Hong Kong’s unquenchable thirst for Old World vintages is good news for France’s largest wine-producing region
ILLUSTRATION: KALIZ LEE
Hongkongers sure do love their classic French wine. So much, in fact, that the territory became the top export destination for Bordeaux wines in 2018, according to The Bordeaux Wine Council. Hong Kong commanded 16% of the revered wine region’s total export sales by value – that’s about 10 million bottles, worth €327 million (HK$2.8 billion) – ahead of mainland China (15%) and the United States (13%).
Since the removal of duty-related customs and administrative controls for wine in 2008, the industry has boomed in Hong Kong, and it is now Asia’s leading wine trading and distribution centre.
France as a whole remains Hong Kong’s favourite, accounting for over 60% of wine imports in the first half of 2018, according to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department. Australia is a very distant second at 16%.
Bordeaux’s winemakers have a lot else to toast to as the region looks forward to another banner year. After overcoming erratic weather conditions, it is celebrating a special 2018 vintage, comprising good dry whites and exceptional reds.
Upcoming wine events in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
31 October–3 November
This mega-event held at Central Harbourfront gets bigger and better every year – last year’s edition saw over 450 booths, with six alcohol-specific zones. hkwdf.discoverhongkong.com
Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair
7-9 November
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this three-day trade event is complemented by competitions, conferences and wine-tasting sessions.
event.hktdc.com