Coravin aims to support sommeliers with new symposium

By Oliver Catchpole

Published: 14 September, 2026

Coravin has announced the launch of its Symposium for Sommeliers, an event aimed at taking a “deep dive” into the business behind restaurant wine lists.

Taking place on 5 October at The Savoy, the Symposium is designed specifically for those who work in wine hospitality, with a lineup of experienced speakers sharing insights on improving wine sales and profitability.

Proceedings will be led by Coravin founder and inventor Greg Lambrecht, hosting figures such as head of research and insight at the WSTA Davina Kortright; Fuller’s wine buyer Lisa Mcbain; Gordon Ramsay Restaurants group head of wine Giuseppe D’Aniello; and Harpers’ Top 50 sommeliers Frédéric Brugues (wine director at Sketch London) and Charles Carron Brown (restaurant manager at Aulis London).

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The day will kick off with a “state of the nation” panel session looking at how wine lists can meet guests’ needs, with insights direct from the WSTA, with the rest of the event involving a schedule of panel discussions, workshops, talks and tastings, along with an opportunity to network with industry peers.

Breakout sessions will look at important aspects of restaurant hospitality, including “Excel for somms” and “managerial skills for the modern sommelier”.

Commenting on the event, Lambrecht said: “Opening up more possibilities through wine is at the very heart of the Coravin proposition.

“The Symposium grew from that aspiration: we want to support sommeliers who are creating extraordinary wine experiences for their guests, helping them to develop their skills, advance their careers and connect with their community.”

Anne Roque, the head of UK sales at Coravin, added: “Coravin is uniquely placed to bring together all these different, essential elements of wine hospitality.

“Because we can, we’re going beyond business, also looking at careers and advancement in the on-trade and are thrilled to have well-known faces like Sunny Hodge [owner of Diogenes the Dog], Christelle Guibert [UK Wine Sommelier of the Year] and Douglas Blyde [columnist at the London Standard] on board to offer inspiration and ideas.”

More speakers are due to be announced soon. For more information, the full schedule and to buy tickets (priced at £35 for the full day) please click here.

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