Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Welcomes Global Visitors Amid Surging Popularity at Central Harbourfront

Sunday, October 27, 2024

The eagerly anticipated Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, launched with a grand ceremony on October 23. Running through October 27, this iconic annual event at the Central Harbourfront Event Space invites locals and visitors to revel in a world-class culinary experience. Since 2009, HKTB has collaborated with the Bordeaux Wine Council to elevate Hong Kong’s reputation as a global wine and dine destination. This year, extended to five days with opening hours until 11pm, the festival offers food and wine enthusiasts an unforgettable journey through international wines, popular delicacies, and Hong Kong’s dynamic food scene, all set against the breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Acting Financial Secretary Mr. Michael Wong Wai-lun (center), joined by Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Mr. Kevin Yeung (far right), Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ms. Vivian Sum Fong-kwang (far left), Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Dr. Pang Yiu-kai (second from right), and President of the Bordeaux Wine Council Mr. Allan Sichel (second from left).

An All-in-One Destination for Global Wine and Culinary Experiences

Indulge in an Array of Quality Wines

This year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival features over 300 booths, offering a remarkable array of fine wines from 35 countries and regions. With over a thousand wine and culinary choices, guests can explore an impressive variety, from local flavors to international tastes—all in one vibrant setting.

1. Global Fine Wines – Delight in premium selections from famous wine regions like France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Mainland China, and beyond. The festival presents a wide assortment of beverages, including classic wines, Chinese baijiu, whisky, gin, sake, cocktails, craft beers, and more.
2. Newly Launched Regional Pavilions – This year introduces 11 country pavilions, with fresh additions from the United Kingdom, Australia, Chile, and Thailand. These unique zones invite guests to explore wines and culinary delights specific to each region.
3. All-New Whisky and Gin Zone – Discover a handpicked selection of whiskies and gins from seven major regions, showcasing 24 renowned brands.
4. Emerging Wine Industry Trends – Stay on top of the latest trends with popular offerings, including rising stars like Chinese baijiu, British sparkling wine, zero-additive natural wines, and inventive cocktails crafted by award-winning bars.

Savor Award-Winning Gourmet Experiences

1. New “Culinary Stars” Zone – Discover delights from Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants, including South African abalone from the three-Michelin-starred Cantonese Forum Restaurant, and The Aubrey’s first-ever canned cocktail “Torii,” ranked 10th on the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.
2. Exclusive Venue-Only Delicacies and Global Flavors – Embark on a culinary journey with limited-edition treats like Parma Ham palmiers from The Royal Garden, Argentinian chorizo sandwiches, 58-month-cured Spanish Iberico ham, French-style fruit jam crepes, Thai milk tea canelés, Vietnamese egg coffee, and more.

Exclusive Mixology Experiences: Meet the Masters

Guests can purchase tickets to access the Harbour Lounge, where they’ll enjoy two exclusive, Hong Kong-themed cocktails while taking in breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. These cocktails, crafted by world-renowned mixologists, include a creation by Demie Kim from Seoul’s Zest (ranked 2nd on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and 9th globally in 2024). Inspired by Hong Kong dim sum parlors and Seoul tea houses, Kim’s “Tea and Paper” blends Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao oolong gin with jasmine and buckwheat tea for a unique, captivating flavor.

Dive into Interactive Experiences at the “Tasting Theatre” and Live Performances

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival presents a captivating array of 19 “Tasting Theatre” workshops, led by celebrated chefs, professional sommeliers, and culinary experts. These themed sessions allow guests to delve into interactive experiences, learning the art of wine and gourmet appreciation directly from industry masters.

As night falls, the Main Stage lights up with vibrant musical performances, adding a sensory treat to the festivities. On Saturday evening, enjoy a special performance by Gyubin, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from South Korea, who’s often compared to the superstar IU. Relish the enchanting fusion of fine wines, gourmet dishes, breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour, and live melodies for an unforgettable evening!

A Series of Thrilling Offers

1. Happy Thursday: Buy One, Get One Free on Selected Drinks
   Get ready for an exciting lineup of specials! On October 24, the HKTB has teamed up with around 100 exhibitors to bring guests exclusive “Buy One, Get One Free” and “Buy Two, Get One Free” offers at select booths. Additional promotions, including extra-large portions at the same price, set the perfect tone for a lively weekend ahead.
2. Weekend Costume Party: Dress Up for Tokens & Surprise Prizes
   Celebrate Halloween early at the festival’s “Halloween Weekend”! On October 26 and 27, the first 300 guests arriving in Halloween costumes can register at the information desk for two tokens each. After 6 pm, watch for surprise Halloween-themed performers inviting guests to play mini-games for a chance to win additional tokens or surprise gifts. Join the festive fun and try your luck for even more treats!

Dynamic Campaign to Draw Visitors and Highlight Hong Kong’s Culinary Excellence

To reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a top-tier culinary destination, the HKTB has launched an extensive global campaign. Partnering strategically with travel agencies and airlines in regions including Mainland China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany, HKTB introduces exclusive travel packages and offers to entice travelers. As part of this initiative, over 15,000 Guest Lite Passes will be distributed, inviting visitors to fully experience Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene. Additionally, HKTB has collaborated with 100 local hotels, providing guests with Tasting Passes to immerse them in the Wine & Dine Festival’s unique charm, enhancing in-town spending.

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival promises five days of exquisite wines, gourmet cuisine, live performances, and diverse experiences, alongside exciting offers. Tickets are available online through Klook or can be purchased on-site for those ready to indulge in this grand celebration.