Discover the road less travelled at SITT Autumn

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 11 September, 2017

There’s only one week to go until SITT Autumn, when once again the Harpers team will be bringing independents a one-day event packed with discussion and discovery.

As the only tasting that is devoted to fulfilling the needs of the independent sector, across two days in Bristol (September 18) and London (September 20), visitors will be able to taste over 800 different wines – none of which are available in the supermarkets or high street chains.

Whether you’re an independent wine merchant, regional wholesaler, owner, manager or part of the F&B team of an independent restaurant or bar, at SITT, it’s our mission to bring you some of the world’s most intriguing wines, which will not only set your offering apart from the crowd, but over-deliver on price and taste.

Part of that is a series masterclasses which will focus on specific regions or areas of interest which can add value to independent businesses.

Kicking off the day in London will be a breakfast briefing, hosted by Harpers editor Andrew Catchpole, who will be looking at various ways specialists can hone their USP.

At both events in Bristol and London, Beyond Tokaj will offer visitors a taste of Hungary.

Host Peter McCombie MW will be talking and tasting his way through top picks from this evolving region.

At both events McCombie will also be looking at wines from Lebanon while Christopher Cooper will be exploring how to capture the biggest emerging wine drinking market – millennials.

Chenin Blanc from the Loire will be the topic of Laure Patry, executive sommelier for Jason Atherton Restaurant Holdings and SITT’s new on-trade ambassador for SITT Autumn.

Last but not least, at this upcoming edition of SITT we are introducing our new Spotlight On feature, giving a platform to an area of specialist interest.

For autumn 2017 that spotlight will be shining on Bordeaux.

Watch out for neck labels highlighting top picks from this historic region or visit Planete Bordeaux at their stand to find out more.

There is also the option to attend the SITT Spotlight on Bordeaux / Bordeaux Supérieur masterclass which will focus on ‘great wines at affordable prices’ hosted by educator Raul Diaz.

Masterclasses are free to attend with places offered on a first come, first served basis.

Simply visit the masterclass desk in the exhibition hall on the day and return to the desk approx. 15 minutes before the class is due to start.

See our dedicated SITT supplement which went out with Harpers’ September issue for more information.

The full schedule for masterclasses and registration can also be found at www.sittastings.com