Open day sparks spirited turnout at wine fest

Some 9,000 people turned out for the Hong Kong International Wines & Spirits Fair on its last day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center yesterday.

The fair, which featured more than 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, also drew some 7,000 buyers from 49 countries and regions to the three-day event.

It was only open to industry players and buyers in the first two days, while its last day was thrown open to the general public for HK$200 a head as long as people were aged 18 or above.

Some exhibitors said good vibes from the Tourism Board-organized Wine and Dine Festival at the Central Harbourfront, which saw 140,000 people visit last month, might have carried over to the event with many of the same crowds showing up.

Mainland fine beverages were in the spotlight, including Xige Estate, whose Xige N28 chardonnay was used at a reception for French President Emmanuel Macron, while a Xige Estate 2017 red was President Xi Jinping's gift to Macron during his visit in April.

Its worldwide brand ambassador, Christelle Chene, said visitors were amazed by the quality of Chinese wines.

"Everyone told me they had never tried Chinese wines, they had never considered them to be of such high quality," she said. It's the maison's first time at the fair.

Chit, a local brand, found its Taiwan-imported plum wine was popular at both the Wine and Dine Festival and the Wine and Spirits Fair.

"Some customers came specially for our products after finding out about them at the festival last month," said business director Phoebe Ho.

"Sales at both events were beyond expectations as many customers recognized our brand. Public day sales today were satisfying," she said.

A first-time festival visitor, Chan, said the wide range of exhibitors was a plus.

Chan believes improvements can be made, such as having Asian and overseas zones. "As visitors can taste wine, it allows us to learn and discover our preferences, which is very important for this type of exhibition."