London Wine Fair to host briefing on how to build a wine list

The London Wine Fair has announced an industry briefing that will focus on the importance of wine in the on-trade, chaired by some of the biggest names in the UK restaurant and wine scene, including chefs, sommeliers and a master of wine.

Sommelier Sandia Chang, co-founder of Bubbledogs and The Kitchen Table, will be among the panellists taking part in the briefing.

Billed as “essential” for anyone selling to restaurants or involved in wine in the on-trade, the “Wine & Dine” industry briefing will be hosted by the London Restaurant Network – a membership organisation of restaurant professionals – and will focus on how chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers build their wine lists.

The panel will include Sandia Chang, co-founder and sommelier at Bubbledogs and Kitchen Table; Romain Bourger, head sommelier at The Vineyard at Stockcross; Bastien Ferreri, restaurant manager and head sommelier at Frenchie; Paulo de Tarso, co-founder at Margot; and Anne McHale MW, wine consultant at Doyle Collection Hotels.

The discussion will cover topics relevant to the role wine plays in the restaurant industry today, with panellists expected to share their views on how wine lists differ between independent restaurant groups, whether wine lists should always reflect and accommodate wine trends and if the perception of the sommelier is changing among diners, as well as their tips for curating a well-balanced and successful wine list.

The session will be chaired by Fabio Adler and Tracey Howes, founders of the London Restaurant Network, and will feature a Q&A from the audience.

The session will take place on Monday, 21 May, at 5.30pm.

Places can be booked in advance here.