Wine chat? Yes, please.

This is my mini-interview with Pamela Ting. Pam is a wine enthusiast, mum to seven-month-old Davie, and of course a Hey Mums community member. Here she talks about how wine became one of her passions and where to start if you are interested in learning more about wines yourself. We’re so lucky that Pam also handpicked the wines for Mums Night Out on September 2nd. If wine is something you enjoy - read on!

What got you into wine to begin with?

Pamela: It was Covid, and I was stuck in Hong Kong. All restaurants and bars were closed, but WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) was open because it was classified as an education center. I signed up for wine class since I had nothing better to do. I had no idea that wine was about to become a huge part of my life.

⁠⁠Is there a moment that completely changed how you think about wine?

Pamela: I met one my closest friends in my WSET wine class, and we started a club of sorts. We jokingly (drunkenly) called ourselves “GOW” because we were a Gang of Winos, and we were unaware that the name would stick for several years. We took turns hosting themed wine nights each month, and everyone brings a bottle of wine that fit the theme. We even dressed for the occaision (my friend wore lederhosen for German wine night!). It's a great way to explore and learn about different wine while still having fun.

The world of wine can feel daunting. Where do you suggest people begin if they are interested?

Pamela: Try as many styles as possible - different grapes, regions, etc. Singapore has many walkabout events where you can sample small amounts of wine. This is a great way to try lots of different wine without committing to an entire bottle.

Any tips for buying a great bottle without spending a fortune in Singapore?

Pamela: Try similar wine styles that are lesser known. For example, if you like the grape variety of Pinot Noir, try Gamay. They produce an elegant and delicate red wine. If you like Barolo, try Barbaresco. They are known as the King and Queen of Italian wine and are made from the Nebbiolo grape variety.

You handpicked the wines for Mums Night Out. What was the motivation behind your pick?

Pamela: I love the story behind the label because each wine is an expression of its winemaker’s passion. Susana Balbo is Argentina's first female winemaker, and her wine “Crios" (meaning children in Spanish) is born out of her love for her children who work alongside her in the winery. I wanted to feature her wine for this Mums Night Out event because of our shared motherhood experiences.

Red, white, or rosé - if you had to pick one for the rest of your life?

Pamela: Hands down, red. My go-to right now is a fresh and juicy Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley (Oregon) or Sonoma County (California).