Hong Kong has emerged as the wine hub of Asia, reputed for its favorable wine trading environment and supporting the substantial demand for wine and spirits in neighboring regions.
The annual HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair takes place November 7-9 in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair has developed into a significant marketing platform for vineyards and wineries and a must-visit sourcing ground for international buyers. This edition, joined for the first time by wineries from Jordan, Lithuania, Montenegro and Morocco, presents some 1,000 exhibitors from more than 35 countries and regions to showcase their wines and spirits, seek trade opportunities and reach out to wine lovers.
Exclusive Spirits and Rare Wines
Premium spirits are often reserved for important guests and US President Barack Obama picked Cognac Rastignac for an Independence Day banquet; this cognac will be showcased at the fair. Another rarity is Rémy Martin’s Louis XIII Black Pearl Magnum in a limited edition priced at HKD500,000 by Amazing Wine Global Ltd. The fabulous spirit is made from carefully chosen grapes from the Grande Champagne territory of Cognac, France, blended from 1,200 eaux de vie and finally aged in old oak barrels tiercons. Also at the fair is an innovative ginger liqueur, Domaine de Canton, blending the flavors of Vietnamese ginger, Tahitian vanilla beans, French Provencal honey, and Tunisian ginseng.
Among the rare wines to be seen at the fair is the extremely limited Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, made with the rare Ruché grape varietal in Monferrato, Italy. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker has made positive comments about its winery Romano Dal Forno for the effort of maintaining high quality products. Of great interest to buyers is Kyoho 2008, produced by Bella Ridge, the one and only Australian winery making wine from Japanese Kyoho grapes.
Multiple Award Winners
Lithuanian exhibitor JSC Stumbras will participate in the fair for the first time. Its vodka is made of natural ingredients and its brewing techniques originated a century ago. JSC Stumbras products have received international acclaim and ranked well in spirits competitions in UK and USA. Milon Wine will present another award winner which is the flagship wine St. Andrews Shiraz 2009 of Taylors Wines from Australia, which won 10 international awards, including the gold prize at the Monde Selections International Wine Contest 2013.
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Kagoshima Prefectural Government and Niigata Sake Brewers Association will all form pavilions at the fairground, highlighting sakes. One of the best examples is Suigei Kochikobo Daiginjo which has won the gold prize in the Japan National New Sake Competition for five consecutive years. Under “the 101 Must-Drink Whiskies in Life” is Taiwan’s Kavalan Single Malt Whisky, which was also named “the New World’s Whisky of the Year.”
Good Mix of Different Cultures
Haddad Distilleries from Jordan is another first-time exhibitor; it will showcase “the milk of lion” Arak, a distilled alcoholic drink favored in the Middle East with an alcohol content which can reach 70 percent. Domaine Wardy’s Private Collection from Lebanon expresses traditional Lebanese character in its luxurious flavor of red fruits with a cameralised finish. One of the three largest Turkish wineries, Kavaklidere Saraplari AS., will introduce wine produced from a local grape species, Öküzgözü.
The 30th Anniversary limited edition of Ron Barcelo Imperial Premium Blend, produced in the Dominican Republic, was made with Dominican cane and finished in special imported barrels. For the Chinese taste for 'softer' spirits, Sujiu has created Blue Dream M9. Knipser will present their best German Riesling, which is famous for its freshness and versatility for food-pairing.
Viento of Spain
Spain is the fair partner country for the first time, a number of Spanish wines tasting sessions will take place, including “the Finest Wines from Spain - Grand Tasting” organised by the Spanish Trade Commission (Hong Kong). Alongside over 20 wine tasting sessions in which visitors can sample assorted wines from France, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, US and more. The annual Wine Industry Conference with the theme ‘Driving Growth: Global Wine Industry Trends’ and the 5th Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition are significant wine industry events. And the competition has explored numerous wineries, brands and wine & spirits with great potentials in previous editions. Its cocktail reception and award presentation ceremony will be held on the first day of the wine fair.
During the three-day fair, seminars focus on the Asian and the Chinese mainland market, blind tasting sessions on gin and sparkling wines, master classes and guided tours, and cocktail demonstrations in the Ice Bar will also offer ample information for visitors. The Asia Top Sommelier Summit and the Hong Kong Wine Registration Scheme Kickoff Ceremony - the 5th Wine Storage Management Systems Certificate Presentation will take place on the second day of the fair. More event details and pre-registration is available at the fair website: www.hktdc.com/hkwinefair
About the HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, including 11 in the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com.
Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.
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