The wine world is about to witness a grand debut as The Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) Wine Fair makes its inaugural appearance in London on Tuesday, 18 June 2024.
Organized by Wine Communication, this exciting event promises to be a captivating exploration of the diverse and vibrant wine scene spanning Central and Eastern Europe.
Uniting producers from 14 countries across the region, from the picturesque banks of the Danube to the sun-kissed shores of the Black Sea, the CEE Wine Fair will offer attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that define these lesser-explored wine regions.
At the heart of the event lies a showcase of unique grapes, from the robust Alibernet to the ancient Areni, and from the enigmatic Zghihară to the charming Žilavka. From west to east, attendees will embark on a sensory journey, sampling wines that reflect the terroir and heritage of each distinct corner of Central and Eastern Europe.
The brainchild of Zsuzsa Toronyi and Caroline Gilby MW, esteemed specialists in CEE wines, the CEE Wine Fair aims to shine a spotlight on some of the finest wines from this untapped part of Europe. With years of experience and a deep passion for the region, Toronyi and Gilby are eager to share the authentic stories and remarkable achievements of CEE winemakers with a broader audience.
Caroline Gilby MW remarked, "I've been working in and writing about this region since the beginning of the modern era, and I've seen a complete revolution in winemaking. I have long wanted to share these wines with their authentic but personal stories and tales of challenges overcome. This wine fair is a great opportunity to do just that along with my like-minded event partner Zsuzsa Toronyi."
Highlighting the appeal of CEE wines to the UK trade, Toronyi added, "For the UK trade, wines from Central and Eastern Europe offer a great opportunity to add interest and excitement, along with new stories, to their wine ranges. After all, this is the last undiscovered part of the wine world with deep authentic roots, unique grapes, and modern winemaking combining to bring high quality in the bottle."
As part of the event, Caroline Gilby MW will lead two masterclasses introducing attendees to the countries and the wines. Wineries seeking distribution will be represented by owners or winemakers, while producers with UK agents will aim to raise awareness among the press, retailers, independents, and sommeliers.
The CEE Wine Fair follows the success of Furmint February in the UK, a tasting event dedicated to Hungary's flagship grape furmint. According to Wines of Hungary, exports of Hungarian wine to the UK have been on the rise, with sales in 2022 reaching 7.1 million bottles worth around €10.2 million. With the UK now being the most important market for quality wine exports from Hungary, the growing interest in CEE wines is undeniable.
As anticipation builds for the debut of the CEE Wine Fair, the stage is set for a remarkable celebration of Central and Eastern European winemaking excellence. With each bottle uncorked and each sip savored, attendees will discover the rich heritage, diversity, and undeniable quality that define the wines of this captivating region.