The Auswine Forum

Going to Hong Kong soon, and wondered if anyone can recommend a good wine shop for sourcing a few bottles of top level French wine at reasonable prices (ie better than in Oz) to bring back home.

I gather alcohol taxes are high, so prices are not exactly cheap. However, can you not buy duty free or get a VAT/excise refund to make them more affordable than in Oz?

I've been to Berry Bros in Lee Gardens briefly, but didn't have enough time or patience to investigate, and prices looked pretty scary.

Also, can anyone recommend a good restaurant (food and wine list)?

Thanks.

Minotaur,
Don't expect any bargains with an 80% duty in place. You can sometimes get decent deals on French stuff on special at Watsons Wine Chain (Central or Pacific Place are the best locations) ie cheaper than Oz such as Graillot Crozes Hermitage at sub $40.
In regards to a restaurant, what kind of food are you after? You can get whatever you want in HK, you just have to pay for it.
I can recommend the following:
Hutong - Modern Cantonese with a great view
Spoon - Ducasse's restaurant, bloody expensive
Isola - good northern Italian food.

When are you coming, we could rustle up an offline if you're interested?
Andy

Minotaur

Buy a good bottle of wine over $300AUD in Oz. At the airport, once you have passed customs, go to the Tourist Refund Scheme and show them the bottle and receipt, for which they will provide you with a 25% refund.

Now, you are well equiped for an offline in Hongh Kong!

But really, no bargains in Hong Kong. Grab a few bottles of Dom Duty Free on the way home for around $150AUD ( 98 vintage ).

Getting 25% back off a few good bottles of wine through the TRS may be the best deal!

AndyC,

Thanks for the restaurant/shop recommendations.

Re a HK offline, that sounds great, but I'm not sure I'm going to have a spare evening for it given work commitments.

I will be there from 11-16 April. Would you require much notice if I do find a free evening?


JamieB,

Thanks for duty free suggestions.
Can you get the 25% TRS refund at the airport on the way home, for wines purchased in HK at retail?
What is the current situation re taking wine on board aircraft as hand luggage? If not possible for wine bought at retail, is it possible for wine purchased duty free within customs?

Cheers.

- surprised no-one came in to tell you the duty was 'slashed' to 40% last Wednesday. You should see this reflected in the prices in Watsons' Wine Cellar - check out their website for locations at http://www.watsonswine.com/
Ask the staff which wines have been re-priced, and which have to be sold at the pre-budget price (cos they'd already been taken out of bond).
Nigel

There are quite a few smaller outlets that sell fake wines and spirits. I came across some Jacob's Creek lookalikes. Stick to the major chains. There are some good bargains now and then in Qantas inflight duty free and they did serve Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise red as the free wine in economy class.