HONG KONG – When the sun dips behind Hong Kong’s glittering skyline, the Central Harbourfront transforms into a playground for the senses. The air is alive with the aroma of sizzling Cantonese delicacies, the clink of wine glasses, and the hum of conversations that blend seamlessly with the music floating from the waterfront. For four days this October (23–26), the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2025 promises a world-class celebration of taste, travel, and togetherness, and for Singaporeans, it might just be the perfect reason to hop on that short four-hour flight north.

This year’s theme, “REMIX. BEST OF ALL WORLDS,” couldn’t be more fitting. Like Singapore, Hong Kong thrives on fusion, a city where East meets West, and where culinary tradition finds new expression in bold innovation.

At the heart of this year’s festival are 300 booths showcasing flavours from 31 countries and regions, spanning from Bordeaux and Spain to Japan and Mexico. Expect to sip on velvety reds from France, crisp whites from Austria, artisanal spirits from China, and perhaps a smoky whisky from Norway — all while enjoying the city’s spectacular skyline as your backdrop.

The BEA Grand Wine Pavilion returns as the crown jewel for wine aficionados. Curated by acclaimed wine critic James Suckling, it’s a chance to sample over 100 top-rated wines, including legendary Bordeaux First Growths: Lafite, Margaux, Latour, Haut-Brion, and Mouton, alongside Burgundy Grand Crus and icons from Italy, Spain, and the US.

There’s even a playful side to the festival: the Wine Pairing Exploration encourages guests to experiment with their palates by mixing five classic grape varieties with five distinct taste profiles: sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and umami. It’s a masterclass in balance and creativity, all disguised as delicious fun.

Food lovers will want to make a beeline for The Tasting Room, which this year hosts a spectacular “10-hand dinner” titled Taste the Extraordinary: Beyond Cantonese Flavour. This tasting menu is an international culinary collaboration featuring five Michelin-starred chefs from Beijing, London, Seoul, and Hong Kong.

Imagine the precision of Cantonese cooking reinvented with global flair, dumplings reimagined with Korean artistry, London-style reinterpretations of Chiu Chow dishes, and bold Cantonese fusion from chef Menex Cheung, one of Hong Kong’s most exciting young talents.

And if that’s not enough, Towngas Gourmet Avenue gathers twelve of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed restaurants, collectively boasting 13 Michelin stars and 7 Black Pearl diamonds, under one roof. It’s like dining your way through Hong Kong’s best tables without ever leaving the harbourfront.

The festival’s Hotel Delicious zone is a perennial crowd-pleaser, this year featuring 11 of the city’s premier hotels, each serving signature dishes that capture their unique style of luxury dining. From artisanal dim sum to contemporary French fare, it’s a five-star food tour condensed into one bite-sized experience.

And in a playful twist, the festival introduces a Disney-themed zone, complete with whimsical character-inspired dishes and cocktails that will delight adults and children alike. Expect Marvel-inspired drinks, festive desserts, and a sneak peek at Hong Kong Disneyland’s upcoming Christmas treats — the perfect dash of nostalgia and sparkle.

For Singaporeans, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival marks the centerpiece of a perfect short holiday. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has even partnered with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, MTR Corporation, and others to make it easier (and tastier) to visit. Travellers can redeem an exclusive Guest Lite Pass that includes entry, tasting tokens, and over HK$400 worth of dining and transport perks, from racecourse vouchers to discounted Airport Express rides.

From heritage-rich Cantonese recipes to cutting-edge fusion dining, from rare vintages to experimental pairings, and with the city’s world-class dining scene, trendy bars, and festive energy just a few hours away, Hong Kong once again proves it’s Asia’s ultimate playground for food lovers. As Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, puts it: “This year’s Festival reflects our mission to bring together the finest wines and cuisines from across the globe, creating an unparalleled tasting experience that celebrates Hong Kong’s diversity and creativity.”

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2025 takes place from 23rd to 26th October 2025. More information available here