Cool Climate Symposium opens today

The 9th International Cool Climate Wine Symposium opened its doors today in Brighton for three days of events and discussions around cool climate wine production. The event brings together delegates and speakers from across the international wine community and promises to reinforce the position of English and Welsh wines on the world stage.

In the keynote speech at the Symposium’s opening ceremony this morning, Jancis Robinson MW praised English sparkling wine for its “hedgerow in a glass” character, and for the fact that it’s not trying to be merely a copy of Champagne. She also urged the UK government to rejoin the OIV to stop the UK wine industry from being marginalised from international research.

Since 1984, the Symposium has been held every four years to discuss the issues surrounding the production of  wine in cool climates. It’s previously been held in the United States, New Zealand, Germany and Australia.

English viticultural consultant Stephen Skelton MW, commented: “The holding of the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium in Brighton is a very positive step forward in the recognition of the UK as a place to grow grapes and make good wines and will help put us on the map of genuine producer countries.”

The theme of the 9th Symposium is “Successful wine production in changing climates”, with the programme will be organised along three main themes: facing a challenging climate, optimising fruit and wine quality, and cool climate wine styles.

The viticultural, oenological and wine business aspects of these themes will be explored through keynote speakers, presentations, seminars, workshops, posters and tastings.

Around the formal programme of the Symposium, there’s also a range of other events – there are vineyards/winery visits, the first Sussex International Food and Wine Festival, the annual Brighton Arts Festival, as well as evening networking events and the Symposium gala dinner.