Beach hair, salty skin and a glass of award-winning Riesling – the Wakefield Tasting Cart Pop-Up at The Arcade may have just perfected the post-swim ritual.

Founded in 1969 in South Australia's Clare Valley, Wakefield Taylors Family Wines is a third-generation family-owned winery now sold in over 60 countries.

From July 1 to July 31, 2025, the elegant Repulse Bay Arcade becomes home to Wakefield's finest wines, where guests were treated to complimentary pours of two renowned white wines at a trolley bar: Wakefield Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024 and Wakefield Estate Riesling 2024, in partnership with Jebsen Wines and Spirits. 

We visited The Arcade on a sunny Wednesday afternoon and were immediately drawn to the Wakefield wine cart, located in a charming European-style plaza. With its French arches, wooden accents, summer blossoms, and verdant greenery, this pop-up offered a refreshing respite from the city.

The vibe was low-key but elegant, with wine glasses catching the light, and people lounging under the cheerfully striped garden umbrellas. We tried both whites—starting with the Sauvignon Blanc, which was zippier and a little more tropical and had a fragrant herbaceous edge that made it feel especially refreshing after walking in the sun. The Estate Riesling followed, and it did not let us down. It was cold, citrusy, and floral without being sweet, and cut through the heat perfectly.

Both wines paired surprisingly well with the elegant canapes that were passed around—light cucumber sandwiches, sesame-seared tuna, and a berry-flavored scallop appetizer which added a punchy, summery kick.

The Arcade itself was part of the charm—there was something about the vintage architecture and the lush gardens that made us feel like we were on holiday in the Mediterranean. You could tuck yourself into a shady spot or stay out in the sun; either way, it was calm and understated, which made the wine taste even better!

We chatted with a few other guests who decided to make the Wakefield wine tasting part of their afternoon wind-down. It felt communal without being crowded, with the soft buzz of conversation floating through the air.

Those seeking a more indulgent escape also made their way to The Verandah's Sunday Brunch. The Verandah's allure is a credit to its rich history; the restaurant opened in 1986 and is housed inside a century-old building which once welcomed visitors from the old Repulse Bay Hotel.

For HK$698, guests can enjoy an exclusive seafood-forward feast while overlooking golden white sand and expansive bay below. This exclusive menu features Boston Lobster, Crudos and Ceviches, Roasted Halibut and Slow-cooked Beef Short Rib, with Tiramisu and a live crêpe station to round off the meal. Best yet, it is enhanced by a two-hour free-flow beverage package (HK$398) of Wakefield’s Riesling and Merlot pairings, plus premium wines, cocktails, and champagne.

Jordi Vallès Claverol, the new Executive Chef at The Verandah, will be adding a Mediterranean touch to the menu. He also graced the event, saying, "I'm really excited to have Wakefield Wines at our premises; we'll use the wine for brunch and in our spices. Wakefield Wines pairs very well with our food."

Meanwhile, Grill & Chill by the Bay at The Marquee and Seaview Terrace will feature Wakefield Wine pairings on the first and third Saturdays of July. Al fresco lovers can indulge in a laidback setting with grilled sliders, bratwurst, calamari, and Wakefield wines.

Wakefield’s Summer Sips pop-up turned out to be the perfect excuse to linger a little longer at Repulse Bay. Good wine, good views, and just enough sun—Wakefield made it feel like a mini-break turning July weekends into a ritual of effortless luxury.

Visit The Verandah on their website, or Seven Rooms to make a booking.

For more information, visit Wakefield Wines on their website, Instagram and Facebook. Visit Jebsen Wines and Spirits on their website and Instagram.

Location: The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong