A longer and greener Wine and Dine Festival opened on Wednesday, as locals and tourists flocked to the harbourfront to indulge themselves in culinary treats and fine wines.

Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong kicked off the event and told the crowd, "Do not get drunk. You have one more day to enjoy all the great wines. And I know you will do it judiciously, prudently and soberly.

"I'm proud to say that Hong Kong has emerged as a global wine hub, where wine lovers can enjoy ever-growing selections of wines from all over the world."

For the first time, the festival starts on Wednesday night and lasts five days - up from four previously - until Sunday.

Organisers are also keen to cut down waste, with disposable plastic cups now prohibited at the venue, in line with the government's ban on single-use plastics. Visitors can encouraged to bring their own glasses, or they can purchase one on-site for HK$50.

Hundreds of tourists who arrive on cruises have been invited to join the fest, according to tourism chief Kevin Yeung, while shuttle buses also run between the venue and the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint to facilitate cross-border visitors.

The annual flagship event by the Tourism Board features over 300 booths, serving foods and drinks from 35 countries and regions.

Bayley, a tourist from the United States, was impressed by the event.

"[It's] very different from a festival in the States… [In the US] it wouldn't be this organised," she told RTHK.

"Having it not only in country, but also they say wine and food, and having all the pictures. That's not a thing in the States."

It was German tourist Tanja's first time at the festival.

"I'm overwhelmed because there's so much to see, and so much to discover. We enjoy very much. It's very nice. We do not know where to start and where to end…We have to come back again," she said.

For Anton, a German expat working in Hong Kong, wine was what attracted him to the fair.

He was surprised to see so many people turn up on opening night, given it's only Wednesday and most still needed to work the next morning.
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Last updated: 2024-10-23 HKT 21:50