The 5th American Express Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival moved across Victoria Harbour this year after four years in Kowloon, occupying a prime swath of land in Hong Kong’s New Central Harbourfront. Approximately 140,000 visitors spent October 30 – November 2, 2013, exploring six different zones: the Everyday Wine Zone, Discovery Zone, Party Wine Zone, Country Pavilion, Riedel Grand Tasting Pavilion, and the A-Lister Zone. 2013 even saw the rise of the Tasting Room, where guests could enjoy activities like wine pairing dinners, and wine and cheese master classes.

The Bordeaux Wine Festival initially inspired Wine & Dine, which built on a policy of freedom that dates to 2008. That’s when the Hong Kong government removed import duties on wine, creating a booming new wine industry. Now, Hong Kong now imports more than $8 billion in wine imports, some of which were in evidence at Wine & Dine’s 89 bustling booths.

Dignitaries from Hong Kong and Bordeaux, plus a pop music medley that included “Bad Romance,” “Billie Jean” and “Gangnam Style,” kicked off proceedings, along with fireworks.

Wine & Dine allowed guests to six different zones: the Everyday Wine Zone, Discovery Zone, Party Wine Zone, Country Pavilion, Riedel Grand Tasting Pavilion, and the A-Lister Zone.

What better way to start drinking than with an aperitif?

The Riedel Grand Tasting Pavilion included 2010 Almaviva from Chile’s Maipo Valley.

Royal Plaza Hotel was one of several hotels and restaurants who served food at the event, including Baked Okinawa Sweet Taro Pineapple Buns.

A booth featured different varieties of Spanish hams, including Iberico de Cebo Jamon, served in a plastic cone with Spanish flag toothpicks.

Bordeaux Village included a cheese station with thick slices of Onetik Tomme Chevre Brebis, sheep & goat cheese.

Caneles Les Halles also represented Bordeaux and sold macarons as well.

Bayonne, named for a city in France, featured dried sausages and cheese cones.

A mustached French accordion player also represented Bayonne.

The Medoc-Graves Bordeaux booth included 2009 Chateau La Croix, Famille Espagnet.

A pour of 2009 Chateau German Marbuzet Saint-Estèphe required multiple tickets.

A Saint-Émilion-Pomerol-Fronsac booth poured Chateau La Rose Cotes Rol, 2010 Grand Cru.

Sake wasn’t a focus, but still factored into The Riedel Grand Tasting Pavilion.

Halloween was surprisingly popular in Hong Kong, and Wine & Dine had a Jack-O-Lantern.