This year’s London Wine Fair – just around the corner – is set to be the biggest in recent years, with wines from over 40 producing countries taking part, from off the beaten track finds from Armenia, Belgium, Japan, Serbia and Ukraine to the stalwarts of France, Italy, Australia and South Africa.

Closer to home, the 2024 London Wine Fair will see the largest turn out from English and Welsh producers to date.  Eighteen English wineries, including Defined Wine, Giffords Hall, Halfpenny Green, Silverhand Estate/MDCV, House of Coren and Radlow Hundred are set to take part in the Drinks Britannia section this year, an increase of 50% on 2023. 

Sustainability will again be a central theme for this year, spanning regenerative farming, logistics, climate action and opportunities within a circular economy.  In addition, there will be a number of new features and content, including: the Taste Discovery Zone, a new feature which will showcase all non-wine drinks to showcase the breadth of products now available; and The Buyers Concierge Programme, which has been tailored for the 50 top UK buyers. The London Wine Fair Wine Buyers Awards are back for 2024, with two new categories: best on-trade buying team and best off-trade buying team.

A highlight for 2024 will be “Judgement of London”, an homage to the late Steven Spurrier’s landmark “Judgement of Paris” Tasting of 1976.  Judgement of London will feature two flights: European vs Rest of World Icons Tasting with a white followed by a red flight. The flights and scoring system are being curated by Ronan Sayburn MS, CEO of The Court of Master Sommeliers, alongside wine writer and highly respected tasting judge Sarah Abbott MW.  In an update to the original format, which saw current vintages of Bordeaux and Californian wines compared, the 2024 version will see a broader number of countries participating. The tasting panel will comprise around 20 judges of the industry’s most discerning palates, including leading buyers, top sommeliers, and wine writers. The tasting will take place at the show on Monday 20 May, with the results announced on centre stage during the Fair.

As always there will be an unrivalled schedule of masterclasses, seminars and briefings at the show.  Highlights include a seminar in the Education Zone hosted by Positive Impact Concept on
Climate Tech: the potential of the circular economy at 12 noon on Tuesday 21 May and a session on Regenerative Viticulture with a panel curated by Anne Jones of Limestone & Jones, which will take place on Centre Stage (2pm, Wednesday 22 May).

Hannah Tovey, Head of London Wine Fair, said: “The Fair has always been a platform for the UK industry, from launching new products to showcasing the most exciting innovations and trends, as well as tackling the more challenging issues of the day, such as the on-going effects of Brexit and legislation.  For those working in the drinks industry, it is an unmissable three days of business, education, and networking.  We are particularly delighted to welcome so many UK wineries to the London Wine Fair this year and we look forward to seeing a busy three days within Drinks Britannia.”

Register

Monday 20 May: 10am – 6pm

Tuesday 21 May:  10am – 6pm

Wednesday 22 May: 10am – 5pm

To register, please visit: www.londonwinefair.com