Borsa Vini returns to London this October

The 2023 edition of Borsa Vini London, organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), will be held at the Science Museum’s Illuminate Space on 4 October, promising the presence of 54 leading producers and two masterclasses that will shed light on the evolving world of Italian wine. db speaks with ITA’s wine trade analyst.

Which Italian regions will be represented at this year’s Borsa Vini London?

The event will showcase wines from various Italian regions, including Piedmont, Lombardy, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Marche, Abruzzo, Campania, Apulia, Sicily and Sardinia. See full list of exhibitors here.

What opportunities does the event offer attendees?

This presents a significant opportunity for distributors, importers, and trade professionals in the UK interested in adding high-quality Italian wines to their portfolio. The presence of these Italian wine producers actively seeking distribution partnerships underscores the event’s importance as a platform for connecting Italian producers with potential distribution channels in the UK.

Distributors and importers have the opportunity to explore partnerships and collaborations with over 50 of Italy’s leading wine artisans who are seeking local distribution. The event allows them to discover new and unique Italian wines to add to their portfolios.

Those in the restaurant and hospitality industry, including sommeliers, wine buyers, and restaurant owners, can use the event to source exceptional Italian wines to enhance their wine lists and offerings, providing a diverse and high-quality selection for their patrons.

The event also offers excellent networking opportunities for trade professionals seeking to connect with others in the wine industry. Building relationships with fellow attendees can lead to future collaborations and business opportunities.

What about Borsa Vini London’s educational offering?

Masterclasses are integral components of the event, offering attendees the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Italian wines, explore specific aspects of the industry, and engage with knowledgeable experts like Walter Speller, the Italy editor and trade consultant leading these sessions. They serve as valuable educational elements enhancing the overall experience of the 2023 Borsa Vini Italiani in the UK for trade professionals.

What masterclasses will be presented at Borsa Vini London?

Beyond Prosecco – Italy’s rich tradition of sparkling wines explained (11am), presented by Speller, will delve into Italy’s rich tradition of sparkling wines, going beyond the well-known Prosecco. Participants can anticipate discovering hidden wine gems and exploring lesser-known types of Italian sparkling wine. The session offers an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Italy’s diverse sparkling wine offerings.

Indigenous and homegrown – Italian local grape varieties and their adaptability to global warming (3pm), also presented by Speller, will delve into the world of Italian grape varieties indigenous to specific regions. The session will also focus on how these grape varieties adapt to global warming, a crucial consideration in today’s changing climate. Participants can expect to gain insights into the local varietals that define Italy’s terroir.

Click here to register for the masterclasses.

How important is the UK as a market for Italian wine?

The UK is one of the largest wine markets globally. It boasts a well-established wine culture with a diverse consumer base, ranging from wine enthusiasts to casual drinkers. This substantial consumer market provides ample opportunities for Italian wine producers to showcase their products. Italy has a long history of exporting wines to the UK. Italian wines have been enjoyed by British consumers for generations, establishing a strong presence for Italian wines in the UK. In 2022, there was an almost 14% year-on-year of the value of Italian wine exports to the UK.

Borsa Vini London will take place at the Science Museum from 10.30am to 6pm on 4 October.

For further information on exhibitors and masterclasses, and to register to attend, click here.

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