Mr. James Suckling honored with insignia of Knight in the National Order of Merit [fr]
Journalist and wine critic Mr. James Suckling was bestowed with the insignia of Knight in the National Order of Merit (Chevalier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite) during a ceremony presided by Consul General of France Mr. Alexandre Giorgini on 22 June 2021 at the Residence of France.
A Hong Kong-based American journalist and influent wine critic in Asia, Mr. James Suckling is recognized as an important supporter of the French wine industry, especially for the Bordeaux region. After 30 years of services at publications such as Wine Spectactor and Cigar Aficionado, he founded in 2010 the website JamesSuckling.com, a wine ratings platform. His annual ranking is a reference.
Besides his website, Mr. James Suckling is also a wine writer for the Asia Tatler magazine.
In 2018, he opened a wine showroom and restaurant, the James Suckling Wine Central. With a prior objective to share his knowledge, he organizes numerous wine events, such as the Great Wines of … that focus on a specific region each time.
With the insignia of Knight in the National Order of Merit, awarded on behalf of the President of the French Republic, the Consul General of France Mr Alexandre Giorgini meant to highlight James Suckling’s contribution to the promotion of French wines in Hong Kong and Asia.
About the National Order of Merit
The National Order of Merit (Ordre National du Mérite) is the second order honoring French citizens, after the Legion of Honor (Légion d’Honneur). It rewards distinguished merits made either in a public, civil or military capacity, or in the exercise of a private activity. Foreign nationals may be rewarded in the National Order of Merit, but they cannot become members of the Order. The National Order of Merit is composed of Knights, Officers, Commanders, Grand Officers and Grand Crosses.