I have to admit: Aside from riesling, which is one of my favorite varietals to drink, I think of beer when I want to enjoy a beverage from Germany. My prejudice is not uncommon. Patrick Festl, business development manager for Schmidt Vinothek, believes that it was the influx of cheap wines such as Black Tower that gave German vintages a bad name in the 1970s and '80s.

Festl, along with Jackie Chan, president of Schmidt Marketing (Asia), is hoping to change that perception by bringing in a remarkable collection of sparkling, red, white and dessert wines to the Hong Kong market.

At a recent wine pairing lunch held at Hoi Yat Heen in Harbour Plaza North Point, the best of the best vintages were showcased along with dishes that would accompany them.