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What to expect from ProWein 2023

16 March 2023 By Louis Thomas

As Düsseldorf gears up to host the biggest wine fair in the world, here’s a small taste of what visitors to this year’s edition of ProWein can expect.

With new director Peter Schmitz taking charge after the departure of Bastian Mingers last June, the fair, taking place from Sunday 19 March to Tuesday 21 March, promises to return to a pre-pandemic state of affairs. In total, some 6,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries will be flocking to the German city this weekend, and many times more visitors.

European producers will be well represented, with Italians making up approximately a quarter of the total number of exhibitors. 1,000 French exhibitors will be present Halls 9 and 10, and in the former, just to get you fizzing with excitement, there will be a 1,000-square-metre Champagne Lounge.

This year also marks the return of international cohorts from further overseas. After two years of travel restrictions, more than 100 South African brands will be present.

Likewise, a very special Australian visitor will also be making an appearance – none other than the Princess of Pop and Provençal rosé herself, Kylie Minogue, will be there to meet and talk with members of the trade about her bestselling wines.

From closer to home, this year’s edition also marks a milestone for the British wine industry, as it is set for the biggest English wine producer presence to date. In total, nine English wine brands, from Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Devon, will be present at the Wines of Great Britain stand in Hall 14.

Beyond the show’s wine offering, the Japanese Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) will be sharing traditional Japanese beverages from 20 companies. Plus, there are also a number of spirits exhibitors from around the globe – for a full list, click here.

One special feature of this year’s fair is the focus on no- and low-alcohol drinks, showcased in Hall 1’s ‘World of Zero’. A reflection of changing drinking habits, particularly among members of the younger generation, the prime location for this section demonstrates that this category isn’t just a passing fad.

Additionally, there are Trend Hour Tastings on Sunday 19 March and Monday 20 March at 6pm in the ProWein Forum in Hall 13. These sessions, led by Stuart Pigott and Paula Sidore, will examine hot topics such as bag-in-box wines, how to market sweet wine, and the many faces of ‘bio’.

For a full breakdown of what this year’s ProWein has in store, subscribe to the drinks business and click here.

To visit the ProWein site, click here.

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