In what will be seen as a very positive sign for the U.K. wine trade, several high-profile producers, agents and generic bodies will be at this year’s London Wine Fair, either for the first time or returning after a significant break. With three months to go until The Fair takes place, it is already very close to selling out, with 85% of the space reserved. After a two-year hiatus during which time the U.K. wine industry has been hit by the double impact of Brexit and the Pandemic, this increased investment in the London Wine Fair reflects a renewed confidence in the U.K. wine market.
Wines of Chile has confirmed a national pavilion – the first in several years. Distell, South Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits and ciders, will also return after a long absence. Bourgogne and Chablis will return to the show, with more than 40 Burgundy producers hosting a marketplace-style pop-up tasting on the first day, with an additional free pour tasting of wines from Chablis. Domaine Bousquet, Argentina’s leading organic winery, will also take a stand for the first time, as it increases its commitment to the U.K. market. And from Portugal, a large collective of new-to-market producers from the Península de Setúbal will attend for the first time.
The leading U.K. agents, including Hatch Mansfield, Awin Barratt Siegel, Enotria & Coe, Richmond Wine Agencies and Felix Solis, will return to the Trading Floor.
Hannah Tovey, Event Director of London Wine Fair, said: “We are delighted to see so many producers, importers and generic bodies back on board for our 40th year, as well as several newcomers reinforcing the sense of discovery The Fair is renowned for. After the setbacks of Brexit and Covid-19 we feel this signals an invigorated U.K. market and cements The Fair as a must-attend drinks industry exhibition.”
Visitor registration is now open, with an “Early Bird” rate of £35 for the live and digital show and £20 for the digital only event. This will be applied to the first 1,500 tickets. Full price tickets will be £45 and £35 for the Live and Digital and digital only, respectively. There is a group booking offer where companies can purchase 10 tickets and get one free. Exhibitors will be allocated free tickets for their guests and a number of members of the drinks trade will receive free tickets, including: press; Masters of Wine; and Master Sommeliers. Register via: https://www.londonwinefairevent.com/
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