05-08-2025
Malaysian F&B leader inducted into esteemed French wine fraternity
Soh (right) being inducted into the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin in France.
FOR his efforts in promoting Burgundy wines, Datuk Kenneth Soh Chee Whye has been formally inducted into the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin as a chevalier (knight).
The managing director of Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd (LHFB), importer and distributor of beers, wines and spirits based in Kuala Lumpur, was inducted during an elaborate ceremony at Chateau du Clos de Vougeot in the heart of Burgundy's vineyards in France.
Chevaliers du Tastevin, which translates to 'Brotherhood of the Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup', is a prestigious Bacchanalian fraternity of wine connoisseurs dedicated to promoting Burgundian wines, cuisine and culture.
Soh was presented a tastevin – a small, shallow silver tasting cup – attached to a crimson and gold ribbon, as part of the ceremony.
The ribbon's colours represent two main grape varieties of Burgundy: Pinot Noir (crimson) and Chardonnay (gold).
The Confrerie's activities are generally scheduled around sumptuous chapter dinners and other culinary events, where Burgundy wines are served.
At these events, members are expected to provide detailed appraisals of the wines served, contributing to a 'viticultural and gastronomic education'.
LHFB said in a media statement: 'Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Soh is widely known as a trailblazer in the food and beverage fraternity for his foresight and investments in advancing the distributions of imported wines and spirits to support the country's F&B industry.
'Having taken over the helm of the company in 1993, Soh has transformed LHFB to an established F&B enterprise with a vision to be a great beverage company in Asia.'
It said Soh's legacy in the realms of wine and whisky had earned him some of the industry's most prestigious honours.
'In recognition of his commitment to advancing Scotch whisky in Malaysia, he was appointed a Keeper of the Quaich in 2019.
'His tireless efforts in promoting French wines were further acknowledged by two of France's most respected wine fraternities, who conferred upon him the esteemed titles of Honorary Commandeur of the Commanderie du Bontemps and member of the Jurade de Saint-Emilion.
'In 2025, Soh marked another milestone with the conferment of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne from the Champagne region, and Burgundy's highest accolade, the Chevaliers du Tastevin,' it said.
