The Festival of Wine 2024 at Island Shangri-La is set to showcase over 100 labels from eight countries, spanning everything from Burgundy classics to Chinese Baijiu, along with exciting new estates from New Zealand, the United States, and beyond. Running throughout the month, the event will feature the highly anticipated Macallan 200th anniversary special edition whisky, marking its debut at Island Shangri-La—the first Hong Kong hotel to offer this exclusive whisky in a modern tasting experience at Lobster Bar. Meanwhile, Petrus will highlight iconic vintages such as the 1924 Chateau Palmer and the star of this year’s event, the 1961 Chateau Latour, with dishes crafted by chef Uwe Opocensky to complement these aged gems.
Adding a twist, Ming Pavilion will host a blind tasting and pairing dinner featuring the prized KweiChow Zhen Baijiu. This rare spirit, steeped in history, dates back to the Qing Dynasty and has long been a symbol of resistance and patriotism, famously served at the founding of the PRC in 1949. Its complex flavour profile, with layers of sweetness, bitterness, and a subtle heat, delivers a mellow finish that lingers on the palate.
Other highlights include a tasting of Bordeaux’s En Primeur wines at Petrus, a Domaine de la Vougeraie pairing dinner at Summer Palace, and a Bellavista wine dinner at Nadaman, offering wine lovers a variety of memorable experiences to savour. The festivities kick off with the KweiChow Zhen Baijiu dinner at Ming Pavilion, where the unique spirit takes centre stage in a blind tasting and dinner set to delight the senses.
Kwei Chow Zhen baiju (Photo: courtesy of Ming Pavilion)
Ming Pavilion interior (Photo: courtesy of Ming Pavilion)
The menu will be expertly paired with a selection of vibrant Hokkien dishes, presented with finesse by chef Lam Yeung. Staying true to Hokkien traditions, Lam’s creations bring bold regional flavours to life, from the delicate appetiser platters to the main dishes that steal the spotlight, all thoughtfully matched with fine wines and Baijiu.
Another standout event is the Kumeu River Wine Dinner. Founded in 1944 by Mate Brajkovich and later helmed by his son Michael in 1982, Kumeu River has gained international acclaim for its exceptional vineyard Chardonnay, with this Master of Wine-led estate now regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest. Guests will be treated to six labels, including three Magnums and the highly anticipated 2023 release of Kumeu River Mate’s Chardonnay. Reserve your seat and savour the artistry behind each carefully crafted pairing.