Discover the finest wines and spirits from across the globe

Held from November 3 to 5 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the spectacular Hong Kong International Wines & Spirits Fair provides an unparalleled platform for the worldwide wine trade, connecting global producers and importers with professional buyers while opening its doors to the public on November 5.

The 15th edition of the Hong Kong International Wines & Spirits Fair is returning from November 3 to 5, 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this Asia premier wine fair will showcase over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. Wine buffs will have a unique opportunity to explore the finest wines, beers, spirits and other beverages while gaining novel insights into the world of wine.

The fair’s theme ‘Sparkling Business Opportunities for the Wine Industry’ highlights the growth potential for wine merchants as the world emerges from the pandemic. The global wine market is projected to reach US$333 billion in revenue this year and continue expanding 5.52% annually between 2023 and 2027, according to data portal Statista.

“Hong Kong serves as a strategic hub connecting international traders to consumers in mainland China and other Asian markets. Many wine companies have set up operations in the city to capitalize on opportunities emerging from China’s rising consumption power,” said Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC. “As an elite global trading platform for fine wine, the Wine & Spirits Fair brings tremendous opportunities to local, mainland and international wine corporations.”

The fair offers a three-day extravaganza of tastings, seminars and networking events. November 3 to 4 are trade days restricted to industry professionals and buyers. On November 5, in addition to catering to the trade industry’s sourcing needs, the public is invited to discover a vast array of fine beverages through tasting sessions.

Samples span from Old World wines from Italy, Germany and France, to New World wines from Australia, Chile and Mainland China, as well as whiskies and beers. The fair will also present the burgeoning world of Guochao liquor, featuring Chinese wines from Ningxia and Xinjiang, plus baijiu from Sichuan.

A taste tour around the world

Visitors are in for a treat as 11 group pavilions showcase the finest products from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Mainland China, as well as the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits. One notable exhibitor to watch is Vynluna Wines, a Hong Kong-based contemporary fine wine and spirits merchant established in 2019. “We take great care in hand-selecting artisan wines produced sustainably by scouting globally for small-scale winemakers who respect the environment and focus on terroir,” said Roy Ip, the company’s sales manager.

Most of Vynluna Wines’s vintners are family operations crafting wines traditionally, organically or biodynamically to truly reflect their vineyards’ characteristics. Minimal intervention in the cellars allows the wines’ inherent qualities to shine through. Domaine Laureau Savennières Les Genêts 2018, for instance, embraces biodynamics to produce intense peach and honey aromas carrying through to the mineral-rich palate.

Jon Dory Limited is another key exhibitor specializing in independently bottled Scotch whisky and whisky cask sales. Over the past decade, they have expanded significantly, establishing the Caskells Whisky & Fine Spirits retail shop and co-founding the popular Hong Kong Whisky Festival.

“The Chinese market represents tremendous potential for our whisky portfolio. Our own ‘Caskells’ brand has found great success with local consumers, and we’re eager to explore the partnerships and possibilities available at this premier fair,” said John Rhodes, owner of Jon Dory Limited.

Among their diverse catalogue is a selection of single malt, single cask, and cask strength whisky. In addition to providing cask whisky sourcing and custom bottling/labeling services, visitors can discover their accessories showcase including the classic Glencairn Whisky Glass.

Meanwhile, Dublin City Spirits will represent the best of Irish craft spirit-making at the fair. Founders Jim O’Connor and Sheila Cooney, former Hong Kong residents with twin sons born in the city, established this Dublin distillery with a dedication to quality and tradition. Their signature Dublin City Gin has swiftly become a global champion, sweeping 17 Gold medals for its silky-smooth blend of botanicals.

As the company expands in the growing Asian market, they will also debut the Dublin City Whiskey line showcasing expressions of varying wood ages and years, which pays tribute to old Irish methods through robust yet supple flavor. “By introducing our award-winning liquids to Asia’s connoisseurs of fine spirits, we hope to share our passion and elevate recognition of Ireland’s distilling legacy on the international stage,” O’Connor said.

There are plenty more to sample from across the exhibition, such as the award-winning Angel Champagne NV Brut Rose with notes of strawberries and cream, as well as the aromatic 2023 Hither and Yon Fiano from Campania, Italy, which balances refreshment and flavor at 11% ABV. Meanwhile, Xige N28 Chardonnay impresses with tropical and honey scents intensified through oak aging, skillfully marrying Ningxia terroir to Chardonnay grace.

Unveiling trends and tales  

Beyond myriad beverages, the fair offers an exploration into complementary industries with zones dedicated to wine education, accessories and equipment, support services, and tasting teasers to complement various varietals in the Friends of Wine zone.

An array of seminars delves into topical issues pertinent to the wine industry. The opening event on November 3 features Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, as Guest of Honour, alongside a conference on sustainability trends and solutions. On November 4, Master Sommelier Yang Lu and other experts will share insights into capitalizing on growing Chinese and Asian wine markets.

The public day on November 5 hosts an exciting program of tasting events and masterclasses guaranteed to enlighten. Experts will guide patrons through samplings of wines from New Zealand and single malt whiskies, and provide real-time analysis.

Renowned critic Cecilia Wong is set to take audiences on a sensory journey through curated wine selections, recounting colorful experiences while exploring top appellations. Don’t miss out on the special Whisky & Spirits Bar, where members of the public can sample over ten varieties of whisky and spirits.

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15th Hong Kong International Wines & Spirits Fair
Website:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en

Admission details for industry professionals
Date: November 3 - 5
Time: November 3 (12:00 - 20:00); November 4 (10:30 - 20:00); November 5 (10:30 - 18:00)
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
Price: Free admission for pre-registered buyers; On-the-spot registered buyers need to pay HK$100 per person
Buyer registration: https://bit.ly/3SjlrOv

Admission details for the public
Date: November 5
Time: 10:30 - 18:00
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
Tickets: Regular price HK$200; Special price HK$99
(Tickets buyers will receive a complimentary Lucaris crystal wine glass on a first-come, first-served basis.)       
Ticketing information: https://bit.ly/463boAo

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