Hong Kong’s passion for delicious food and fine wine is part of what makes it an appealing place to live and visit. But the city is hungry for more. The annual Wine and Dine Festival, which concluded on October 26, exceeded expectations. The four-day gastronomic celebration saw 160,000 visitors, 10,000 more than expected.
This was an achievement, as this year’s event was a day shorter. Average daily visits were up 30 per cent. Numbers were, no doubt, boosted by sensibly extending the opening hours to midnight.
Business was brisk, with spending on the HK$25 daily tasting tokens up by 40 per cent and traders …
Hong Kong’s passion for delicious food and fine wine is part of what makes it an appealing place to live and visit. But the city is hungry for more. The annual Wine and Dine Festival, which concluded on October 26, exceeded expectations. The four-day gastronomic celebration saw 160,000 visitors, 10,000 more than expected.
This was an achievement, as this year’s event was a day shorter. Average daily visits were up 30 per cent. Numbers were, no doubt, boosted by sensibly extending the opening hours to midnight.
Business was brisk, with spending on the HK$25 daily tasting tokens up by 40 per cent and traders enjoying up to a 50 per cent surge in business.
This is encouraging at a time when the city’s food and beverage sector is struggling, having experienced a wave of closures.
There was much for visitors to enjoy at the festival, especially with the return of the Grand Wine Pavilion, where premium vintages could be sampled, and the Tasting Room featuring top chefs.
A wide variety of dishes and drinks were on offer, from Michelin-starred Yunnan peas with caviar to Disney-themed dim sum. Tickets sold very quickly for signature sessions.