PROWEIN: On the Wein

Head to Düsseldorf’s international wine and spirits trade fair, ProWein, to taste native whites and reds, as well as international and organic wines and spirits. Fionnuala Synnott is your guide

Those of you heading to Düsseldorf this March will find some new additions to ProWein, the city’s international wine and spirits trade show. This year, ProWein’s tasting programme will focus on accessible, finely structured white wines with moderate alcohol up to 12%. Red wines made from native regional varietals will also provide a focal point for visitors. Among the 1,000 wines on offer in the Central Tasting Zone, 50 will be organic, reflecting current consumer interest in this category. The Wine’s Best Friends programme has also gained an additional category this year and will teach visitors how to pair deli foods with appropriate wines.
Although Germany is expected to be the largest exhibitor at the show, ProWein will still retain its international focus with exhibitors from 43 countries in North and South America, Australasia, Asia and of course Europe. (Italy, France, Spain and Austria will be the largest exhibitors after Germany.)
Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample wines from emerging wine producing countries. For the first time at this year’s show, ProWein’s 32,000 trade visitors will be able to sample wines from China, Algeria and Turkey.
As well as being able to taste and evaluate the new vintage offerings from all the major wine producing areas, the fair will also include a comprehensive line-up of educational lectures and workshops. Approximately 200  presentations, in-depth seminars and discussions will take place throughout the three-day fair.
In addition to the wines, ProWein will also feature bottle closures, serving accessories, stemware, packaging and gift items. Suppliers of storage equipment from racks and cabinets to elaborate cellars will also be on display at the show.

But ProWein is not just about wine. Ever since the first fair opened in 1994, spirits have played a vital role at the show. Of the 3,000 exhibitors at this year’s fair, 200 will be distillers showcasing new products as well as more traditional spirits. This year’s spirits offer (in Hall 7a) will focus on smaller distillers with niche offerings of unusual speciality products and regional specialities.
With vintners, cellar masters, sommeliers, chefs and journalists, as well as spirits producers all in attendance, ProWein is a great opportunity for members of the trade to network.

© db February 2008