Reasons to visit LIWF: part 1

Despite some woe-laden headlines there are still compelling reasons to visit the London Wine Fair.

Anyone reading the majority of the headlines surrounding the LIWF of late might be forgiven for thinking that the poor fair was on teetering on the verge of a catastrophic collapse.

It has certainly been hit hard but, as our preview pointed out last month, the LIWF still has its supporters and more recent news points to a new focus and sense of purpose.

With the UK set to retain its place as one of the largest wine markets in the world over the next few years, here are the first five reasons for attending this year’s show.

10. Discovery

Of all the wine fairs, it is perhaps the LIWF that can boast the most diverse spread of exhibitors when broken down by country.

The UK is one of the most diverse wine markets in the world. The LIWF has a fine tradition of exhibiting wines from Eastern Europe, the Lebanon, Brazil and India.

As high profile UK companies drop out, it is the world’s emerging wine countries that have remained the most loyal to the fair – Russia and Croatia will be returning for the fifth time.

The first Chinese winery to exhibit, Château Hansen (pictured), will also be seeking representation.

9. Food and drink

It may not be the best (and there are plans to introduce better food stands for next  year) but, anecdotally, while many visitors to ProWein can praise its size, many would add that it’s rather more difficult to find a decent cup of coffee or lunch.

Without playing too much on stereotypes, the Germans are not known for their cuisine.

There are plenty of dependable kiosks and sandwich stands at ExCel to buy a quick bite or a morning coffee and let’s not forget the joys of The Fox for that post-show pint.

8. Beer

This year’s LIWF will be the first where beer will make a greater appearance.

There will be Riedel masterclasses on beer tasting and how beer is affected by different glassware, while 50 brewers including St Austell, Marston’s and Oakham, will be showing the trophy and medal winners from last year’s International Beer Challenge.

Rupert Ponsonby will also be hosting a tasting class with his Mr Trotter’s Pork Scratchings paired with Champagne, Sherry and, of course, beer.

7. The quality of the exhibitors

Although Mentzendorff, Bibendum and Enotria may be among those who have pulled out this year, the quality of those remaining is still very high.

González Byass, JE Fells, Copestick Murray, Hatch Mansfield, Seckford Wines and Treasury Wine Estates will all be in attendance.

Furthermore, with Fells, Louis Latour Agencies and Hatch Mansfield exhibiting, the three big Burgundy names of Louis Latour, Bouchard Père et Fils and Louis Jadot will be present – at a time when Burgundy is right on trend.

González Byass too is riding the Sherry wave which is still going strong in the hispanophile bars and restaurants.

Visiting winemakers too are of the highest calibre, with Clovis Taittinger, Haut-Brion’s Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Aldolfo Hurtado of Cono Sur.

6. It’s more manageable

Yes there are fewer of the high profile names and yes they have grabbed a lot of the press.

However, are fewer exhibitors an entirely bad thing?

With fewer exhibitors comes the chance to visit a greater proportion of them, maximising your chances of fitting in the key players..

Wine fairs are exhausting enough at the best of times. ProWein and Vinitaly may trumpet how gargantuan they are becoming but who can honestly say that when they visit either one they ever do more than scratch the surface?

As Louis Latour Agencies’ director Richard Nunn noted in last month’s preview: “The buyers will still be coming so we see it as a commercial opportunity, especially if there are fewer competitors.”