Events Articles - Wine Industry Digest

ProWein Düsseldorf 2026 Launches App and Matchmaking Tool to Streamline Trade Fair Networking

Europe Vinetur Events

ProWein Düsseldorf has launched a new app and matchmaking tool ahead of its 2026 event, making it easier for wine industry professionals to network and find relevant connections before and during the trade fair. The digital innovations aim to streamline meetings between producers, distributors, and retailers at what's one of Europe's most important wine industry gatherings. It's a handy development for anyone planning to attend Europe's major wine networking event.

International Wine Challenge 2026 crowns Champion Wines and Winemakers

You might also like The Shout Sep 9, 2026 Events

The International Wine Challenge 2026 has announced its results, with France dominating the overall medal table by earning 849 medals, including 67 Golds and 14 Trophies. The competition recognises champion wines and winemakers across the globe, making it one of the industry's most prestigious annual benchmarks. These results reflect strong performance from established wine regions and offer valuable insights into current quality standings in the international market.

International judges for wine and brandy at Veritas Awards

South Africa TygerBurger Sep 9, 2026 Events

The Veritas Awards, South Africa's leading wine and brandy competition, has recruited international judges to evaluate this year's entries. This move underscores the competition's commitment to world-class judging standards and reflects the growing global recognition of South African wine quality.

South Australian wineries shortlist for Wine Tourism Awards - theshout.com.au

Australia & New Zealand The Shout Sep 7, 2026 Events

Several South Australian wineries have been shortlisted for the Wine Tourism Awards, recognising excellence in wine tourism experiences. The recognition highlights the region's commitment to visitor engagement and cellar door experiences alongside production quality.

Three reports, one deadline – enter by 2 September

South Africa winemag.co.za Aug 28, 2026 Events

Wine Magazine's seasonal Category Reports are now accepting entries for the Spring Series, with three categories open: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cape Bordeaux Red Blends. Wines will be judged by a panel including Christian Eedes and specialists from leading retailers, with entries closing on 2 September. The producer of the best wine in each category wins shipping services worth R10,000 from Aspiring Couriers.

Vineyards launch first ever Malvern Hills Wine Festival

UK Malvern Gazette Aug 20, 2026 Events

English vineyards in the Malvern Hills have announced the first ever wine festival for the region. This is a new event that should give local producers a chance to showcase their wines to visitors and trade attendees.

UK Wine Enters a New Era: The Wines and Vineyards That Defined the 2026 WineGB Awards

UK WineGB Jul 20, 2026 Events

The 2026 WineGB Awards have highlighted a significant leap forward for English and Welsh wine production, with judges noting that the industry has 'outgrown the box' and is now producing world-class wines across multiple styles. Langham Wine Estate dominated again with its Corallian Classic Cuvée scoring an impressive 99 points, while Hattingley Valley's Kings Cuvée 2017 achieved 98 points. The results show sparkling wines remain the standout category, but still wines like Blackbook Winery's Pygmalion Chardonnay are emerging as genuine contenders, signalling a maturing and increasingly diverse UK wine sector.

ProWein will refocus its 2027 fair on buyers and business generation

You might also like Vinetur Jul 1, 2026 Events

ProWein, one of Europe's leading wine trade fairs, is reshaping its 2027 event to put greater emphasis on connecting with buyers and driving business deals. This strategic shift reflects the industry's focus on making trade shows more results-oriented and practical for wine businesses looking to build partnerships and boost sales.

New dedicated stage reflects growing UK wine market at Fruit Focus

UK Hort News Jun 29, 2026 Events

Fruit Focus is giving UK wine industry its moment in the spotlight with a brand new dedicated stage at this year's event, marking the show's 40th anniversary. The stage will showcase cutting-edge topics like robotics in viticulture, climate change adaptation, and carbon reduction strategies, reflecting how seriously the UK wine sector is taking sustainability and innovation. It's a clear sign that British wine production is gaining real recognition on the global stage.

Croatia’s largest wine show opens in Poreč

Europe Croatia Week May 8, 2026 Events

Croatia's biggest wine show is opening its doors in Poreč, bringing together producers and industry professionals to showcase the country's wines. It's a key event for the Croatian wine sector and reflects the ongoing activity and growth in Central European wine markets within the EU.

Canned Wine Group asks: “Does it pay to be a first mover?” at this year’s London Wine Fair

UK Rise & Shine May 6, 2026 Events

The Canned Wine Group is raising an interesting question at this year's London Wine Fair: does being one of the first to market with canned wine actually pay off? It's a timely discussion as the canned wine sector continues to grow, and this trade show appearance suggests the conversation around alternative packaging is becoming a serious part of industry strategy.

London Wine Fair Announces Record Breaking Sessions for 2026

UK Wine Industry Advisor Apr 30, 2026 Events

The London Wine Fair has announced record-breaking sessions lined up for 2026, signalling strong momentum for the UK's flagship wine industry event. The expanded programme reflects growing demand from trade professionals and exhibitors keen to connect and showcase their offerings. It's an encouraging sign of vitality in the wine sector heading into the new year.

A celebration of vineyards of the Surrey Hills

UK Vineyard Magazine Apr 19, 2026 Events

The Vineyards of the Surrey Hills collective is launching its first dedicated wine week from 30 May to 7 June 2026, bringing together seven regional vineyards including Denbies Wine Estate and Albury Organic Vineyard. The event will feature tastings, vineyard tours, and wine festivals across the North Downs, showcasing English sparkling wines, whites, rosés and reds against the backdrop of the Surrey Hills landscape. It's a celebration of how England's wine regions are increasingly collaborating to attract visitors and showcase the quality of their wines.

Call for entries: The Global Organic & Vegan Wine Masters 2026

You might also like The Drinks Business Mar 26, 2026 Events

The Drinks Business is now accepting entries for the Global Organic and Vegan Wine Masters 2026, a competition celebrating one of the wine industry's fastest-growing segments. Wines will be judged by style and price across all organic and vegan categories, with medals awarded by an expert panel of Masters of Wine and senior buyers. It's a great opportunity for producers to gain international recognition and showcase wines that meet rising demand for sustainable, transparent production.

Madrid set to gain its first international wine fair

Europe Harpers Wine & Spirit Mar 25, 2026 Events

Madrid's launching its first major international wine fair this May, called WINEMAD, positioning itself as a significant new gathering point for the global wine industry. It's an interesting development for the European wine trade calendar and could become an important event for industry professionals looking to network and do business in Spain. Worth keeping on your radar if you're involved in wine distribution, retail, or international trading.

The Old Vine Photography Competition

You might also like The Old Vine Conference Mar 6, 2026 Events

Celebrating photography that captures the beauty, history, resilience, and cultural significance of old-vine viticulture across the world the competition invites both amateur and professional photographers to document and interpret the relationship between vine, land, and people - from monumental vineyard landscapes to intimate studies of structure, texture, and seasonal life. Entries open today (6th March) with a deadline of 5th May 2026.

Vindustrious drives London Wine Fair into ‘new chapter’ for 2026

UK The Drinks Business Mar 6, 2026 Events

Hannah Tovey has taken full ownership of the London Wine Fair through her new company Vindustrious, marking the first time the long-running trade event operates as an independent business. Four months into the buyout, the 2026 edition is already tracking ahead of last year's bookings, with the fair expanding its offerings through new initiatives like the Host Nation programme and a co-location with BREW//LDN, all set to take place at Olympia from 18-20 May.

Winemakers’ Winemaker Award for 2026 to be announced at ProWein

You might also like The Drinks Business Mar 5, 2026 Events

The prestigious Winemakers' Winemaker Award, where Master of Wine practitioners vote for their winemaking hero, will be announced at ProWein in Düsseldorf on 16 March. Since 2011, this annual award has recognised outstanding cellar-based achievement and has been bestowed on some of the wine world's most celebrated names, from Álvaro Palacios to Angelo Gaja. The ceremony's open to IMW members and invited trade professionals who want to celebrate excellence in winemaking.

ProWein: First data-driven tool for efficient trade fair visits - Targeted orientation and contacts instead of information overload

Europe wein.plus Feb 9, 2026 Events

ProWein, one of Europe's leading wine trade fairs, has launched a new digital tool called 'Insights to Action' (I2A) to help visitors make the most of their time at the event. The data-driven platform aims to cut through the noise of massive trade shows by providing targeted networking suggestions and helping attendees plan their visits more strategically. It's a smart move that could make the fair experience more productive for wine professionals looking to build meaningful business connections.

Kylie Minogue to attend Wine Paris

Europe The Drinks Business Feb 2, 2026 Events

Pop star Kylie Minogue will be attending Wine Paris 2026 (9-11 February) to present her wine portfolio and present an award at the show's V'Dor ceremony. Her wine brand, launched in 2020, has become the UK's best-selling premium rosé and top branded Prosecco Rosé, with her low and no-alcohol sparkling range driving a third of all growth in that category over the past two years. She's also launching a new lighter wine called The Petit Rosé at the major Paris trade fair, which expects to attract over 52,600 trade visitors.