Hong Kong Active with Wine Auctions and Shows(2)

            There are several small lots and with reserve price of as low as
            $700 for an imperial (6 liters-8 std. bottles) would make many
            Indian connoisseurs salivate and want to attend  this auction or the
            next one scheduled for October 3, 2009.
            The advantage of Hong Kong being a tax free hub means that there is
            no tax to be paid on the wine purchased, whereas in the case of
            auctions in London duties and taxes would have to be paid first;
            they may be refunded when the wine is taken out of the country but
            the procedure can be cumbersome.
            Hong Kong Wine Show
            Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) also got into the act
            after the duty waiver and organised the first Hong Kong
            International Wine and Spirits Fair (HKIWSF) last August. The show
            brought 240 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions. Over 8,500
            trade visitors attended the show from 55 countries and regions. Over
            10,000 public visitors frequented the show, indicating a huge
            interest.
            Encouraged by the success, the second edition of this wine show will
            be held from 4th to 6th Nov 2009. HK International Wine & Spirits
            Competition (HKIWSC) will also be initiated at this show. Wine
            Tasting Sessions, Master Classes, seminars and industry conferences
            to educate the attendees about the wine culture should help move the
            Hong Kong wine lovers up another notch.
            The HK Tourism Board (HKTB) has also named 2009 the year for food
            and wine in Hong Kong. Backed by the Government, it will cooperate
            with the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and inaugurate a Wine Festival
            from end Oct to mid Nov 2009. It will coincide with the period of
            the Wine Show. The Wine Festival will promote the wine appreciation
            culture in Hong Kong from Oct 2009 to the Christmas to the New Year
            2010.