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Oscar Liu

About 300 cruise passengers took a deep dive into Hong Kong’s Wine and Dine Festival on Thursday, with some describing the atmosphere as comparable with that of a popular Napa Valley event in the US.
Arriving in Hong Kong on board Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova on Thursday morning, the visitors spent tokens on drinks and delicacies at 300 stalls representing 35 countries and regions.
Michelle Gurnee, 67, a retiree from the United States, said the voyage was a surprise birthday trip planned by her 81-year-old boyfriend.
“My first time [in Hong Kong] was when I celebrated my 30th birthday, that was 37 years ago,” she said.
“And here we are today. It all makes everything possible because of the wonderful people, the great food, your hospitality. This wine festival is incredible.
“It is quite similar to the Napa Valley Festival in California, both are vibrant in their own way.”

The popular Napa Valley Festival celebrates the culture, cuisine and wines of the Californian region, featuring tastings, culinary demonstrations, live music and art displays. The three-week event welcomed 3.7 million visitors in 2023.
Gurnee’s boyfriend, first-time Hong Kong visitor John Armstrong, said his experience in the city was magical.
“We took the tram up to Victoria Peak today. I’ve seen many pictures of it. The pictures don’t do it justice. It’s absolutely stupendous. This festival is perfect because we’re tasting international flavours,” Armstrong said.
“Obviously, from California, we have a lot of great wines, but China’s got nothing to be ashamed about. These are wonderful wines and we’re really enjoying them.”
George Colbran, 75, a retiree from Australia, said the good food and wine still impressed him every time since he first visited the city in 1977.
“When we saw this cruise going from Tokyo to Hong Kong to Singapore, we booked it because we know how much fun we have here,” said Colbran, who came with his wife.
“We have been to many events in the world. At a festival like this you can meet new people and have fun. Good food and good wine never go wrong. I can’t wait to get my next glass.”

The five-day festival runs until Sunday at the Central harbourfront and is expected to attract 150,000 visitors.
In addition to offerings from renowned wine-producing areas such as France, Italy, Spain and Germany, the event also debuted products from emerging markets such as Britain and Thailand.
Among delights for attendees to savour are Chinese baijiu and cocktails crafted by acclaimed mixologists.

The 300 who attended the festival on Thursday night were among 500 passengers on board Silver Nova’s inaugural visit to the city. The ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Two other cruise liners Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess and Costa Cruises’ Costa Serena docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Thursday morning.
More than 8,000 passengers on the three ships were invited to the festival.
According to operator Wharf (Holdings), Ocean Terminal is scheduled to welcome 56 cruise ships in 2024, nearly double the 29 visits from the previous year. The total berthing days are expected to almost triple to 150 from 53 from 2023, it said.
The company said it expected the number of cruise visitors to Ocean Terminal to more than double to 34,000 this year from 15,000 in 2023.


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‘Incredible’ Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival wows 300 cruise passengers

The Wine and Dine Festival runs until Sunday. Photo: Eugene Lee

US visitors Michelle Gurnee and John Armstrong. Photo: Eugene Lee

The festival in Central has 300 stalls. Photo:  Eugene Lee

Passengers from cruise ship Silver Nova enjoy a glass of wine at the festival  Photo: Eugene Lee

Here’s how you can keep your spirits high at Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival

The Wine and Dine Festival will kick off on Wednesday evening. Photo: Dickson Lee

People at Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival in 2023. This year’s event will offer more than 1,000 varieties of wine, classic whiskies, creative cocktails and craft beers. Photo: Dickson Lee

8,000 cruise passengers invited to Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival in tourism tie-in

The Hong Kong Tourism Board estimates that this year’s Wine and Dine Festival will attract 150,000 visitors. Photo: Felix Wong

Silver Nova is one of three ships involved in the tie-up with the Wine and Dine Festival. Photo: Handout

Visitors can enjoy signature gin cocktails at the festival. Photo: Eugene Lee

Models from MyiCellar pose for a photo. Photo: Eugene Lee 

News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong economy

Visitors impressed by drinks and delicacies on offer at 300 stalls in heart of Hong Kong


Visitors impressed by drinks and delicacies on offer at 300 stalls in heart of Hong Kong.


Food and Drinks

Hong Kong culture

Tourism

Hong Kong society