Ted Ko, the founder of Koyberpunk, has created a unique and distinctive wine that is exclusively available in Hong Kong. Ko’s journey from South Korea to the United States and eventually to Hong Kong has led him to produce a small-batch wine that has captured the attention of wine enthusiasts in the city.
In the early 2010s, Ko worked at a winery in Washington state, where he learned the art of winemaking. While many Koreans were interested in wine during this time, most were focused on becoming sommeliers. Ko’s decision to learn how to make wine was seen as unconventional, especially since wine grapes such as cabernet sauvignon had never been successfully grown in South Korea.
After working as a sommelier in Hong Kong for three years, Ko discovered Yeongcheon, a city in South Korea known for producing grapes. Despite the challenges of growing wine grapes in South Korea’s fertile environment, Ko saw the untapped potential of the region to produce high-quality cabernet sauvignon wine.
Partnering with 70-year-old grape grower Lee Geum-ja, Ko set out to create a natural wine using a formula he had learned in the US. Despite initial skepticism from some in Korea, Ko’s wine gained traction in Hong Kong, where consumers were more open to trying new and unique products.
Koyberpunk’s wine, with its light and fragrant flavor, stands out from traditional cabernet sauvignon wines. The wine’s unique flavor profile and attractive packaging have garnered attention from retailers and restaurants in Hong Kong. While the wine is not cheap, Ko remains hopeful that consumers in Hong Kong will appreciate the quality and uniqueness of his product.
As other grape farmers in Yeongcheon begin to experiment with producing their own wines, Koyberpunk remains the only „new kid on the block“ from Korea in the global wine industry. Ko’s commitment to producing a limited quantity of high-quality wine reflects his dedication to preserving the integrity of his product.
For now, Koyberpunk’s cabernet sauvignon will continue to be available exclusively in Hong Kong. Ko remains open to expanding to other markets, but only if the right partner aligns with his vision for the brand. With a limited supply of only 1,200 bottles, Ko’s wine remains a precious and sought-after commodity in the world of wine connoisseurs.