Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair Showcases Global Beverage Diversity with New Spirits Zone

The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. This three-day event features over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with representation from the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The fair reinforces Hong Kong's position as a regional hub for the wine and spirits trade through 18 pavilions showcasing wine, spirits, sake, beer, and low- and non-alcoholic beverages.

A significant development this year is the introduction of the 'World of Spirits' zone, featuring spirits from 14 countries and regions. This new zone responds to market diversification and follows the Chief Executive's announcement of reduced liquor duty in last year's Policy Address. The zone prominently features Chinese baijiu, including six of the 'Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands' such as Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun and Langjiu from Sichuan. Local Hong Kong brands also feature strongly, including Hongjiaban Baijiu founded by Hong Kong actor Timmy Hung and Kowloon Distillery, Hong Kong's first local whiskey brand.

Industry expertise takes center stage with Masters of Wine Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty, and Xing Wei hosting key events. Xing Wei, Asia's youngest Master of Wine, joins award-winning sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in a blind tasting event selecting their favorite beverages across multiple categories. The selected wines and spirits receive special labels at the fair for easy identification, serving as references for industry professionals and the public. Selected products include PORTA da RAVESSA OLD VINEYARDS RED from Portugal, Château Plain Point from France, various Chinese baijiu brands, and Kowloon Single Malt Whiskey from Hong Kong.

Over 40 events and conferences will be held during the fair, with 20 focused specifically on spirits. Key sessions include the Originate from China • Sail to the World 2025 China Baijiu Culture International Promotion Asia Forum co-organized by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and HKTDC. Other notable events include the Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Master Class organized by Australia China Business Council and Baijiu – The Rising Trend by Tomy Fong. The Baijiu Experience Zone introduces different aroma types of Chinese baijiu through sensory experiences, highlighting the category's growing international appeal.

On the final day, the Wine Fiesta zone opens to ticket-holding members of the public aged 18 or above. Public attendees can sample and purchase wines and spirits, including products not yet available on the market. Educational opportunities include the Baijiu 101 Class organized by VTC, an Austrian Wine and Local Sauce Pairing Workshop hosted by Debra Meiburg, and food pairing events featuring Chinese cuisine and sake. The Mixology Party will feature bartenders from bars listed in 'Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025' performing cocktail demonstrations using various spirits as bases.

Several competitions and awards ceremonies occur throughout the fair, including the Cathay Global Wine and Spirits Awards Asia, Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2025, WINE LUXE Hong Kong TOP 10 Wine Pairing Restaurant Awards, and 2025 Hong Kong International Spirits Challenge Awards. Ticket information is available through various platforms including https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en, with advance tickets priced at HK$128 and regular tickets at HK$220 available at the venue.