HK Jockey Club gallops in with wine festival

Racegoers at the Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong will have the chance to taste 60 wines over three consecutive race nights at its Adrenaline bar.

The racecourse at Happy Valley

Starting from tonight, and continuing on Wednesday, 2 and Wednesday, 9 March, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will host its annual wine festival, ‘Wine in the Valley,’ featuring over 60 reds, whites and sparkling from France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand at its racecourse in Happy Valley.

Paul Dickson, the Jockey Club’s catering manager, spoke to the drinks business Hong Kong about his choice of wines, which he feels reflects the buying habits of the Club’s patrons and their change in wine styles.

“Old World wines from France and Italy and New World wines from Australia and New Zealand have been popular for many years in Hong Kong and Spanish wines have also been well-liked, and has seen a growth in recent years due to the increased number of smaller producers being featured in Hong Kong offering great quality at reasonable prices.

“It also helps with the popularity of tapas-style eating which has also seemed to grow in Hong Kong recently.

“The Hong Kong palate has become more educated over the years and people are confident in wanting to explore different grape varieties.  Bordeaux blends, bold, earthy Shiraz and heavy Chardonnay have given way to include delicate Pinot Noir and spritzy Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.”

For tonight, the region in focus will be France, for 2 March Spain and 9 March Australia and New Zealand.

Each wine will be divided into green, blue and red categories and available in 100ml pours. A pass bought for HK$130 will grant a tasting ticket for each category, with the option of buying the wine by the glass or bottle.

Hong Kong’s official racing season starts in September but every Wednesday, the Club features different themed events under the brand, ‘Happy Wednesday.’