Borsa Vini Italiani 2023 takes place at Illuminate at London’s Science Museum on October 4 between 10.30am-6pm. Click here to register and read below for more information.
You are hosting the Borsa Vini event again in the UK – what can UK buyers look forward to from the tasting?
Borsa Vini holds a prominent position in the Italian Trade Agency’s calendar as the premier wine-focused event. The event will feature 54 Italian wine producers, showcasing and presenting their wines to potential buyers. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore more than 300 wines at an exclusive walk-around tasting at the Science Museum in London.
What sort of wines and styles can buyers expect to taste?
Borsa Vini Italiani 2023 will have 54 producers from all over Italy looking to promote their wines to UK buyers
From sparkling to classic and refreshing wines, from powerful and opulent, to elegant and intense, including white, sweet, and rosé varieties. The styles on offer represent the rich diversity found in Italy. Ranging from international grapes to indigenous ones, these wines are crafted using traditional, low-intervention, and regularly organic methods, providing a multitude of options for exploration.
What regions of Italy are you looking to show?
The event will showcase wines from various Italian regions, including Piedmont, Lombardy, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Marche, Abruzzo, Campania, Apulia, Sicily and Sardinia. We will have producers taking part from many of these regions.
Do you have producers coming that are looking for distribution in the UK?
Indeed, many of the producers are actively seeking distribution within the UK market. This presents a significant opportunity for distributors, importers, and trade professionals in the UK interested in adding high-quality Italian wines to their portfolio. The presence of these Italian wine producers actively seeking distribution partnerships underscores the event’s importance as a platform for connecting Italian producers with potential distribution channels in the UK.
Producers will be travelling from the majority of wine regions in Italy to take part in Borsa Vini Italiani
Attendees involved in wine distribution or importation will have the chance to explore a diverse range of Italian wines and engage directly with producers to discuss potential distribution arrangements.
Do you have any masterclasses taking place as part of the event?
The 2023 Borsa Vini Italiani in the UK will include two enlightening masterclasses designed to provide attendees with in-depth knowledge and insights into Italian wines. They will be presented by Walter Speller, Italy Editor for JancisRobinson.com. Here are the details of the masterclasses:
11am: Beyond Prosecco – Italy’s rich tradition of sparkling wines explained.
This masterclass will delve into Italy’s rich tradition of sparkling wines, going beyond the well-known Prosecco. Participants can anticipate discovering hidden wine gems and exploring lesser-known types of Italian sparkling wine. The session offers an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Italy’s diverse sparkling wine offerings.
3pm: Indigenous and homegrown – Italian local grape varieties and their adaptability to global warming.
In this masterclass, attendees will delve into the world of Italian grape varieties indigenous to specific regions. The session will also focus on how these grape varieties adapt to global warming, a crucial consideration in today’s changing climate. Participants can expect to gain insights into the local varietals that define Italy’s terroir.
These masterclasses are integral components of the event, offering attendees the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Italian wines, explore specific aspects of the industry, and engage with knowledgeable experts like Walter Speller, the Italian editor and trade consultant leading these sessions. They serve as valuable educational elements enhancing the overall experience of the 2023 Borsa Vini Italiani in the UK for trade professionals.
Who do you hope will attend the event and it is most relevant for?
Wine distributors and importers: These professionals in the UK are among the primary target audiences. They have the opportunity to explore partnerships and collaborations with over 50 of Italy’s leading wine artisans who are seeking local distribution. The event allows them to discover new and unique Italian wines to add to their portfolios.
Restaurant and hospitality professionals: Those in the restaurant and hospitality industry, including sommeliers, wine buyers, and restaurant owners, can benefit from attending. They can use the event to source exceptional Italian wines to enhance their wine lists and offerings, providing a diverse and high-quality selection for their patrons.
Wine retailers and shop owners: Retailers and wine shop owners can attend to discover Italian wines that appeal to their customers. They can build relationships with producers and gain insights into the latest trends in Italian wine.
Trade professionals seeking networking opportunities: The event offers excellent networking opportunities for trade professionals seeking to connect with others in the wine industry. Building relationships with fellow attendees can lead to future collaborations and business opportunities.
Wine educators: Wine educators can expand their knowledge by engaging with masterful wine artisans and attending the informative trade seminars led by Walter Speller. These sessions promise to provide valuable insights into Italian wine culture, production, and emerging trends.
Wine journalists and bloggers: Media professionals in the wine industry can attend the event to cover the latest developments in Italian wine and showcase the stories and unique characteristics of the wines and winemakers.
How important is the UK market for Italian wines?
Giovanni Sacchi, London director of the Italian Trade Agency says: “The UK market is a key destination of Italian wine and beverage exports. This is shown by an increase of almost 14% year-on-year of the value of Italian wine exports to the UK in 2022.
The increase in number of producers wanting to take part in this year’s Borsa Vini Italiani – up to 54 – shows how important the show has become and we are confident that this year’s event will be fruitful in encouraging new business partnerships to strengthen and widen the presence of Italian wines in the UK.
The ITA, he says, has identified several key factors that underscore the importance of the UK market for Italian wines:
Market size and consumption: The UK is one of the largest wine markets globally. It boasts a well-established wine culture with a diverse consumer base, ranging from wine enthusiasts to casual drinkers. This substantial consumer market provides ample opportunities for Italian wine producers to showcase their products.
Historical ties: Italy has a long history of exporting wines to the UK. Italian wines have been enjoyed by British consumers for generations, establishing a strong presence for Italian wines in the UK.
Premium and diverse offerings: Italy is renowned for its wide variety of wine regions and grape varieties, offering a rich tapestry of wines that cater to various tastes and preferences. From iconic regions like Tuscany and Piedmont to lesser-known areas, Italian wines cover the spectrum from affordable table wines to premium, collectible vintages. This diversity aligns well with the UK market’s demand for a wide range of wine choices.
Consumer demand: British consumers have shown a growing interest in exploring different wine styles and regions, and Italian wines have gained popularity due to their versatility and quality. Italian wine regions like Prosecco, Chianti, and Amarone have become household names in the UK.
Cultural significance: Italian wines are often associated with Italian cuisine, which has a substantial presence in the UK. Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and trattorias are widespread, and Italian wines complement the dining experience, enhancing their cultural significance.
For those that don’t know the Italian Trade Agency can you explain your role?
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) serves as the governmental agency supporting the business development of Italian companies abroad while promoting the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. Our desk oversees all activities related to promoting Italian wine producers in the UK, facilitating new encounters with interested trade operators, fostering future collaborations, and reinforcing the presence of companies already represented in the country.
What do you hope to achieve with Borsa Vini Italiani?
Our primary objective is to facilitate business connections between Italian wine producers and buyers, including importers, distributors, and retailers. We are committed to supporting the Italian wine business ecosystem and showcasing the vast diversity that Italian wine can offer to the UK market.
* If you would like to attend Borsa Vini Italiani you can register here.
