BORDEAUX, France, May 31 — Winners of the world’s largest wine competition will be announced at Vinexpo in Bordeaux next month, the first time two of the most important events on the oenophile’s calendar have been brought together.

The Decanter World Wine Awards, which crowns the best wines around the world and is traditionally held in London, will move to Bordeaux next month in a tie-up that will make Vinexpo a powerhouse event this year.

Wines in the competition are judged by a panel of 60 Masters of Wine and more than 15 Master Sommeliers and winning wines that carry the Decanter label receive a boost of consumer confidence — and a major boost in sales.

Experts will also gather to speak about surprising wins at this year’s awards and reveal the secret to recognising and awarding quality wines.

Another major event at this year’s Vinexpo will be a special panel discussion focusing on the US wine market, hosted by Wine Spectator magazine.

A panel of experts that includes Michael Mondavi, founder of Folio Fine Wine Partner; the assistant general merchandising manager for alcohol at Costco; and Stephen Rust, president of Diageo Reserve and Diageo Chateau & Estate, will discuss trends in the US wine market, how to market to US wine drinkers and challenges facing international wineries in the US.

Winners of the Decanter World Wine Awards will be announced on Sunday, June 14, and the panel discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16.

Vinexpo runs from June 14 to 18. — AFP-Relaxnews