Part of the “Know Your Judges” Series – Asia Wine Ratings 2025

In this interview, we chat with Arthur Le Vaillant, Founder of ARTORUS Wine & Spirits, a French export professional based between Bordeaux and Hong Kong. 

Arthur represents a curated selection of boutique French wine growers and craft distillers throughout Asia. With a background in international B2B sales and family roots in Cognac production, Arthur blends heritage with hands-on market know-how, helping producers navigate the complexities of the Asia-Pacific fine wine and spirits scene.

Tell us about yourself and Artorus

French wine professional representing boutique French wine growers and craft distillers throughout Asia. With a background in international B2B sales and family roots in Cognac production, Arthur brings a unique combination of heritage, market know-how, and a passion for artisan wines and spirits to his judging role. Artorus Ltd is helping independent producers to develop their brand in the Asia-Pacific region, in the highly competitive fine wine and spirits market. I eliminate administrative burdens, bridge language, and cultural gaps, and navigate market uncertainties. Focusing on a small selection of distilleries in order to maintain long-term relationships with distributors and build successful brands.

What makes a wine stand out to you on a crowded retail shelf?

Label 

From your experience, how do buying habits in Asia differ from those in Europe or the U.S.?

A label is even more important. High-end product consumption on trade.

How important is packaging in your scoring at Asia Wine Ratings?

It is good to take into account but it is also very subjective.

What advice would you give to producers trying to enter or grow in the Asian market?

Identify carefully market positioning, each market, each segment will require specific distribution channels and thus an adequate importer for a successful partnership.

What excites you most about judging at Asia Wine Ratings this year?

Nice team, diversified. 

Get your wines in front of Asia’s top trade buyers, importers, and decision-makers judges like Arthur who evaluate wines with both commercial and consumer appeal in mind. At Asia Wine Ratings, your wines are assessed not just for quality, but for value and packaging, reflecting real-world buying behavior across the region.

The judging will take place on October 23, 2025. The warehouse deadline is September 30, and winners will be announced on November 7.

Enter now and save with Early Bird pricing before the June 30, 2025 deadline. Submit your wines today.

Stay tuned for more judge interviews and industry insights leading up to the event.

Also Read:
Early Bird Deadline Coming Up for Asia Wine Ratings 2025
Meet the Judges of Asia Wine Ratings 2025: Shaping Asia’s Next Best-Selling Wines