Those of you who are familiar with my blog will know that last year I attended the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival set on West Kowloon Promenade. You can read more about it here. The festival forms part of Hong Kong Wine and Dine Month. Since I have just returned from London to be in Hong Kong for the next few months and I am desperately trying to fight off the jet lag, I thought I would share some photos of this year’s festival which ran from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 November.
Although I was enjoying the Autumn colours in the UK, the temperature at 27°C in Hong Kong was a beautiful welcome back and with the lower humidity, November is set to be a very pleasant month.
HK Wine and Dine Festival 2012 by Day
Just to remind you that the festival is free to all those visiting, you just need to pay for food and drink at the stands which are priced fairly reasonably.
Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2012
We spent the majority of our time at the French stands – scoffing the saucisson and the Bayonne ham and drinking copious amounts of wine from Saint-Émilion and Le Médoc. When we asked where we could buy more of the wine (Chateau D’Eck) in Hong Kong we were told that it wasn’t available. I was surprised that they would not capitalise on the interest that had been drummed up by Bordeaux Wines. It is great to showcase food and culture of a region and country but I thought it lacked commercial sense. Not only at the venue but more generally. Indeed, there is a significant amount of French ex-pats in Hong Kong which would serve as their clientele. For me it was a no-brainer so I’m thinking there must be more to it.
Food I happily scoffed at the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2012
Around 5pm night starts to fall and the Hong Kong skyline takes on a very different look and feel.
Early evening at Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2012
Here is a You Tube clip from Discover Hong Kong which depicts the festival at night to give you a flavour of the atmosphere.
All in all, a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon, I’m sure with the success of the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, it will be back next year.
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Jacqueline, didn’t you work for a brewery once! Well I think the time has come to add a new string to your bow – wine importer, there’s obviously a gap in the market as you say! Wish it was warm here as my ears are ringing from the cold and I didn’t even go to to the local free fireworks display as I didn’t want to make them worse!
Thanks Camilla – great idea – although I may like the stock just a bit too much
I’m not sure I could be trusted!
How bizarre to see the Bordeaux Village there in good old Honkers Konkers! What a lovely set of photos too…..and it makes me quite home sick! If you need any Bordeaux wine contacts, I have friends who deal in wine in SW France! Karen
It was a lovely afternoon Karen. Thanks for the tip re the contacts – helpful as ever Karen
What a loveley set of pictures. Perhaps a potential business niche there for someone bringing in the produce for French expats and others who enjoy French produce! Nazima x
Thanks Nazima – someone’s missing a trick
I’ve always enjoyed such festivals… the only bane is that its always so crowded!
Yes Michelle – with such popular events there is always the downside of the crowds they attract but worth it if you have the patience. Thanks for popping by
I love food and wine festival ! It’s always a great opportunity to taste special things, I like French charcuterie and wine although recently there is a very good competition from the New World Wines (quality and price). Nice to be back to a warm country!!!
Thanks Rita – there was also delicious Parma ham and Grana Padano available. I agree New World Wines can rival some of the more traditional choices especially on price
Oh to be wined an dined, it’s almost like it’s a welcome back party for you! Hope the jet lag has worn off. xxx also, those scallops are calling my name
Thanks Jo – feeling a lot more awake now
x
What a brilliant day! I would have loved that.
It’s such a great venue too Jac – I’m sure you would love it
It’s so frustrating to taste a wine at an event and then not be able to find it for purchase. Otherwise, this sounds like a fun event! And, how great that admission is free.
A missed opportunity I think Lisa. The fact that the admission fee is zero is a huge advantage. In my previous blog post http://howtobeagourmand.com/ten-reasons-why-i-prefer-food-festivals-in-hong-kong/about the festival I talked about how this was a big plus compared to,for example,the Taste Festival in London.
Who would have thought that there would be a food and wine festival in Hong Kong. A wonderful way to spend a warm November day – if only we had those temperatures here in the UK.
Thanks Maggie – looks like I’ve managed to escape a cold spell in the UK
Oh I’m so jealous! I would LOVE to go to the festival, what a great experience.
I think you would really enjoy it Nic