20 for 20: Wine Republic’s Campbell Thompson
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In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we're profiling 20 movers and shakers who, much like The Beijinger, have called the capital home for 20 years or more.
Much like a fine wine, the Wine Republic's Campbell Thompson has changed his way of seeing Beijing over the past 20 years he's been here, into something more robust, refined and desireable. It's still changing too. As with the huge catalyst for change that was the Beijing 2008 Olympics, so to are the Beijing 2022 Olympics sure to bring more changes. "I think we're entering a new phase, but it's exciting", Campbell tells me after asking his thoughts regarding the dawning of a new era for the capital.
Campbell grew up in a small town in one of the Australia's wine producing regions. Growing up around wine, Campbell never would've guessed it'd propel him to a career working with wineries in Beijing, but propel him there it did. During his epoch here he has become a pillar to the community of Beijing, and is someone who has been here and has been a part of molding, shaping, pruning, and perfecting the Beijing that we know and love; and all of us here in Beijing are better for having him with us, and after this interview with him, I am better for it.What brought you to Beijing, and when?
I first moved to Beijing in February 1998. I came here to study Chinese. I’d visited a couple of years earlier for work, and was amazed by China’s growth and potential, as well as by its history.
What were some of your first impressions of the city?
Beijing in the late ‘90’s was an adventure. Before smart phones, before most of the construction boom, and the huge expansion of the subway system. I was struck by the wide range of interesting people here – both locals and expats – involved in the arts, diplomacy, as well as business.
I grew up in a small town in South Australia, with a population of 5,000 people, before moving to Adelaide (population 1 million) for University. Beijing is of course a very big city, but it also has a strong neighborhood feel. I’ve always found that cycling often and living close to ground level helps make the city feel more friendly and personal.
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Did you imagine back then that you’d still be here 20+ years later?
I had planned to stay maybe 2 or 3 years before either moving to Hong Kong or returning to Australia. But one thing led to another, and I’ve stayed.
Campbell (far left) and friends playing a show in Beijing
Tell us about one of your quintessential first experiences in the city
In my first few months in the city, I made a few trips to visit the families of school friends in the Hutongs. The Hutongs covered a much larger area than they do today, and in winter were uniformly grey, but had a raw beauty.
What’s changed the most since you first arrived?
Physically the city has changed a lot, especially in the lead up to the Olympics and with the growth in housing. But people’s attitudes and engagement with the outside world have probably changed more.
How do you think Beijing has changed you as a person?
I hope I’ve become more aware of how history pervades the present, and more awareness of how much I don’t know.
What are your main reasons of why Beijing continues to be a draw for you to this day?
My wife and I have made Beijing our home. It is really the community that keeps us here.
Name your three favorite places in the city (aside from your home), could be restaurants, parks, cafes, tourist attractions, neighborhoods, experiences.
1. Tiantan on a crisp, clear morning.
2. Zhongshan park near the Forbidden City at dusk.
3. Beijing’s growing list of good wine bars.
I will give you one piece, with three parts…
1. Get involved in community organizations and explore the city. Joining The Royal Asiatic Society of Beijing is an excellent way to do this.
2. Start something, I founded and run a wine import and distribution company, The Wine Republic, and I’ve found membership of Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) to be very helpful.
3. Buy a bike, and spend some time traveling by the backstreets, not just the main roads.
Campbell (second from right) and members of the band Big Aeroplane, 1999
Are you still doing what you came here to do, 20 years ago?
I can say this, I’m still discovering new places, new restaurants, and still enjoying meeting new people from diverse backgrounds.
Did you imagine that the Red Wine Industry would grow to what it is today?
20 years ago, our predictions were nowhere near what they are today, today it is so much bigger, and still growing.
Lastly, can you tell me a little bit about your work, and The Wine Republic?
I established the company in 2008 after spending 4 years working for the largest wine importer and distributor at that time. The Wine Republic imports and distributes wine from about 30 producers in six countries. We have four offices in China - in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu. Our customers include many hotels and restaurants, as well as retailers, and online platforms. We also provide a home delivery service for consumers.
The Wine Republic
13910905431
campbell@thewinerepublic.com
READ: 20 for 20: Hatsune Founder Alan Wong
Images courtesy of Campbell Thompson
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