PARIS, June 9 — From June 14-18, Bordeaux will live up to its nickname as the wine capital of the world more than ever. The biggest event of its kind, Vinexpo, will set up shop along the lake, at the Parc des Expositions. Forty-two countries will be represented and their representatives will be on hand to present new products to the professionals in Bordeaux to make deals.
Every two years, Bordeaux reaffirms its international standing by hosting the most important players in the world of wine at a professional rendezvous that nonetheless attracts many amateur oenophiles. For in fact, it's in this very place that the bottles those amateurs will seek out at their local wine stores will have been negotiated.
Importers, wholesalers, e-merchants, purchasing groups and hoteliers who have reserved their tickets will number close to 48,000, and some 2,350 exhibitors from 42 countries will await them with their newest products.
Besides the heavyweights from France, Italy and Spain, there will be vineyards from Portugal, Chile, Argentina, the Unites States and South Africa presenting their distinctive wares to connoisseurs. Some buyers will be looking to unearth unique wines from producers in Latvia, Peru or even Syria.
The forefront of bacchanalian trends
“Professionals come to Vinexpo to gauge the latest trends in order to then reinterpret them in their own countries,” explains Guillaume Deglise, managing director. Visitors will scrutinise not just their glasses but their plates too, as this year, the convention has decided to put an emphasis on food and wine pairings.
Arnaud Lallement, the three-Michelin-starred French chef of Reims area restaurant l'Assiette Chapenoise, accompanied by his sommelier, will participate in workshops dedicated to food and wine pairings. No fewer than 26 restaurants will set up shop along the lake to satisfy the gourmands.
... and spirits
Vodkas, rums and whiskys will also shine at the 18th edition of Vinexpo. For the first time, brilliant mixologists will put their talent to work to serve unique concoctions.
With spirits currently a hot phenomenon worldwide, Vinexpo could prove to be the birthplace of notable trends and launches in this domain, something to stay tuned for. — AFP-Relaxnews
