With 150 exhibitors from 20 countries around the world, the Hong Kong International Wine Fair will be heaven for wine aficionados and prospective buyers alike. Brazilian wines also make their debut in Hong Kong, giving those with a more exotic palate a taste of South America. Apart from wines, other spirits are available including brandy, beer, whisky, etc. Wine accessories such as glassware will also be on display. The fair takes place from 14 to 16 August, 10am to 6pm daily, for buyers and other members of the industry. The fair is only open to the public on August 16 for an entrance fee of $200. Pre-register at hkwinefair.hktcc.com to avoid queues for the day. There will be opportunities to taste and to purchase various wines from around the world. The fair is hosted at the Hong Kong Exhibition Center by the HKTDC (1830 668).

The fifth Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong Exhibition (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, 2582 8888) is back this September with more on show than ever before. As the fastest growing exhibition and the strongest trade show for the hospitality sector in the Asia Pacific, it is an ideal opportunity for members of the F & B sector to launch new products and to meet other industry professionals from Western and Chinese companies, large or small. This year there are exciting new features in addition to the usual chef masterclasses and various showcases and competitions, such as the Wine Tasting Theatre - where experts help you discover more about some of the finest wines and champagnes on offer - and the Coffee Culture show - which is devoted to all tastes, contraptions and skills related to coffee. The exhibition runs from 12pm to 7:30pm on September 9 and 10, and from 12pm to 6pm on September 11. Visit www.restauantandbarhk.com to register; entry is free, but limited to hospitality professionals. Definitely not to be missed if you’re part of the industry!

Until August 31, wine lovers can head to Post 97 (9 Lan Kwai Fong, 2186 1817) to ‘sniff, swirl, sip and swallow’ – as advised by the LFK venue – Sauvignon Blances from around the world. Served on the list are Geoff Merrill Sauvignon Blances from Margaret River, Australia; Tohu Sauvignon Blances from Marlborough, New Zealand; Chilean Yali Sauvignon Blances for the country’s central valley; and Villiera Sauvignon Blances from Stellenbosch, South Africa. Tasting prices are $98 for four glasses of wine and $78 for three. Happy hour runs from 3-8pm, when the cost is $88 for four glasses and $68 for three.

Devil’s Advocate (48-50 Lockhart Rd, Wanchai, 2865 7271) will be closed for the middle part of August for renovations and a coat of paint - look for a reopening around the 25th of the month. Speaking of changes, long time manager Michelle Price left recently for a new challenge, so on a personal note, we’d just like to say thank you to Michelle for organising some great theme parties and for - with the staff - making Devil’s one of our favourite bars.