Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
The night view of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong has become a must-see attraction for visitors. But if you travel to Hong Kong from October 31 to November 3 this year, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the harbour’s stunning night scenery amid the aroma of wine and a delightful tipsy feeling. This year’s “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival” will be held for four consecutive days at a brand-new venue – the new Central Harbourfront. With nearly 300 booths this year, the wine section is divided into six major themes, and a new “Tasting Gallery” will feature exclusive wine tasting seminars and gourmet wine pairing banquets. Visitors can not only admire the breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour in an open-air setting but also sample top-tier wines such as the 1966 Chateau Margaux, 1995 Chateau d’Yquem, 1982 Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, 2007 Dal Forno Romano, and Ferrari Brut, Trentino.
The 2013 “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival” is being held for the first time at the new venue, the Central Harbourfront. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)
The “American Express Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival,” ranked among the top ten international wine and food events by Forbes Traveler.com, features nearly 300 wine and food booths (210 for wine and 89 for food), showcasing beverages from 16 countries, with increased participation from Bordeaux wine merchants compared to last year. Although a new admission fee of HK$30 has been introduced this year, overseas visitors can apply online for a “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Welcome Package” worth HK$100, which includes an entry ticket, two standard wine tasting vouchers, and four food vouchers. (URL: http://goo.gl/BpVw4v)
This year’s event features six themed wine zones, including the “Riedel Premium Wine Zone,” “Country Exhibition Area,” “Fine Wines Collection,” “New Wine Discoveries,” “Party Wine Zone,” and “Popular Wine Zone.” All wines are carefully selected by professional wine critics to ensure quality and diversity, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Wine expert T said, “The American Express Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival allows you to try wines from different countries around the world all at once. Many of these wines aren’t available in Taiwan, and you can sample them all in one go at this carnival. Plus, the event is right by Victoria Harbour – whether you’re a wine lover or not, I highly recommend experiencing the charm of sipping wine and enjoying gourmet food with the beautiful harbour view.”
The 2013 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month will kick off in November, with major hotels and restaurants across the city launching a series of exciting food-themed events. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Another new highlight this year is the newly planned premium dining venue, the “Tasting Gallery,” which will host two wine tasting sessions led by Bordeaux red wine experts on the “1855 Classification of French Bordeaux Châteaux,” as well as themed classes such as Chinese cuisine with wine pairings and dessert with wine. Additionally, on the evening of November 2, there will be a wine dinner prepared by a renowned Hong Kong chef for an upcoming international culinary competition, giving participants a sneak peek at the competition dishes. Klook Travel has specially reserved 10 spots, packaging a 3-day-2-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong (Island) including this wine and gourmet feast, all taxes included for just HK$16,888.
After the “American Express Wine & Dine Festival” kicks off the “American Express Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month,” throughout November, various key food districts and the F&B industry in Hong Kong will launch a series of wine and food-themed events, such as the “2013 East Point Festival – Surprise & Fun,” “Lei Yue Mun Seafood Festival & Lei Yue Mun Market,” “Lan Kwai Fong Carnival,” and “Stanley Plaza International Food & Music Festival.” In addition, many hotels and restaurants will offer exclusive privileges, along with various wine and food tours and interest classes, allowing visitors to fully experience the rich appeal of Hong Kong as the “Gourmet Capital of Asia.”
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has partnered with EVA Air to distribute a “Be Our Guest” welcome card on all flights departing for Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing operated by EVA Air from now until November 3. Presenting the card during the “American Express Wine & Dine Festival” allows free entry and the redemption of two standard wine tasting vouchers. To coincide with the “American Express Wine & Dine Month,” EVA Air has launched the “Lady Lady Travel Fun – Hong Kong Red Wine & Michelin Journey,” starting from just HK$11,900 (before tax) for a 3-day-2-night stay, including accommodation at the Sheraton Hotel or Holiday Inn Golden Mile and a Michelin-recommended Chinese set meal at the hotel restaurant. There’s also the “Lady Lady Travel Fun – Hong Kong Afternoon Tea Journey,” a 2-day-1-night package starting from just HK$8,400 (before tax) with accommodation at the Sheraton Hotel and including hotel afternoon tea, or the most famous Peninsula afternoon tea. A 2-day-1-night package is also available from just HK$12,600 (before tax).
Excessive drinking is harmful to health.
● Further Reading:
Secrets: 30+ Things You Didn’t Know About Travelling in Hong Kong
http://goo.gl/HncAIp
Renowned as the “Gourmet Capital,” Hong Kong is close by, and Taiwanese netizens can embark on a foodie trip at any time. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)