Line-up revealed for International Sparkling Wine Symposium

A host of big name speakers have been unveiled for the second International Sparkling Wine Symposium.

The event takes place at Denbies Wine Estate in the UK from 1-2 November 2011.

Opening with a focus on product innovation and concluding with a consideration of the commercial aspects of sparkling wine, the event will offer a platform to oenologists, producers, marketers, buyers and press from around the world.

Technical sessions on the first day of the Symposium will feature presentations from Codorniu’s Bruno Colomer and Arthur O’Connor, Ed Carr from Accolade Wines, Peter Ferreira from Graham Beck, Jaume Gramona from Gramona Cava, Dr Bertrand Robillard from the Institut Oenologique de Champagne and Mario Geisse from Caves Geisse and Casa Silva.

Producers are invited to submit wines for the Grand Tasting to be held at the end of day one.

The commercially focused sessions on day two will include a review and forecast of global markets, followed by a focus on emerging newer markets. There will also be a session on how to make the best use of social media and PR for promoting wines; a debate on the future of English sparkling wine and, finally, two research presentations which will look at lighter bottles and consumer perceptions of sparkling wine.

Explaining how the event will evolve from the first Symposium back in 2009, co-organiser Dr Jamie Goode said: “We’ve taken on board all the feedback and suggestions and extended the program over two days to allow more detailed focus on different aspects of sparkling wine.

“The Grand Tasting will also be bigger and more of a focus this year as this was clearly a highlight in 2009: very few attendees had ever tasted so many different styles alongside each other before.”

Delegate tickets are available for £325 + VAT each from www.sparklingwinesymposium.com