Public raise a glass in toast as doors are thrown open
Although the first two days of the fair are open only to the trade, Saturday will see the doors thrown open to the public, for anyone aged 18 or above, who can buy tickets at selected Circle K convenience stores or at the fair for HK$200 each.
Many people, keen to take advantage of the wine education and tasting opportunities, are expected to attend. Last year, more than 12,000 members of the public visited the show.
A programme of lucky draws will run for the visiting public, and wine lovers also have the opportunity to get redemption vouchers for corkage-free privileges at various Hong Kong restaurants.
In conjunction with the fair, about 100 restaurants around town will waive corkage charges on presentation of a coupon from the Visitor Promotion Counter.
An educational Wine Gallery will feature a wide variety of produce, accessories and books from various countries and regions, with a particular focus on Australia.
Members of the public will also be able to take part in the 'Most Beloved Wine' voting game.
There will opportunities to attend practical seminars on topics such as 'How to build a winning wine collection', 'Australian wine ABCs' and 'Tips on matching wine with Asian cuisine'.
One master class, 'The gift from nature - terroir' (from terre, the French word for land), is presented by the Asia Wine Service and Education Centre and involves a blind tasting of wines made with the same grape varietals but in different regions. Three pairs of wines will be tasted, assessed and contrasted to illustrate the importance of different soils, climatic conditions and other variables specific to vineyard locations.
In addition to tastings and master classes, members of the public can also receive, on a first-come, first-served basis, a Lucaris crystal wine glass, sponsored by Kung Kai Hong & Co, the fair's official tasting glass suppliers.
