Didier Depond
President of Champagne Salon Delamotte

A passionate character to complement two renowned Champagne houses: A love of wine was inherited at birth by Didier Depond who was born in Tours. The son of a family of vine growers living in the Loire Valley, Didier learned from an early age the significance of the local wine’s distinctive flavour and awareness of the different seasons in the vineyards. He has in his blood patience and stamina, both virtues of a wine grower par excellence, and will be at WFAE for the World Premiere Opening of the 1999 Vintage by Champagne Salon Blanc de Blancs at the Raffles Grill Gala Dinner on Saturday 29 January 2011.

Paul Pontallier
President of Château Margaux Bordeaux First Growth

In 1983, Paul Pontallier, an agricultural engineer with a doctorate in oenology, joined the Margaux team and has not looked back since. He filled the shoes of Director, in the place of Philippe Barré, who was leaving Margaux to retire then. Paul Pontallier is the youngest ever person to be appointed as into the exulted position. With the philosophy that food, wine and good company are meant to go together, guests of WFAE will be treated to the warmth, professionalism and dedication that he is renowned for as a wine maker, as he represents the distinctively elegant label of Château Margaux.

Sandrine Garbay
Chief Winemaker and Cellar Master, Château d'Yquem France

Hailing from France, the charming Sandrine Garbay is the Chief Winemaker and Cellar Master (Maitre de Chai) for the legendary Chateau d’Yquem, whose wines have given definition to Premier Cru Supérieur. At just 18 years of age, her life mission was set: the young woman with a strong interest in science and a passion for wine aspired to be an Oenologist. After graduating from the Bordeaux University with a doctorate in Oenology, she started her contribution to Chateau d’Yquem, bringing the wine to new heights with her knowledge, dedication and compassionate personality. Managing the cellars for 14 years now, she will be gracing the event once again.

Jimmy McKissic
Resident Pianist - Raffles Hotel Singapore

American virtuoso performer Jimmy McKissic is a veteran French Riviera pianist whose enthralling music has spellbound many. He effortlessly displays high emotionalism through the intense tone of his vocals, the expressiveness of his voice and his supremacy on the ivories.  A born artiste, he has natural charisma with his audiences regardless of where he performs, be it at Carnegie Hall in New York, USA or Raffles Hotel in Singapore.  His music truly transcends age and culture.