November 8, 2012 – The fifth edition of one of Asia’s largest wine fairs opened today and continues through 10 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Some 950 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions are taking part in the fair, open to trade buyers only for the first two days. On the final day, 10 November, the show opens to trade and the public.
Exhibitors from Azerbaijan, Denmark and Russia are first-time participants. Italy and France feature the largest pavilions.
Wine Conference
Over the fair’s three days, nearly 60 events will take place, from wine tastings and master classes to expert seminars. Fair highlights include this morning’s Wine Industry Conference, under the theme “The Future of the Global Wine Industry – Trends and Opportunities.” Gregory So, the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, and Neal Martin, writer for The Wine Advocate, are the keynote speakers.
Cocktail Classes
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The fourth Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition Award Presentation Ceremony and “A Mid-Autumn Night’s Dream of Truffles” gala wine dinner take place this evening. And the theme of tomorrow afternoon’s Asia Top Sommelier Summit is “Education versus Competition for Professional Sommeliers.” Three master sommeliers will speak at the summit. A Wine Education zone has been created to cultivate wine appreciation and provide training for industry professionals. The Ice Bar offers daily cocktail demonstrations, as well as vodka and rum tastings and a sake seminar. |
Beyond Ice Wine
Public Day, 10 November, will include a number of seminars. Speakers at “Beyond Ice Wine – Hidden Wine Treasures from Canada” are Dr Clinton Lee, President and CEO of the Vinoscenti Group, and Miles Prodan, Executive Director of the British Columbia Wine Institute, who represents 130 member wineries. At the “Quick Fix for Wine Beginners” seminar, Stephen Mack, CEO of the Asia Wine Service and Education Centre, will offer tips on wine appreciation.
Wine-Tasting Sessions
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Public day will feature “The Most Beloved Wine” voting game award presentation, a master class exploring Chinese wine from Shandong and Ningxia, and two fine-wine tasting sessions: “World Wine Tour by the Wine Gallery,” focusing on Italy’s Bolgheri and Friuli wine regions, France’s Côte Du Rhône, Australia’s Margaret River and California’s Napa Valley; and “Finest Wines from Spain – Grand Tasting,” presenting 15 Spanish wine producers from such renowned regions as DOCa Rioja, DOCa Priorat, Jerez-Xeres-Sherry and Ribera del Duero. |
In addition, “Celebrating the Diversity of New Zealand Wine,” hosted by New Zealand’s Family of Twelve winemakers, will take place on the afternoon of 9 November. Admission fee for the three fine-wine tasting sessions is HK$500 per session, and participating in either session on public day also includes free entry to the fair on the same day.
Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hkwinefair
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition – Trophy Winners
http://www.hkiwsc.com/TrophyList2012
Video: Uncorking Business Opportunities
http://www.hktdc.com/info/webcast/v/en/en/1X04BIXL/Uncorking-Business-Opportunities.htm
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The fifth edition of one of Asia’s largest wine fairs opened today and continues through 10 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. HKTDC Executive Director Fred Lam (left) and John Tsang, the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Financial Secretary, took part in the opening ceremony |
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Sake glasses in hand, Fred Lam (left) and John Tsang toast to the wine fair’s success at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan pavilion |
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The Financial Secretary gets a briefing on the newly introduced QR code technology at the booth of Italian exhibitor Vinitaly |
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The fair’s new Ice Bar offers daily cocktail demonstrations, as well as vodka and rum tastings and a sake seminar. Public visitors can take part in these and other offerings on Saturday, public day |
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Over the fair’s three days, nearly 60 events will take place, from wine tastings and master classes to expert seminars |
About the HKTDC
A statutory body 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 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com.
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