This week Excel in Docklands London has been the host to the 30th annual London International Wine Fair for the trade. This event is a highlight in the wine trade calendar. It is an opportunity to experience an incredible range of old and new world wines from over 1200 producers from every part of the globe. As there are over 20,000 wines and spirits to taste, it is no mean feat!
On arrival (after getting our bearings!), we set about visiting a number of stands displaying wines from our own portfolio. Our first stop was Wines of South Africa, where the Simonsig range and Rudera Chenin Blanc 2008 and Robusto Chenin Blanc 2008 wines were on show, showing some of what the best of South Africa has to offer. We then moved through the Southern Hemisphere, stopping off at New Zealand’s Seifried winery, the home of Redwood Valley, chatting to the charming Chris Seifried. Then moving on to Western Australia to see Lucy Wilson, sister of Rebecca Wilson the talented winemaker of Explorer Cabernet Sauvignon. We then ventured on to more traditional territory for us, the Beaujolais stand and met with the delightful Claude Geoffray from Chateau Thivin. We tried his fantastic range of Brouilly and Cote de Brouilly. Some fantastic wines, reminding us why we have these delicious wines on our portfolio!
After seeing a few more familiar faces, we ventured on and tasted wines from outside our usual arena- delicious German Riesling, iconic Australian wines like Tyrells and Knappstein and an array of Madeiran wines, discovering some very useful tips about holidaying in Madeira!
Finally, although I personally didn’t get a chance to visit the London City Bond barge, my colleagues Jane and Verity would like to thank LCB for their great hospitality, as they served lunch and champagne to all their visitors. Much needed refreshment from all the hard work!