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Everything you need to know about Millésime Bio 2020

05 November 2019 By Edith Hancock

Winemakers and researchers from Napa to Nantes will head to the south of France at the start of 2020 for the only trade show dedicated to organic wine.

With green issues and climate change increasingly at the forefront of consumers’ purchasing choices, the importance of organic and biodynamic viticulture has never been more apparent – making Millésime Bio more relevant than ever.

Some 6,200 trade visitors from 52 countries descended on the Montpellier Exhibition Centre in Pérols for the 2019 event, but with a whole new hall and the addition of beer and cider makers this January, 2020 is set to be the trade show’s biggest year yet.

The format

This year, Millésime Bio will take place over three days from 27 to 29 January 2020 at the Montpellier Exhibition Centre in Pérols.

A free-pour area fitted with enotecas offers guests the chance to taste wines that have won medals in the show’s annual Challenge Millésime Bio competition – the show’s international organic wine contest.

The fair also runs programme of masterclasses and seminars, paying particular attention to organic winemaking, but also changing trends and issues affecting the wider wine trade, including business and marketing.

The opening party, organised by SudVinBio, will take place on Monday 27 January.

New for 2020

The organisers have had to increase the space to accommodate the increased number of wineries and businesses delving into the world of organics. Therefore, a fifth hall has been opened to house a further 100 exhibitors.

A statement from organisers SudVinBio said that 100% of the space has already been booked, including the extra hall. With 1,300 producers set to showcase their wares in January, this year’s Millésime Bio is set to be the biggest yet.

“It’s safe to say our fair is in very good shape and continues to gather momentum,” Patrick Guiraud, president of Millésime Bio, said.

“This year, we wanted to offer the opportunity for more exhibitors to take part. They’ve been quick to secure their stands and we’ve even had to open a waiting list in September.”

Last year, the fair was opened up to businesses outside the world of wine for the first time, with a handful of breweries and cideries also taking part. This year a dedicated zone is being created especially for these categories.

Following the fair’s traditional format, exhibitors will only be allowed to showcase certified organic products.

The competition

Millésime Bio is also the hub for one of the world’s largest organic wine competitions – Challenge Millésime Bio – with a judging panel made up of wine experts and senior buyers, chaired by Jean-Luc Rabanel, the head chef of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant l’Atelier in Arles and founder of the ‘Greenstronomie’ movement.

Together, they will slog their way through 1,600 wines from 15 countries. The judging itself will take place a few days before the opening of the fair on 15 January.