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The Wine Show

Visitors will be able to wine a trip to Barcelona, a Tuscan wine weekend, a mini-break at Chteau Rousseau de Sipian, or even win their weight in wine at the Marta's Vineyard stand. The event will also feature a glut of wine experts, who will be available for a chat, as well as hosting tasting sessions and masterclasses throughout the show. They include Oz Clarke, Anthony Rose, Peter Richards and Susie Barrie, Tom Forrest, and Kitty Johnson.

Here is a selection of some of the attractions on offer:

New for 2006:

Thresher's 10-Minute Tasting School

New to The Wine Show, Thresher's tasting school is located near the entrance, and will feature experienced staff passing on tips and techniques for assessing wines like a pro.

The French Wines Experience

This stand will comprise a series of fun lifestyle zones' in which visitors will be able to sample a wide variety of French wine styles. The zones will include:

nights in

nights out

dinner parties

celebrations

outdoor living

Christmas

There will also be an opportunity to buy mixed cases that have been specially selected to match the zones.

Sainsbury's Perfectly Matched Food and Wine

If you're struggling to find the perfect wine match to chicken tikka masala or lemon tart, the Sainsbury's stand will give you the chance to sample various dishes and find an ideal accompaniment. Guests experts at the stand will include Matt Skinner, Ronan Sayburn, and Vincent Gasnier.

Rosemount: The Shape of Things to Come

The show will be the first chance for consumers to see Rosemount's new look: the diamond bottle. Brand owner FGL Wine Estates promises fresh, bright wines focused on intense fruit flavours', and visitors will be able to sample many wines from the range.

Vins de Pays Brasserie

When you've tired of tasting, and are looking for a light snack or something more substantial, the Brasserie will be serving food as well as showcasing some of the best Vins de Pays in France. Every visitor will be given a complimentary glass of wine from the Top 100 competition-winning Vins de Pays wines.

The Codornu Cava Bar

The only on-site Cava bar at the show, visitors to the Codornu stand can relax with a glass of Spanish fizz while admiring the show from the on-high Wine Gallery level.

Wine Idol

Last year saw the emergence of the first Wine Idol (sponsored by Hardy's), Olly Smith, and this year, the search is on for the next rising star. Hosted by Virtual Wine, consumers will get the chance to have an audition, get in front of the camera, sample some wines, and show their skills. The winner will join the panel of wine experts at next month's Virtual Wine tasting event, and also join the Virtual Wine video blog and wine-writing team.

Other new attractions on offer include Grazing Gourmets, wandering food sellers who will be on hand to sell you some top food on the spot; Wine on Canvas, featuring the work of artist Tim Bulmer, whose favourite subject matter is wine.

Back by popular demand: Wine Walks

A team of 20 high-profile wine experts will be taking visitors on themed Wine Walks around the show, with topics such as Whites to wake up your tastebuds', and Syrah and Shiraz - same grape but what's the difference in taste?'. Each walk is limited in number, so to book your place (tickets cost 10), call the hotline on 0870 890 0094. Half of the tickets will be sold in this way, with the other 50% available during the event.

Wine Tasting Theatre hosted by Vinopolis

A free tutored wine tasting hosted by London-based Vinopolis. Sessions are held based on wine regions, and wine experts hosting the sessions include Robert Joseph and Tim Atkin MW.

Meet the Maker

Come and meet 20 direct producers' who act as one-man-bands by picking the grapes, making the wine, and then bottling it themselves. Not surprisingly, these characters love talking about their work, and will be available for a chat at the show. Follow the Meet the Maker' icons.

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