping into Jasper’s shoes is the award-winning author, television host, editor, wine critic, judge and educator, Jeannie Cho Lee MW. In her role, Jeannie will conduct tastings for the Hospices de Beaune wines, join Ludivine during the harvest, and participate in tastings and dinners around the world.

Jeannie’s traditional Korean upbringing meant venturing into the wine industry was not an option she considered whilst a university student, but she found herself venturing into the wine industry, first as a writer, then an author and later as a wine critic, editor, publisher and finally in 2008, becoming the first Asian Master of Wine. She holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University in Public Policy as well as a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in marketing and branding from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where she is currently a Professor of Wine at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, a position she has occupied for more than 10 years. Since 2009, Jeannie has been a wine consultant to Singapore Airlines.

Jeannie started to give ratings to wine in 1992 when she began writing her wine diaries and she has since gone on to publish three award-winning books – Asian Palate, Mastering Wine, and The 100 Burgundy, which won the 2020 Gourmand Award for Best Wine Book in the World for French wines. Recognised for her contributions to the food and wine industry, she was honoured as a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (a Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honour) by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2021.

Nick Pegna, Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Sotheby’s, said:

“Having had the privilege of working with both Jasper and Jeannie for several years, individuals whom I deeply admire, I am thrilled to announce that Jeannie has graciously accepted the important role of working with Sotheby’s on the Hospices de Beaune sale as our consultant. Jeannie brings not only a wealth of experience but also a highly international perspective to this role.