This week we speak to Shaun Lee, co-founder of WineActually.com – Malaysia's first and only online wine merchants.

L&S: What was the motivating factor behind launching WineActually.com?
SL: My business partner Wilson and I are both passionate about wine and people, and we are also strong believers of the wonders of the internet. Therefore, we wanted to set up the online wine shop for Malaysia as we wanted to cater to a larger audience via the internet.

We are especially keen on reaching out to new drinkers (both young and old) as we feel there is a lot of untapped potential there.

In addition, Wilson and I both feel that the Malaysian wine scene could do with more 'wine ambassadors' i.e. people who go out spreading the word about wine, so why not us.

L&S: Have you always had a passion for wine?
SL: Having had my first sip of wine at the tender age of 9, I have always been curious as to how adding some grapes, some yeast, some wood and a little time can yield such fascinating flavours.

Curiosity grew into interest and interest led to passion. Of course, this was supplemented by some evening wine classes whilst working as an accountant, full-time classes in Singapore, and some visits to European wineries along the way. In short, I think passion grows.

L&S: What is the furthest you've travelled for a good glass of vino?
SL: Firstly, different people will have different opinions as to what makes a good glass of vino. Personally, quality aside, a good glass of vino is one that is able to stir emotions as well as memories in a person.

As melodramatic as this may sound, I tasted a glass of Sancerre (it's a Sauvignon Blanc from a region in France) whilst attending the WSET Intermediate course back in London and it surprisingly tasted very much of lychees and pineapples. This immediately brought back warm childhood memories where we used to have canned lychee and pineapple cocktails as dessert at family gatherings along with cousins, aunties, uncles and some dogs. I was far away from home but it really felt as if home was in the glass of Sancerre.

L&S: In your opinion, how should novice drinkers expand their wine knowledge?
SL: The best form of wine education is in its practical form and that involves drinking more wine! There is an array of wines out there and it can be quite daunting. But never be intimidated by fancy names, fancy bottles and even fancier prices. Trust your palate.

Apart from that, it is always good to be familiar with the basic tasting techniques. And that's to See, Swirl, Sip and Summarise - in that order!

L&S: Some of your favourite wines at the moment:
SL: Montes Purple Angel, Chile.

L&S: An old faithful that's never let you down:
SL: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand.

L&S: Right now WineActually.com currently serves West Malaysia, in particular the Klang Valley. Any plans to take this nationwide?
SL: We have had a number of enquiries coming from as far as Miri and Kota Kinabalu since we started operations last year. However, we haven't quite figured out how it would work in terms of logistics and if it would be economically viable for our customers. So watch this space!

For more information visit www.wineactually.com

Related Features on LifeAndStyle.com.my: WineActually.com