LWF to "lead education" globally
The London Wine Fair 2015 will “lead” the wine show world for education and content, according to its organiser.
Ross Carter, event director for LWF at Brintex, told DI there would be around 100 directly organised sessions and “more educational content than any other show globally”.
The show, which runs May 18-20 this year, is expected to attract a similar number of visitors (11,000) and exhibitors (760) to last year in its second outing under a new format.
Last year the show returned to London’s Kensington Olympia venue and took on more of a “domestic tone”. Carter said the show’s change of direction has seen “expectations altered” but said that “the demands are just as forthcoming”.
This year LWF has targeted a further diversity of exhibitors and a push towards more premium wines, suitable for specialist off-trade buyers and the on-trade.
Carter said: “It will be the broadest group of UK importers and distributors in LWF’s 35-year history and the biggest selection of quality wine any exhibitor has showcased in this country.”
Returning is Esoterica, where niche wine producers exhibit, a bulk wine offering, and Brewhouse, which will see up to 50 beer producers exhibit.
While new this year is Wines Unearthed – which features producers without UK distributor agreements – and the View Tastings makes its debut - a self-contained fine wine section of the show with wines priced at £30+.
In partnership with Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and José Vouillamoz’s Wine Grapes book, LWF has also created Wine Grapes 2015.
The new attraction that will become an annual celebration of two given grape varieties, with Syrah and Grüner Veltliner showcased through tastings and exhibitor competitions and master classes this year.