Here’s what went down at the 2024 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival — and why you should add it to your radar next year

Everything you need to know about what happened at the 2024 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival — and what else to look forward to.

Hong Kong has long been renowned for its wide array of top-of-the-class offerings that fuse tradition with the new. From its mouth-watering culinary scene to its astonishing skyline and breathtaking islands, Hong Kong is a true paradise with something magical for everyone. Hong Kong is also beloved as a hotspot for the most vibrant and exciting events — and in October this year, I had the opportunity to check out one of its highly anticipated annual programmes: the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

My most recent visit to Hong Kong marks my second time here, more than a decade since my last. Naturally, one can only imagine my excitement to finally come once again to experience its wonders (now as an adult). Not only can I put my Cantonese proficiency to the test (all thanks to the TVB series I watched growing up) but also be able to be a part of one of Hong Kong’s biggest occasions. Upon leaving Hong Kong International Airport on Chek Lap Kok Island and seeing the captivating views of the South China Sea, I knew my time here would be one for the memory books.

The entire route from the airport to the accommodation was as scenic as it gets. For this trip, I stayed at Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour, a hotel situated in the North Point area on Hong Kong Island. The 665-room hotel is beautifully located right by Victoria Harbourfront which means unbelievable views of the sea all day and every day, especially from its infinity pool on the 23rd floor. The hotel is also close to the venue where the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was held, making it a strategic spot. The North Point region is also close to a plethora of famed food destinations and tourist attractions, including Fortress Hill Staircase.

All about the 2024 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

Now, let’s put the focus back on the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival (a collaboration between Hong Kong Tourism Board with Bordeaux Wine Council since 2009). After all, it’s the main reason for my visit to Hong Kong. While its name itself is enough to get one feeling hungry and thirsty, the festival is a tantalising avalanche of all things delicious. Held at Central Harbourfront with the 60-metre tall Observation Wheel towering over, the 2024 edition of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is its largest to date. Spanning five days from 23 October to 27 October, the annual event celebrated the best in epicurean delights — whether it was exploring wines from all over the world or savouring dishes from the top restaurants in town.

What was my first impression stepping into the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival space? Complemented by the chilly ocean breeze and the ferries moving by the harbour, my initial feeling was one of sensorial exhilaration. With a smartphone ready on one hand to capture as much content as possible and a card loaded with tokens to exchange for food and drinks on the other, I “charged” into (well, more like walked swiftly) past the entrance banner. With a big smile and an appetite to fill, I knew then I was officially immersed in the gastronomic sphere of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. Going on the first day of the festival, I was also able to witness the opening ceremony where mesmerising fireworks signalled an energetic start to the festivities.

The 2024 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival comprised more than 300 booths spanning 35 countries. Participating booths came from five different continents. Traversing throughout the event space, I noticed destinations offering wines from China, Italy, Chile, the United Kingdom and Bordeaux, France alongside a zone showcasing gin and whisky. In addition, there’s also a section where Chinese Baijiu takes centre stage. Inside the Harbour Lounge, award-winning mixologists such as Leo Ko, Tracey Lu and Demie Kim created Hong Kong-themed limited-edition cocktails for an elevated experience.

With so many brands and participants, it goes without saying that I wasn’t able to sample everything available. But tried I sure did. Some of the selections I had the opportunity to revel in include Legacy Peak Marselan Ningxia Helan Mountain 2022 from China, Côteaux Bourguignons Vigneron De Buxy 2020 from France and Lallier Champagne Rosé Grand Cru. That isn’t all: I also sipped on cocktails featuring spirits like 818 Tequila, Aperol, and No.3 Gin among others.

As live music played on the main stage, visitors explored the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival in all its culinary glory. It’s an adventure for the senses — one where you can see, touch, hear, smell and of course, taste. Whether it’s Hanwoo Beef Tacos, fish-tastic snacks from Fisholic or a massive cookie from The Baker & The Bottleman, the festival is a one-stop spot for all your palatable desires. The latter two names, for example, were part of the Culinary Stars area, introduced for the first time this year. It was here where visitors munched on Michelin-starred and chef-recommended creations alongside a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail.

The spirit of togetherness truly came alive at the festival ground with everyone united over the love of good food and drinks. Hong Kong Tourism Board reported a 10% increase in visitors compared to the 2023 edition with about 155,000 guests throughout the five days. We can clearly see why. It’s another extraordinary way of experiencing the many facets of Hong Kong and I’m glad to have had the chance to actually be physically present myself. Can’t wait to check out the festival for yourself? Look forward to updates about the 2025 outing of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

Take a glimpse of our experience at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival below:

Keep the fun going with Taste Around Town

Undoubtedly, there’s a lot of emphasis on gastronomy here in Hong Kong. From the famed dim sum and cha chan teng establishments and the renowned Michelin-starred restaurants (such as Forum and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon) to world class bars including Bar Leone and Coa, there’s no denying that Hong Kong has got its F&B scene down on lock. And that’s exactly why Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Taste Around Town programme — an extension of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival — is so intriguing.

Running until 30 November 2024, the Taste Around Town campaign allows enthusiasts and foodies to check out not one but four different key promotions. They are Hong Kong Bar Show, Beef Up November, Sip and Savour in LKF and Chill E.A.T. When I was in Hong Kong, I was able to dine at The Praya, one of over 300 restaurants participating in the Chill E.A.T. programme. Situated in Shek Tong Sui, the modern Chinese eatery is known for its innovative techniques bringing together traditional Chinese cuisine and modern styles.

Accompanied by an eclectic and contemporary interior space, The Praya’s Chill E.A.T. menus are available for lunch and dinner. Dishes to expect include the likes of ‘Drunken Clams with Shaoxing Wine and Garden Herbs’ and ‘Lotus Espresso with Dried Octopus and Pork Ribs’. For your Mains, choose between four options such as the ‘Marble Goby with Lychee, Strawberry and Pine Nuts’ dish or the ‘Applewood-smoked Master Stock Chicken with Ginger Relish’ creation.

These programmes under the Taste Around Town campaign allows guests to try Hong Kong’s culinary gems at reduced prices while introducing diners to spots they might not have been acquainted with. In addition to The Praya, participating outlets comprise Hutong, Hue Dining, ORO, Cantina, Café BAU and Gaylord Indian Restaurant among others. If you find yourself in Hong Kong during this period, this is something you don’t want to miss!

Learn more about Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and the Taste Around Town programme HERE.