Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair Expands Focus on Spirits with New Dedicated Zone
The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opens with enhanced spirits representation, including six of China's top baijiu brands, reflecting Hong Kong's growing role as a regional trade hub following recent duty reductions.
The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the three-day event reinforces Hong Kong's position as a regional hub for wine and spirits trade, with 18 national pavilions showcasing products from Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and exhibitors from the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
This year's fair introduces the new "World of Spirits" zone, featuring spirits from 14 countries and regions. The expansion comes as the spirits market diversifies following the Chief Executive's announcement of reduced liquor duty in last year's Policy Address. The zone showcases a strong presence of 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 are also prominently featured, including Hongjiaban Baijiu founded by actor Timmy Hung and Kowloon Distillery, Hong Kong's first local whiskey brand.
Industry experts are playing a significant role in the event, with Masters of Wine Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty, and Xing Wei hosting key sessions. Xing Wei, Asia's youngest Master of Wine, joined award-winning sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in a blind tasting event to select their favorite beverages across multiple categories. The selected wines and spirits, which include products from Portugal, China, France, Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Hong Kong, will have special labels affixed at the fair for easy identification by industry professionals and the public.
Over 40 events and conferences will be held during the fair, with nearly half focused on spirits. Highlights 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, 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. Visitors can sample and purchase wines and spirits, including some products not yet available on the market, and participate in educational sessions such as the Baijiu 101 Class organized by VTC. Additional public events include an Austrian Wine and Local Sauce Pairing Workshop hosted by Debra Meiburg, wine-pairing experiences with Carlito Chiu, and a Mixology Party featuring bartenders from bars listed in "Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025."
Several competitions and awards ceremonies are scheduled throughout the event, 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 the 2025 Hong Kong International Spirits Challenge Awards. Regular tickets for the Wine Fiesta are priced at HK$220, with advance tickets available at HK$128 through various platforms including https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en until 6pm on November 7.