Bourgogne Week comes to London

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 06 December, 2016

Christmas is still two-and-a-half weeks away but the organisers of the event which aims to "unlock the secrets" Burgundy are already preparing to showcase what the region can offer in 2017.

One of the first dates on the 2017 trade calendar is Bourgogne Week, which launches in the UK on January 9 with trade and consumer tastings planned across London.

One of the new features includes some light entertainment in the form of BourgogneHolmes, a "secret detective" who can be spotted at events with the help of playing of violins.

Holmes has the mission to uncover lesser-known wins at each tasting and reporting them on the event's newly refreshed website.

Later in the year, the unlock the secrets theme will continue for Bourgogne Wines in the UK, woven into a series of activities including The Bourgogne Wines Club, an intimate and interactive tasting club for sommeliers and the on-trade with Xavier Rousset MS; a series of seminars for independent wine merchants and the on-trade; press and blogger outreach; and a press trip to the region.

François Labet, president of the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) which commissions the event said this year they will be placing emphasis on the "ignored" side of Burgundy.

"Many people concentrate only on the super-premium part of the offer, but we have 100 appellations in the region, and the majority of these are accessibly priced.

"Our strategy is to target the key influencers - primarily on-trade and independents, who talk to their customers and hand-sell the wines. We will show them a different side of Bourgogne, giving them the keys to unlock the secrets of the region - secrets which need to be told."

Information regarding individual tastings and sessions are now available on the website where visitors will be able to access information and a tasting diary for each day of the event.

BIVB are launching a ramped up social campaign in the run up to the event, where the 2015 vintage will be making its debut.

Visit www.bourgogne-week.com for more information.

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