WineGB trade and press tasting returns to London in September

The event will be hosted at the Battersea Arts Centre in London on 4th September from 11am until 5:30pm.  

The organiser said that this year’s trade and press tasting will feature wines from across the UK, with an exclusive pop-up to showcase the work of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) Scheme.  

There will be a masterclass featuring SWGB-accredited wines, themed tasting tables highlighting the WineGB Awards trophy winners, wine styles and varieties, and a dedicated area within the Grand Hall for the Regional Associations.  

Founded in 2020, the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Scheme now has 78 members, of whom 23 are fully certified (both vineyard and winery).  

Over 10% of our audited members are Gold Certified, indicating that they have been certified for over three years, showcasing their long-term commitment to sustainability.  

The event will begin with a press briefing at 9:30am on insights and new trade data with exclusive media access to the Grand Hall, before opening up to wider trade from 11am. 

Themed tasting tables 

This year’s themed tasting tables will have a dedicated space and will feature wines grouped into the following categories: 

WineGB Awards trophy winners 

The organiser said that this will be “cream of the crop” from this year’s WineGB Awards, which saw a record number of entrants and gold medals given. This year, trophies went to wines produced in 13 different counties, so buckle up for a vinous tour of the UK.  

Lower alcohol wines: 12.5% ABV and below 

Many of the wines produced in England and Wales have naturally lower levels of alcohol. As consumers increasingly yearn for fresher styles of wine without the punch, the event participants will be able to try some of the best examples that are 12.5% ABV and below. 

New Classics 

WineBG said: “Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus and Seyval Blanc may be our most planted varieties, but there’s many more to explore.  

“The UK is home to over 90 different varieties, with 51 varieties planted in the last year alone. We now have 30 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and growing volumes of Albariño and Gamay, while hybrids now account for 8% of total plantings.  

“From the other Pinots and our heritage varieties to new PIWI grapes and global giants, as our industry evolves, will any of them become new classics?”

New releases 

Those who want to know what is new in English and Welsh wine will have a chance to try the latest launches, including first releases from up-and-coming vineyards to the latest developments from well-known producers. “Taste the trends fresh off the press,” WineGB said. 

Sustainable wines 

The participants will explore sustainable stars from producers going the extra mile to demonstrate their environmental credentials.  

They will also have a chance to taste through a selection of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certified wines. 

1,000 milestone 

Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, the trade association for English and Welsh wine, said: “I am delighted to welcome members of the trade and press to our flagship Trade and Press Tasting on 4th September.  

“With our industry growing fast and vineyard numbers surpassing the 1,000 milestone, this event is the perfect opportunity to sample the award-winning, diverse, and innovative wines available in the UK.” 

This event is open to bona fide members of the trade and press only. To register to attend, please click here.  

Read more vine news.