Expanding horizons: the Eastern European and Balkan styles in vogue

For the UK wine trade, 2024 was the year Central Europe and the Balkans went mainstream. A series of tastings highlighting wines from around the region, from countries within it (notably Hungary and Bulgaria, even tiny Moldova) and regions within countries (Hungary’s Tokaj, Serbia’s Vojvodina) dotted the London events calendar, with high attendance levels showing the scale of interest. Coming up is Furmint February, the annual event highlighting Hungary’s best-known variety; and in early spring, a second pan-CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) tasting.

Protecting and promoting EU hidden gems

The More Than Only Food & Drink campaign provided the backdrop for an insightful discussion about the role that PDO and PGI play in defining Europe’s wines.

Howard Ripley embraces Central Europe

Howard Ripley Wines has taken the plunge in Central Europe, adding eight new producers from across the region to its portfolio.

On-trade wine trends for 2019