What makes some of these local or global creatives tick? In this weekly column, Tom King, the managing director of Penfolds, shares his favourite things.
1. Cycling: I got into cycling a few years ago and since then riding has become a staple in my everyday routine. I love getting out on my bike early in the morning before work, it’s a great way to clear my head, stay fit and it sets me up with energy for the day ahead.
I’ve recently moved from Shanghai to Melbourne and my bike hasn’t arrived yet, so I haven’t been able to ride for a couple of months –.I can’t wait for it to arrive so I can start exploring my new hometown, especially as the weather warms up here!
2. Exploring New Places: I have been fortunate in my career to travel to some really exciting and interesting places, and love getting out to see and experience what each destination has to offer.
Living in China for four years meant my family and I were able to travel all around the country – it is such a fascinating place.
3. Sports: I’m too old to play football and rugby these days, so I now participate as a spectator. I also love horse racing. Penfolds is the proud naming rights sponsor of the Penfolds Victoria Derby so I recently had the chance to combine work with personal pleasure after landing in Melbourne.
4. Home: Wherever that is at any time. I love travelling and exploring but there is something quite special about returning home.
5. Places for Wine Drinking: Anywhere with good company. For me, enjoying wine is as much about the occasion as the location, so anywhere with great wine and great company is my favourite place for drinking wine.
Photo credit Nomfluence
6. Plan B in Shanghai I had a favourite place in Shanghai where I used to meet friends – Plan B on Xiangyang Road in the Xuhui district. It’s a small coffee shop and taproom with a great little terrace right on the street – perfect for catching up with friends and watching the hustle and bustle of the city going on in front of you.
7. Penfolds St Henri Shiraz & Beef Wellington: I have two favourite wine and food pairings – for very different occasions. At Christmas, I always make a Beef Wellington and love serving this up with Penfolds St Henri Shiraz.
In the warmer months (and ideally on a beach somewhere) I’d go for a plate of fresh seafood with a chilled, crispy Riesling, like Penfolds Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling.
8. Penfolds Bin 389: We are spoilt for choice at Penfolds and have the luxury of selecting wines made across Northern and Southern Hemispheres, whether that’s Australia, California, France, or China.
So while it’s like picking a favourite child, I would have to choose Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz. Often referred to as Baby Grange, Bin 389 typifies the balance of oak and fruit which Penfolds is so well known and appreciated for.
9. Football (or Soccer As I Have To Call It Now In Australia): This is more of an obsession by default as my six year-old son is obsessed with football right now . Every spare minute we are either playing, watching or reading up on football – it can be exhausting!
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our November 2022 issue! For more information about Venture Beyond by Penfolds — an immersive journey to the moon meets wine masterclasses — click here!
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