ProWein in pictures

Flags from all over the globe danced in the wind at the entrance to this year’s ProWein in Düsseldorf

The tunnels leading from hall to hall looked like something from a sci-fi film

Counting sheep: our March issue cover proved a hit at the fair, particularly among attendees from New Zealand

Despite an early start, Richard Cochrane of Félix Solís UK was full of the joys of spring, and keen for us to try his two new Spanish sparklers.

We were charmed by the pretty pastel colours of Anna de Codorníu Cava

You spin me right round: The Faustino stand was wheely innovative

Staying in Spain, we swung by the Artadi stand to taste through the estates four single vineyard Rioja’s, including top drop El Pison.

The view from above – while ProWein gives wine the spotlight, a number of high-profile spirits brands took stands at the show.

One of which was German digestif Underberg made from a plethora of aromatic herbs sourced from 43 countries and aged in Slovenian oak barrels. Despite our best efforts, the team remained tight-lipped about its closely guarded recipe.

Marcus Clark from our sister title, The Spirits Business, gets to grips with a bottle of Underberg, which has been scientifically proven to aid digestion.

The Bottega stand was suitably bling, featuring these Swarovski-encrusted large format bottles and a gold Piaggio scooter.

One of the more colourful stands we encountered at the show, with a distinctly Pop Art feel

At the Giusti stand db’s Lucy Shaw and Andrew Oliver (right) were charmed by owner Ermenegildo Giusti (second right) and his nephew Roberto.

On fire: Over at the Concha y Toro stand, we caught up with corporate export director Cristian Lopez and head of communications Ben Smith.

Strike a pose: Ben was sporting enough to model the company’s new virtual reality headsets designed to play an impressive 3D advert for Frontera.

On the Delicato Family Vineyards stand, Elizabeth Rice treated us to a tasting of Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel…

…which paired a treat with the delicious burgers being given away free by Delicato to a lucky few

No trip to Germany would be complete without a sausage…

A large crowd of key members of the wine trade gathered in anticipation to find out who would be crowned the Winemakers’ Winemaker of the year.

The event, put on by the drinks business and the Institute of Masters of Wine, included a Bollinger Champagne reception.

db’s editor-in-chief took to the mic to present the award alongside IMW chairman Sarah Jane Evans MW

Guests from all over the wine world gathered for the event, including the two chaps who oozed serious specs appeal.

And the winner is… Priorat pioneer, Rioja revolutionary and Bierzo big gun Alvaro Palacios

After giving an emotional speech, Palacios celebrated his win with his wife, daughter Laura and nephew Ricardo Perez.