A new series of agreements between the U.S. and Hong Kong have opened markets—and opened doors to American wine companies. An overnight boom in wine trade occurred in February 2008, when Hong Kong eliminated the wine duties. Merchants are seizing the opportunity to increase shipments and establish a greater presence in Hong Kong. Companies from various sectors of the wine industry are seeking to uncork the huge potential market in Asia and particularly Mainland China – a region on the verge of becoming the driver of global wine sales in the next decade and beyond.