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

The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running through November 8 with participation from over 620 exhibitors representing 23 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this year's event introduces the World of Spirits zone as a key feature, reflecting the diversification of the global spirits market and Hong Kong's position as a regional trade hub.

The newly launched World of Spirits zone showcases products from 14 countries and regions, with a significant emphasis on Chinese baijiu. Six of the Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands are exhibiting, including Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun and Langjiu from Sichuan. The zone also features Hong Kong's emerging spirits scene, including Hongjiaban Baijiu founded by actor Timmy Hung and Kowloon Distillery, Hong Kong's first local whiskey brand. This concentrated presentation of spirits from around the world allows visitors to explore global spirits culture and flavors in one location.

Industry expertise features prominently throughout the fair, 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 that selected preferred beverages across multiple categories. Their selections included Portuguese red wine PORTA da RAVESSA OLD VINEYARDS RED from Adega de Redondo, French white wine Château Plain Point from The Wine Cave Co.Ltd, and various Chinese baijiu selections from companies including Sichuan Liben Wine Co.,Ltd and Domplex Hong Kong Limited. These selected wines and spirits received special labeling at the fair for easy identification by trade professionals and visitors.

Over 40 events and conferences are scheduled during the three-day fair, with approximately half focused 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, Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Master Class organized by Australia China Business Council, and Baijiu – The Rising Trend by Tomy Fong. The Baijiu Experience Zone provides sensory experiences introducing different aroma types of Chinese baijiu, while Masters of Wine host specialized sessions covering topics from AI in the wine business to regional wine discoveries.

The final day of the fair opens to ticket-holding members of the public aged 18 or above through the Wine Fiesta zone. Public attendees can sample and purchase wines and spirits, including products not yet available on the market, and participate in educational sessions such as 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 When Sake Meets Chinese Cuisine led by Menex Cheung, Executive Chef of China Tang Landmark. The Mixology Party features bartenders from bars listed in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 performing cocktail demonstrations using various spirits as bases.

Several awards and competitions run concurrently with 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. These competitions highlight excellence across the wine and spirits industry while providing recognition for emerging and established brands. The fair's timing coincides with reduced liquor duty announced in last year's Policy Address, creating favorable conditions for trade development and consumer engagement.

Advance tickets for the public Wine Fiesta are available through multiple platforms including CTG Bus, GoByBus, and Trip.com at HK$128 until 6pm on November 7, with regular tickets priced at HK$220 available at the venue. Ticket buyers receive a Lucaris crystal wine glass on a first-come, first-served basis. The event demonstrates Hong Kong's evolving role in the global beverage trade while providing opportunities for industry networking, consumer education, and market development across wine, spirits, and related beverage categories.