The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, now billed as the largest wine fair in Asia, opens next week.

The fair has attracted some 930 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, boosting exhibitor numbers by 37 per cent over last year’s event.

Some 50 special events will be held including the wine industry conference, and a ‘sommelier summit featuring sommeliers from some 10 countries and regions.

The third Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition is this year open to spirit categories for the first time and  has received more than 1700 applications, up 32 per cent over last year. The competition’s guest judge, Alberto Antonini, is an Italian oenologist and wine consultant.

The show is open to the public on the  last day, November 5, and will include a wine auction and investment forum.