Upbeat conversations at WineGB trade and press tasting

The WineGB trade and press tasting took place on Monday 8 September 2025 at a brand new venue in central London. Northumberland Avenue proved a perfect home for the wine trade to come together. The impressive venue split across two floors allowed plenty of space to engage with all the producers and even a tube strike could not deter a constant and growing stream of visitors packing the venue.

The WineGB trade tasting produced something for everyone and a seminar area added to the success of the event this year. Charlie Holland of Jackson Family Wines and Director of WineGB delivered a seminar entitled “Taste the Terroir,” which looked at the influence of soil types on wine. Recognising that Terroir can be a divisive subject Charlie was able to adeptly answer numerous questions from the audience as the seminar progressed.

So many vineyards and wineries were able to showcase the best, the novel and the new wines they have produced. It was impossible to get from one end of the room to the other without witnessing numerous reunions as friends and colleagues chatted and shared experiences. The atmosphere in the room was incredible and it was lovely to hear so many upbeat conversations regarding the upcoming harvest.

Chloe Shiner of Woodchester Valley pointed out that the harvest was well under way – Bacchus, Siegerrebe and Pinot Noir Précoce already having been harvested at the vineyard in Gloucestershire. Woodchester Valley’s Orpheus Bacchus, which is made from a specially selected parcel of grapes each year, was available for visitors to experience. The wine is part barrel fermented and part fermented in stainless steel with the intention of increasing mouthfeel and showcasing a different side to the Bacchus grape.

Robb and Nicola Merchant of White Castle Vineyard, Monmouthshire were showcasing their extensive selection of wines including a newly released Sparkling Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023. With 4g dosage, 18 months lees aging and three months under cork this unique limited production wine will not be available for long. Commenting on harvest 2025 Robb said: “I am excited for harvest 2025 which looks really promising. I would say it is looking like it will be comparable to the 2022 harvest.”

The new venue enabled regional tasting tables to be interspersed among the other exhibitors. These tables allow for vineyards and wineries to group together and showcase what different regions around England and Wales have to offer. Praising this integration, Ian Beecher-Jones of JoJo’s Vineyard, part of the Thames and Chiltern Vineyard Association said: “It is vital for smaller vineyards to attract trade attention and smaller producers and smaller vineyards are able to showcase interesting and innovative wines.

Biddenden Vineyards in Kent have a long history and are well known for producing wines with a difference each vintage. Newly released is the White Pinot 2024 which is the first time Biddenden have produced a white Pinot in over 55 years of production. General Manager and Winemaker at Biddenden Vineyards Tom Barnes said: “We always want to keep the winemaking fresh and provide something different for our customers to enjoy.” Beautifully presented and with a definite honey flavour this wine will be another that will sell out quickly.

Andrew Hill of wine merchant George Hill Ltd of Loughborough which has a 114 year history said: “Biddenden has been my best visit today. I am interested in still wines with the possibility of export. I have been in the trade 60 years and it is still exciting.” It was great to see Andrew and Tom chatting as both are the third generation to enter their respective family wine businesses and this nicely encapsulated the very best aspects of the WineGB trade and Press tasting.

Another wine that attracted attention was Mena Hweg, a still white wine from Knightor in Cornwall. Made by stopping fermentation by dropping the temperature down to -2°C, it is a brave winemaking choice which leaves 38g/l residual sugar. The resulting wine is described by Liam Matthews of Knightor as both “an elderflower bomb and a blue cheese wine.”

The WineGB trade tasting highlighted the growth and the excitement surrounding English and Welsh wine. The event brought together large and small producers, new and established vineyards all under one roof and allowed each to shine in their own unique way.