London Wine Fair set for biggest digital drinks event globally, bookings now live

With the London Wine Fair now less than two weeks away the schedule of content has been revealed, and it promises to be a bumper event for the trade.

This year’s event boasts more than 30 sessions, ranging from industry briefings, to panel discussions and tasting masterclasses. Excitingly, from today (Wednesday 5 May) visitors will be able to book their tasting masterclasses, to ensure samples arrive in time ahead of the event.

More than 500 wineries will be exhibiting , showcasing in excess of 3,000 wines.

Headlining the schedule of content, which is now live, will be a double bill from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA). Chief Executive Miles Beale is set to host a panel debate on the first two mornings. The first is entitled “Wine Trading 2021: Where are we?” and will explore the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 on trading conditions. The second, “Wine Trading 2021: Are we there yet?”, will go ahead on Tuesday morning.

The full schedule of events for a jam-packed show can be found here. Event highlights include:

Monday, 17 th May: 11h00 – 12h00
“How the drinks industry can drive diversity”

How the drinks industry can do more to promote and take effective action to drive diversity and inclusion through the supply chain and into retail and hospitality sectors. Panellists: Johanna Anderson, The WSET; Ross Carter, The Drinks Trust; Kirsten Macleod, Green Park Executive; Deano Moncrieffe, Equal Measures, Hacha Bar; and wine business strategy consultant, Sumita Sarma.

Monday, 17 th May: 14h00 – 15h00
“Indian Wine: exploring one of the world’s most exciting emerging wine regions”

India’s only Master of Wine, Sonal Holland, will showcase six wines from the portfolio of newly launched UK agent, Wines in India, in this Tasting Masterclass. Holland will explore India’s wine production, its unique terroirs, pioneering winemakers and breadth of styles.

Tuesday, 18 th May: 11h00 – 12h00
“Can wine be part of the circular economy?”

A discussion hosted by wine writer, Dr Jamie Goode on how the wine sector can – and should – embrace new formats to ensure future sustainability, organised by Sustainable Wine Solutions from Borough Wines. Panellists: Damien Barton Sartorius, Château Leoville-Barton; Muriel Chatal, Borough Wines; Greg Dunn, Plumpton College; Ania Smelskaya, Wine Sustainability Consultant.

Tuesday, 18 th May: 15h00 – 16h00
“Organic & Biodynamic tasting with Michel Chapoutier”

The Chapoutier family has been working towards biodynamic viticulture since 1991. Michel Chapoutier will host a tasting of six of his Rhône Valley wines, including the acclaimed 2018 Sicamor Crozes Hermitage, which illustrate his organic and biodynamic journey.

Wednesday, 19 th May: 11h00 – 12h00
“Finding and retaining talent”

Top recruitment experts and leaders in the drinks and hospitality industries discuss how to find and then retain the best talent across the sectors. Panellists: Luke Boase, Lucky Saint Brewery; Emma Forster, Drinks Recruitment at New Chapter; Rachel Webster WSET; and Martin Williams, Rogue Restaurants (Gaucho Group & M Restaurants).

And you can access the event here.