Save the date circulated for possible return of Annual Champagne Tasting

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 01 February, 2017

The Annual Champagne Tasting could be returning to London following the divisive decision made last year not to hold the event in 2017.

Harpers has been made aware that a save the date notification has been circulated to members of the trade, in which the Champagne Bureau UK said that it "will run a new, revamped Champagne event in London".

It went on to say that the date earmarked for the event was Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

However, it is still unclear what format the event would take, or if it is even going ahead.

Francoise Peretti, director of the bureau, was approached for comment this morning, but said that it was too early to discuss plans or confirm if an event or tasting would return in 2017.

Last July, the Champagne Bureau UK announced plans to "pause" activity in the UK - its largest export market by volume - in order to "explore other opportunities".

The save the date was sent after the central Champagne board Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin Champagne said it was reviewing the established format.

Prior to its cancellation, the Annual Champagne Tasting had run for over two decades in London.

The announcement of the cancellation drew criticism from members of the trade including Andrew Hawes, chairman the Champagne Agents Association, who urged the committee to reconsider its decision, stressing the important role that the event and London plays as "the principle shop-window from which to promote Champagne to a global audience."

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