Wine trade fairs

Published: 23 July, 2008

If you've survived the annual jaunt to the two major events in the wine trade calendar, the London International Wine & Spirits Fair (LIWSF) and Vinexpo, it's now time to sit back and enjoy the brief lull before the next round of exhibition hall madness. But how many of us are already planning to visit some of Europe's smaller wine fairs next year too? And are wine trade fairs an essential part of an independent wine merchant's buying strategy, or simply a waste of time and energy?

What's on where

Dcouvertes en Valle du Rhne

Next fair: 13-19 March 2007

Reserved exclusively for wine professionals and wines

from the Rhne Valley. More than 900 exhibitors take part

in 22 tasting events all over the Rhne Valley, organised by appellation.

www.vins-rhone.com

London International Wine & Spirits Fair (LIWSF)

Next fair: 22-24 May 2007

Where: ExCel, London

Attracted more than 18,000 visitors from all over the world

in 2006.

www.londonwinefair.com

MiWine

Next fair: June 2008

Where: Fieramilano, Milan

Expect more than 700 exhibitors and around 35,000 trade buyers and press from around the world at this biennial wine fair in Milan's new exhibition hall.

www.miwine.it

Salon des Vins de Loire

Next fair: 5-7 February 2007

Where: Au Parc des Expositions, d'Angers

A professional trade fair devoted solely to wine produced in the Loire Valley. The 20th anniversary of the event in 2006 was attended by 9,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors.

www.salondesvinsdeloire.com

Vinexpo Bordeaux

Next fair: 17-21 June 2007

Where: Bordeaux-Lac Exhibition Centre

In 2005, almost 50,000 visitors and 2,370 exhibitors took part.

www.vinexpo.fr

Vinisud

Next fair: 18-20 February 2008

Where: Parc des Expositions, Montpellier

A biennial fair reserved exclusively for wine professionals.

In 2006 around 1,500 exhibitors showed wines from regions in the South of France to more than 30,000 visitors from around the world.

www.vinisud.com