The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running from 6 to 8 November. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair features over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, as well as exhibitors from the Americas, Asia, and Europe. This year’s fair introduces the “World of Spirits” zone, a new area dedicated to spirits from 14 countries and regions, reflecting the growing diversification of the spirits market and the impact of last year’s Policy Address that reduced liquor duty.
The “World of Spirits” zone showcases a strong presence of Chinese baijiu, with six of the “Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands” exhibiting, including Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun, and Langjiu from Sichuan. Also featured are Hongjiaban Baijiu, founded by Hong Kong actor Timmy Hung, and Kowloon Distillery, Hong Kong’s first local whiskey brand. The zone provides visitors with a comprehensive view of spirits culture and flavors from around the world, emphasizing the innovative and international evolution of Chinese baijiu.
This year, Xing Wei, Asia’s youngest Master of Wine, joins award-winning sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in a blind tasting event to select their favorite red wines, white wines, Chinese baijiu, sake/rice wine, whisky, and other liquors. The selected wines and spirits, including red wines like PORTA da RAVESSA OLD VINEYARDS RED from Portugal and Silk Road Vineyards Harvest Red Dry from China, as well as whiskies such as Solera Muscat Cask Single Malt Whisky from Australia and Kowloon Single Malt Whiskey from Hong Kong, will have special labels affixed at the fair for easy identification by industry professionals and the public.
The fair hosts over 40 events and conferences, with 20 focused on spirits, offering insights into the latest market developments. Highlights include the “Originate from China • Sail to the World 2025 China Baijiu Culture International Promotion Asia Forum” on 6 November, co-organized by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and HKTDC. Masters of Wine Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty, and Xing Wei will host key sessions, including “Cathay Global Wine & Spirits Awards Asia – Award Presentation Ceremony” and “Wine Industry Conference: AI in Wine Business” by Meiburg, “Off The Beaten Path, Gems From Unsung Regions” by Docherty, and “Savour the Wines of Chinese Terroir” by Xing Wei.
On the final day, 8 November, the Wine Fiesta zone will open to ticket-holding members of the public aged 18 or above, allowing them to sample and buy wine and spirits. Activities include a “Baijiu 101 Class” organized by VTC, an “Austrian Wine and Local Sauce Pairing Workshop” hosted by Debra Meiburg, and a “Mixology Party” where mixologists from various countries will perform cocktail demonstrations. Regular tickets for the Wine Fiesta are priced at HK$220 at the venue, with advance tickets at HK$128 available until 6pm on 7 November via multiple platforms. Ticket buyers will receive a Lucaris crystal wine glass on a first-come, first-served basis.
