If you've survived the annual jaunt to the two major events in the wine trade calendar, the London International Wine & Spirits Fair (LIWSF) and Vinexpo, it's now time to sit back and enjoy the brief lull before the next round of exhibition hall madness. But how many of us are already planning to visit some of Europe's smaller wine fairs next year too? And are wine trade fairs an essential part of an independent wine merchant's buying strategy, or simply a waste of time and energy?
What's on where
Dcouvertes en Valle du Rhne
Next fair: 13-19 March 2007
Reserved exclusively for wine professionals and wines
from the Rhne Valley. More than 900 exhibitors take part
in 22 tasting events all over the Rhne Valley, organised by appellation.
www.vins-rhone.com
London International Wine & Spirits Fair (LIWSF)
Next fair: 22-24 May 2007
Where: ExCel, London
Attracted more than 18,000 visitors from all over the world
in 2006.
www.londonwinefair.com
MiWine
Next fair: June 2008
Where: Fieramilano, Milan
Expect more than 700 exhibitors and around 35,000 trade buyers and press from around the world at this biennial wine fair in Milan's new exhibition hall.
www.miwine.it
Salon des Vins de Loire
Next fair: 5-7 February 2007
Where: Au Parc des Expositions, d'Angers
A professional trade fair devoted solely to wine produced in the Loire Valley. The 20th anniversary of the event in 2006 was attended by 9,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors.
www.salondesvinsdeloire.com
Vinexpo Bordeaux
Next fair: 17-21 June 2007
Where: Bordeaux-Lac Exhibition Centre
In 2005, almost 50,000 visitors and 2,370 exhibitors took part.
www.vinexpo.fr
Vinisud
Next fair: 18-20 February 2008
Where: Parc des Expositions, Montpellier
A biennial fair reserved exclusively for wine professionals.
In 2006 around 1,500 exhibitors showed wines from regions in the South of France to more than 30,000 visitors from around the world.
www.vinisud.com
Vinitaly
Next fair: 29 March-2 April 2007
Where: Verona Exhibition Centre
Around 4,000 exhibitors and 144,000 visitors descend on Verona every year for five days.
www.vinitaly.com