Irving was born in Hong Kong. He felt in love with Japanese culture since his youth after his first visit to Japan. His enthusiasm in mastering Japanese landed him a job in Tokyo in 2000. He never looked back. Irving is a WSET Certified Educator at the Académie du Vin Tokyo. He holds the prestigious title of Italian Wine Expert (VIA), shared by only 15 people in the world (2019). He is also an Italian Wine Educator (VIA), a Langhe Wines' Ambassador (Barolo & Barbaresco Academy), Valpolicella Wine Specialist (Consorzio Tutela Vini della Valpolicella), an Italian Wine Scholar (Highest Honor, Wine Scholar Guild), as well as a WSET Diploma holder (DipWSET). He has conducted masterclasses for various Consorzios including Valpolicella and Lugana, as well as producer associations from Veneto.