Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival: An Iconic World-Renowned Event
- Jenn & Leon
- May 25, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Visiting the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival was unexpected, but it turned out to be a delightful experience!
This world-renowned festival is a magnet for food and wine enthusiasts, and we were offered the opportunity to attend on the off-chance by our hotel manager.
Every autumn, the vibrant city of Hong Kong transforms into a culinary wonderland for one of Asia’s most anticipated events, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
Held along the scenic Victoria Harbour, this world-renowned celebration brings together gourmet food, fine wine, and global culture in a dazzling four-day experience.
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a food lover, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival promises a memorable and flavorful experience that celebrates the best in culinary and oenological delights.
This annual event showcases a wide array of wines and gourmet food from around the world, set against the stunning backdrop of Hong Kong's skyline.
During the festival, visitors can indulge in tastings of exquisite wines, sample delicious dishes prepared by renowned chefs, attend cooking demonstrations, and participate in wine-pairing workshops.
History & Origins of the Wine & Dine Festival in Hong Kong
The Wine & Dine Festival in Hong Kong was first launched in 2009 by the Hong Kong Tourism Board as a way to promote the city's culinary and wine offerings.
Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity and has become a significant event on Hong Kong's annual calendar.
The festival typically takes place in the fall, usually for four days at the end of October every year.
It is held at the Central Harbourfront, offering stunning views of Hong Kong's skyline as a backdrop to the culinary festivities.
Throughout the years, the Wine & Dine Festival has evolved to include not only wine tastings and food samplings but also live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and interactive workshops.
It has become a must-visit event for food and wine enthusiasts both locally and internationally.
The festival aims to showcase Hong Kong as a culinary hub, highlighting its diverse food scene, world-class restaurants, and vibrant wine culture.
It provides a platform for local chefs, winemakers, and food vendors to showcase their talents and products to a global audience.
The Wine & Dine Festival in Hong Kong has become a signature event that celebrates the city's rich gastronomic heritage and continues to attract visitors from around the world.
In 2023, it attracted an astonishing 140,000 visitors! We were delighted to be 2 of them!
What Are Some of the Featured Cuisines at the Festival?
The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is a culinary extravaganza that brings together a tantalizing array of epicurean delights from various corners of the globe.
The event showcases a diverse range of cuisines that cater to every palate, offering a culinary journey like no other.
One of the highlights of the festival is the exquisite French gastronomy section, where visitors can savor classic dishes such as coq au vin and foie gras, known for their rich flavors and sophisticated preparation techniques.
The Japanese Sushi & Sashimi station offers a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine, with fresh and expertly crafted dishes that highlight the art of sushi-making.
For those craving bold and aromatic flavors, the Indian Spices section is a must-visit, featuring a vibrant selection of curries and tandoori dishes that showcase the diverse and complex flavors of Indian cuisine.
The Cantonese Delicacies area presents a tempting spread of dim sum and Peking duck, showcasing the delicate flavors and textures of Cantonese cooking.
Italian favorites take center stage too, with a mouthwatering selection of pasta and wood-fired pizzas, offering a taste of Italy's culinary traditions.
The Thai Cuisine section delights with iconic dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry, known for their harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
To complete the global culinary journey, the festival also features Spanish cuisine with its iconic paella, tapas, jamón ibérico, and churros, offering a taste of Spain's vibrant and flavorful gastronomic heritage.
Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in a world of flavors, textures, and aromas as they explore different cultures through a variety of delectable dishes, making the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
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What Are Some of the Featured Wines at the Festival?
The Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival boasts a vast selection of wines from over 36 countries, catering to a wide range of palates.
Here are some highlights to whet your appetite:
⪢ Classics from Old World Vineyards
Wine connoisseurs can rejoice in the presence of time-tested favorites from Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, known for their complex flavors and rich histories.
⪢ Rising Stars of the New World
For those seeking something more fruit-forward and youthful, New World wines from countries like the United States, Australia, and Chile offer bold expressions of their distinct grape varietals.
⪢ Hidden Gems
The festival also shines a light on lesser-known wine regions, allowing you to explore exciting finds from Moldova, Thailand, and even Singapore's innovative soy wine.
⪢ Spotlight on China
Witness the growing prominence of Chinese wines with selections from wineries in Shandong, Ningxia, and Yunnan.
These regions are producing exciting bottles that rival established winemaking countries.
⪢ Natural Wine Movement
If you're interested in wines made with minimal intervention, the festival offers a dedicated section for natural wines produced with organic or biodynamic grapes.
Beyond these categories, the festival caters to specific preferences with special features like low-alcohol beverages and a "Chinese Wine Discovery" section for those wanting to delve deeper into China's blossoming wine scene.
Remember, with so many vendors present, the best way to discover your favorites is to explore and ask questions!
Other Activities & Events at the festival
The 2023 Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, which took place from October 26th to 29th last year, offered a whirlwind of culinary and beverage delights alongside exciting events and activities.
Here's a look at some of the key highlights:
⪢ Global Wine Exploration
Over 400 booths showcased wines from 36 countries and regions, giving attendees the chance to embark on a global wine journey.
From established favorites like Bordeaux to up-and-coming regions like Ningxia in China, there was something for every palate to discover.
⪢ Culinary Delights from Around the World
Matching the extensive wine selection was a smorgasbord of international cuisine.
Over 17 countries and regions were represented, with food stalls offering delectable local specialties and international dishes, with some of them mentioned earlier.
⪢ Tasting Theatre
This new addition to the festival provided a hub for interactive experiences. Attendees could participate in themed workshops led by renowned chefs and sommeliers.
These workshops covered a variety of topics, from wine pairing tips to masterclasses in specific cuisines like Family Food Science by Curiosity Kids.
⪢ Live Music & Entertainment
The festival wasn't just about food and drink! The main stage came alive each evening with live performances by international and local singers.
From jazz and classical melodies to upbeat music shows, these performances created a vibrant atmosphere for attendees to enjoy alongside their culinary and beverage explorations.
One of the biggest stars was singer Marcelito Pomoy, of whom we were lucky to catch on the night we visited.
He rose to fame in the Philippines after winning the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent in 2011, later participating in the second season of America's Got Talent: The Champions in 2020 and achieving an impressive fourth-place finish.
Marcelito possesses the ability to sing in both baritone and mezzo-soprano ranges. This exceptional talent allows him to perform songs traditionally meant for both male and female singers.
It also gives him an incredibly unique ability to duet with himself! Check out his incredible vocals in our YouTube video highlights.
⪢ Hong Kong Wine & Dine: Taste Around Town
As an extension of the festival experience, the Hong Kong Tourism Board collaborated with restaurants and bars across the city throughout November.
This initiative, called "Hong Kong Wine & Dine: Taste Around Town," allowed attendees to continue their culinary exploration and experience the city's diverse dining scene.
These restaurants, along with hoteliers, in turn, also handed out discounted ticket passes to patrons. No wonder over 140,000 people attended!
Ticket Prices, Opening Times & When to Visit
⪢ When It Happens
● Annual Event: Usually held in late October or early November
● Duration: 4 days (Thursday to Sunday)
⪢ Opening Hours (Typical Schedule)
● Thursday & Friday: 12 pm – 11 pm
● Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm
● Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
⪢ Entry & Tasting Costs
● General Entry: Often free or under HK$50 (£5 / $6)
● Tasting Tokens: Purchase wine tokens and food coupons separately
● Wine Tasting Glass: HK$100
● Tasting Tokens: HK$20 each
💡 Book early bird packages online for better value—these usually include a glass and tokens bundled at a discount.
Prices are correct at the time of writing (June 2025).
All prices are in Hong Kong dollars. Convert your currency here.
⪢ Tourist Pass
Be sure to ask your hotel about a tourist pass if you are staying in Hong Kong at the time of the event.
The tourist pass offers FREE entry to the event, a special counter with English-speaking staff to sign in and bypass the queues, a free reusable wine cup (you will need this for the tastings), and 6 free tokens.
This is pretty awesome and is worth redeeming, potentially making it a completely free experience.
⪢ Tokens
Tokens are available to purchase on entry and are redeemed at the wine and food stalls.
There is no way to pay for tastings at the stalls, and all purchases for tokens are made at the entry area of the festival.
How to Get to the Wine & Dine Festival
There are many convenient ways to get to the Central Harbourfront in Hong Kong, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some of the options:
By Mass Rapid Transit (MTR)
This is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Hong Kong. The Central Harbourfront is easily accessible by MTR via several stations:
● Central Station (Exit K): This is the closest station to the Central Harbourfront, just a short walk away.
● Hong Kong Station (Exit A): This station is also within walking distance of the Central Harbourfront.
● East Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit P1): If you're coming from Kowloon, you can take the MTR to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and then take a short ferry ride across the harbor to the Central Harbourfront.
By Bus
An extensive bus network covers Hong Kong. Several buses go to the Central Harbourfront area.
You can use a mobile app or online journey planner to find the most suitable bus route for your starting point.
By Tram
The historic Hong Kong tram is a slow but scenic way to get around. You can take a tram to the Western Market stop and then walk a short distance to the Central Harbourfront.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Hong Kong and can be a convenient way to get to the Central Harbourfront, especially if you have luggage. Fares are metered.
By Ferry
Taking the ferry is a great way to experience Hong Kong's iconic harbor. The Star Ferry offers a scenic ride across the harbor from Kowloon to Central.
Several other ferry services also operate in the harbor, connecting various points on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the Outlying Islands.
Car Rental
Whether you're planning scenic road trips or quick rides around town, renting a car or scooter can save time. Rentalcars.com helps you find the best deals from reputable providers.
💡 Download the MTR app or use Google Maps with GigSky eSIM for offline directions.
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Tips for Visiting the Wine & Dine Festival
● Arrive early: Evenings get crowded, especially Friday & Saturday
● Bring a reusable tote: For goodies and wine samples
● Mix and match cuisines: Food booths span everything from dim sum to French cheese
● Save tokens for premium tastings: Some wines are rare and only offered in small quantities
💡 Use cashless payment—many stalls accept the Octopus card or contactless payment
Things to Do Nearby
Make the most of your festival visit by exploring the nearby:
● Central Ferry Piers: Take a short ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui or Lamma Island
● Sky100 Observation Deck: For panoramic city views
● SoHo & Lan Kwai Fong: Post-festival nightlife and bars
● PMQ & Tai Kwun: Cultural hubs with galleries, pop-up shops, and cafes
💡 Want more foodie inspiration? Check out our full China guide, or use our hotel map to stay nearby.
Watch our Wine & Dine Festival Experience on YouTube
We had an EPIC evening at the Ladies' Market and the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2023.
One of the highlights for us at the event was the opportunity to see one of America's Got Talent All Stars runner-ups, Filipino singer and performer Marcelito Pomoy! Watch our video and get inspired for the festival in 2024!
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Wine & Dine Festival Hong Kong
Sometimes the best experiences are the unplanned ones!
We admittedly had no idea about this event before coming to Hong Kong, and if not for a very attentive hotel manager doing a great job at promoting tourism in the city, we never would have.
It was worth coming here, and we had a fantastic time. Even if you are not necessarily a wine fan, the food alone will surely entice you, along with a great atmosphere and awesome live entertainment.
It was super busy, so we had to admit that queues for things were a bit of a struggle, alongside an untimely rain episode, but do not let that deter you!
There are indoor spaces, and the almost 'VIP' status of foreign tourists with a tourist pass will get you access to an exclusive wine tent for cover and comfort. That pass was a real privilege and made this a free night out on the harborside. Can't argue with that!
FAQ: Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival – What to Know
What is the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival?
It’s an annual world-class food and wine event organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, featuring international wines, Michelin-starred cuisine, live entertainment, and masterclasses in a scenic waterfront setting.
When is it held?
The festival typically takes place in late October to early November, spanning 4 days. Exact dates vary each year—check the official event site for announcements.
Where is the festival located?
Held at the Central Harbourfront Event Space with stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline. Some events also spill over into various city neighborhoods and restaurants.
Do I need tickets?
Yes. Entry requires purchasing Wine Passes or Tasting Tickets. These can be bought online or at the venue, often in bundled packages that include wine tokens and a souvenir glass.
What can I expect at the festival?
● Wine booths featuring global wineries
● Food pairings from top local and international chefs
● Live jazz and DJ performances
● Workshops on food styling, mixology, and wine tasting
● Exclusive VIP zones and dine-around events
Is it suitable for non-drinkers or families?
Yes. There are non-alcoholic options, food stalls, dessert booths, and performances. However, the vibe is more adult-oriented in the evening.
Are there any indoor events?
Some satellite dining events and classes are held indoors at hotels or partner restaurants. These often require advance booking.
Can tourists participate in tasting events?
Absolutely. Just bring a valid ID for age verification (18+). English is widely spoken at vendor stalls and event booths.
What’s the best way to get there?
Take the MTR to Central Station or Hong Kong Station, then walk to the Harbourfront Event Space. It's a well-signposted and scenic 10-minute walk.
Any tips for first-time visitors?
● Go early to beat the evening crowds
● Wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle
● Buy tasting credits in advance to skip long lines
● Check the official schedule for live performances and workshops
An awesome event, well worth the visit. Even with the crowds, and the rain, we enjoyed some food and wine, and a wonderful music performance. What's not to like??!