Learning about wine and the wine industry for both professional and personal reasons

I am taking this course with both professional and personal objectives in mind.

Professionally speaking, as a civil servant from Hong Kong which is targeting to become a wine trading and distribution hub in the region through a whole host of measures including the removal of duty-related customs and controls for wine since February 2008, I would like to learn more about the global wine industry such that I would be more prepared to take up positions relating to the promotion of the industry upon my return after graduation.

At the personal level, wine appreciation to me is not just a specialized area of knowledge but also an art that needs to be experienced with our different senses.  The richness and sophistication of wines from all over the world, as well as the stories and cultures behind them are already fascinating things to learn about, not to mention the pleasure of the enjoyment of good wines with family and friends.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to broaden my horizons in this space through this course.