The London wine show 2008 starts today, 23rd October at the Business Design Centre, London W1
Ticket hotline 0871 230 7144
Don't miss your chance to see the best wine show!
Grape Things on Stand B36 at the London Wine show.
Grape Things, for the wine enthusiast. We are retailers of quality wine accessories and wine related gift items. Grapethings is a fast, efficient and reliable place to buy your wine accessories and gifts. You will find quality brands such as Riedel, Screwpull and Vacuvin to name but a few. In our range you will also find wine books, wine scented candles, cufflinks as well as glass and crystal stemware, decanters, corkscrews and much much more. Grape Things is constantly adding to its product list, so not only will you find the more conventional functional items that we know and love, you will find some fun novelty items too. All there to fuel your love of all things wine. Enjoy !
Don't miss out, book your tickets now! The London Wine coming soon.
23rd to 26th October 2008
Business Design Centre, London N1
Book your tickets in advance and take advantage of our great ‘Buy one and get one half price’ deal on all days except Thursday's Preview evening! Book an early visiting session for cheaper ticket options.
You can book your tickets in the following simple ways:
1. To book on-line > Order tickets here
2. Call the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7144.
See Grape Escapes at the London wine show stand B11
We are a specialist wine tour operator offering a broad selection of holidays and trips in the vineyard regions of France.
From our ‘traditional’ Champagne weekends and Burgundy tours to a bespoke self-drive circuit or a birthday weekend, we create the perfect trip, whether for individuals, groups or companies.
With Grape Escapes, you have the flexibility to arrange your perfect holiday.
Why Grape Escapes?
At Grape Escapes, we believe in delivering a personal service to all our customers and that there is no substitute for individual knowledge and experience. We specialise in a limited range of destinations so you can be sure that we have a deep and extensive knowledge of your chosen holiday region.
We believe that our customers deserve the best quality and service for their money, irrespective of whether they are spending £200 or £20,000 on a trip. Before any hotel or wine producer is recommended, we will have visited them to ensure that they meet the high standards that you expect.
We offer a very flexible range of holidays within each of the regions that we visit. On this website, you will find the types of trips that we can arrange for companies, groups and individuals. We also offer a broad range of accommodation and travel options for your convenience.
Stand B26 of the London Wine Show 2008
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Welcome to Argentina… If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Argentina, you must have been overwhelmed by some things: A Buenos Aires reminiscent of the European Style, the extension and richness of the Pampas, the extraordinary landscapes of Patagonia, the majesty of the Andes, the invaluable historical and cultural patrimony of the North West, and the exuberant littoral region with its Iguazú Falls. The kindness of the people, their traditional festivities, and many other attractions which invite more and more visitors every year.
Among all those attractions, and deserving a special mention, we find WINE. To the great surprise of many, Argentina cherishes a long tradition producing top quality wines.
No one can deny that after a few years of strong foreign investments, the offer of top quality Argentinean wines has outstandingly increased. However, the local wine consumption has grown as well.
Younger Argentinean generations, educated immersed in the wine culture, have aroused considerable enthusiasm around the wine industry. On top of this, if we consider the growing interest of world renowned wine experts in Argentina as wine producing country, a great and sustained development can be glimpsed.
The reasons for this “explosion” are quite simple: the quality of the lands that extend from North to South along the Andes, the height and the temperature range, the local know-how added to state-of-the-art technologies, and particularly, the special interest of the Argentinean for their own wines, which is considered a part of the identity of the country, comparable to the famous Argentinean beef.
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Stand B70 at the London Wine Show
In Germany, the main harvest of the 2008 grape crop is now underway. The first batches of early-ripening varietals, such as Rivaner (Müller-Thurgau), Portugieser or Frühburgunder (an early-ripening cousin of Pinot Noir) have already been harvested in the Baden, Pfalz and Rheinhessen regions. According to German Wine Institute spokesperson Ernst Büscher, “As of mid-September, the growth of the crop and the development of grape aromas are promising – and bode well for the quality of the vintage in 2008”.
The first estimates of the size of the 2008 harvest have just been released by the German Wine-growers’ Association in Bonn – a yield of some 10 million hectoliters is expected, comparable with the average yield of recent years. Reh Kenndermann’s recent harvest report claims that production is “average to slightly-above-average, but not reaching the higher volume of 2007”.
Vegetation throughout the growing season and ripening stage have been constant and without problems. Nevertheless, weather conditions during the next few weeks are extremely important, not least with regard to the harvest of later-ripening varieties, such as Riesling. As in every year, all vintners hope for an “Indian summer” with warm, sunny days – known in Germany as a “golden October,” during which late-ripening varietals continue to develop not only their natural sugar, but also their mineral content and aromas.
Johannes Rumpf of Moselland explained that although the weather has been good recently, next week is definitely the critical week. It will dictate the Oechsle and acidity levels within the grapes, and thus decide his overall success for the 2008 harvest. Reh Kenndermann assessed the weather as follows: “August was generally cool and a little rainy, which slowed sugar accumulation and physiological ripeness. Cold nights but warm days at the beginning of September have helped to retard the spread of mildew and rot, and currently the vineyards are looking healthy.”
At this standpoint, all wine enthusiasts can look forward to a good 2008 vintage in Germany, which promises wines of substance and good fruit.
Filed under: Wine, Grapes, London Wine Show, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pfalz, wine enthusiasts, Baden, 2008 Harvest, Rheinhessen, Wines of Germany
Vintage PortDecanting is a simple process and involves separating the wine from the crust by pouring it slowly and carefully into a decanter or another vessel leaving the sediment behind in the bottle.
Ideally a bottle of Vintage Port should be stood upright for several hours before it is decanted so that any loose particles of sediment have time to settle to the bottom of the bottle. Some Vintage Ports have a white chalk mark painted on one side of the bottle. This indicates that the bottle has been stored with the white mark uppermost and it is advisable to hold the bottle in the same position when decanting it. A vintage port should be decanted three or four hours before drinking.
To be enjoyed at its best, a bottle of Vintage Port should be drunk on the day that the cork is pulled, before the delicate and complex bouquet which develops in the hours after the bottle is opened begins to fade. A decanter of mature Vintage Port circulating round the table after a good meal with friends is one of the most sociable and sublime of pleasures.See Croft Port on Stand C42-3 at the London Wine Show
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Nearly 500 Years of Chilean Wine |
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Wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) are not native to the Americas; they arrived with the Spanish in the 1500s. Early attempts to form vineyards in more northerly climes, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, and Peru proved unsuccessful; in Chile, however, the vine found its first true New World home.
The Catholic missionaries who followed the Spanish Conquistadors lamented the lack of wine that was essential for celebrating religious rites, and they set about to resolve the problem. Fray Francisco de Carabantes is widely credited with bringing the first vines probably País (pronounced " pah-EES" and known as "Mission" in California) into Chile through the port of Concepción round 1548. Such was the success that vineyards were quickly planted throughout the country from the Limarí Valley in the north to Bío-Báío Valley in the south precisely the areas that still delimit the vast majority of Chile's wine production today.
Of course the desire for wine in Chile was not limited to the Church-there were plenty of secular uses for the traditional European beverage of choice. The thirsty residents of the burgeoning capital city of Santiago also clamored for wine, and the surrounding Maipo Valley proved to be a ready and abundant source of red wine.
Improvements in maritime transportation made cross-Atlantic travel much more viable by the early 19th century. Chile, freshly emancipated from Spain, yearned for knowledge of its European roots, and members of the country's wealthiest families embarked upon an intercontinental pilgrimage that would change Chilean life and culture in many ways. France was a favorite destination, and soon French customs, from food to clothing to architecture, flourished among Chiles upper classes. It did not take long for the first French-style wineries to make an appearance as well.
Wines of Chile on stand A8 |
Vitis Wines Stand C35-3 at the Wine Show
Although we are a small company, we are gaining an excellent reputation among re-enactors for supplying and manning beer tents at functions ranging from Viking, through Medieval to Civil War. Not only do we supply the marquee, bar, licence, generators, lights and staff but we think we are the only company who also supply reproductions of the ales of the period. At events we have attended over the years this has been a feature of our success.
Most of the period ales that we offer are brewed, under licence, to recipes taken from original writings all the way back to Viking times (some of the brews are almost as the originals whilst others have a little hop put in to be appreciated by the modern palate). These are dispensed straight from the barrel.
We can also offer a separate OFF-LICENCE stall that sells, by the un-opened bottle, various MEADS and WINES relating to the period. The public can taste the meads & wines before buying and our staff are well versed with the history of all of our products.
Your gateway to genuine Hungarian food and wine on stand C35-2 at the London Wine Show
Lucien Lanci came to Britain from Hungary in the 1950's when he harnessed his drive and passion to become a successful business man producing and importing for leading department stores.
Back then packets of Paprika were sent from relations in Hungary and sausages and wines were simply not available. Knowledgeable about bringing only the best to market, and the stringent quality and continuity requirements of British department stores, Lucien returned to his native Hungary to turn his passion to the food that he loved. Having scoured Hungary he has teamed up with the country's principal wineries, the first ever paprika producing mill established in 1881 and an outstanding sausage house which specializes in traditional and contemporary sausages.
It is therefore Malux's privilege to bring these wonderful products to you.
SUMMER RECOMMENDATION A GORGEOUS ROSE
Pannonhalma Abbey Rose 2007
A stunning mixture of Pinot Noir and Merlot grapes in equal parts resulting in aromas of cherry and blood oranges, strawberry and raspberry. The taste of this wine fulfills the promises of its fragrance. Serve chilled. A perfect accompaniment for those relaxing summer days.
Filed under: Wine, Food, Merlot, London Wine Show, Malux, Pinot Noir, Paprika, Rose, Hungarian, sausage, Pannonhalma Abbey Rose
See Dartington Crystal on Stand B66 at the London Wine show
Dartington Glass as it was originally called was established in 1967, in Torrington, Devon, as a manufacturer of quality glassware.
Since then it has developed and evolved many ranges of crystal and glassware based on its
key skills of design and glass making.
The story began in the 1920's at the beautiful Dartington Hall when a wealthy American heiress and her Yorkshireman husband; Dorothy and Leonard Elmhurst founded the Dartington Hall Trust.
Based at Dartington, near Totnes, South Devon, their original vision was to assist the economic regeneration of rural areas through a combination of enterprises spanning business, education, the arts and country crafts.
The Dartington Hall Trust soon became a multi-faceted concern with a diverse range of interests from cheese making, carpentry, farming, forestry and education through to the conducting of research into rural communities.
During the early 1960's, it became evident to the Trust, that to the north of the county there was an ever-increasing demand for new industry due to population migration to the cities. This depopulation and the lack of employment for young people were the basis from which the idea of a glass-making factory evolved.
In order to provide the expertise required for this enterprising idea, the Trust recruited the first Managing Director, Eskil Vilhemson, from a Swedish Glass manufacturer, who in turn recruited a team of Scandinavian glass blowers and brought them to Devon. The factory was officially opened in June 1967 when it employed just 35 people.
Over the following years, glass blowing skills were taught to English craftsmen, working originally to Scandinavian designs and later to the work of British designers. Many of the original glass blowers remained in Torrington and have been a key strength over the years in developing Dartington Crystal into the leading name in English crystal.
While most include California in the new world wine category, California could also be regarded as the newest old world wine country. After all, California winemaking traditions date back to the late 1700’s, when Spanish missionaries introduced winemaking to California from Mexico. The combination of almost 250 years of wine making traditions and experience, our modern-day drive for innovation and improvement, and an ideal climate to grow grapes, makes California one of the best places on earth to make outstanding wine.
California wines are well known for their high quality, reliability and diversity. California is one of the most diverse wine regions in the world, with almost 100 grape varietals grown in almost 100 viticultural areas, including dozens of different microclimates and soil types, as well as a very indivudalistic set of winemakers, many with international experience, which adds to and deepens that diversity.
California quality comes through in every bottle of wine, from the exclusive cult wines to the everyday wines available in supermarkets, and all ranges in between. There is no doubt that California can successfully compete with any wine region in the world at all price ranges.
See California Wines at the London Wine Show 23rd to 26th October 2008, Business Design Centre, Islington, London
The Story
"Since inception I have always described Rosemount as 'The Prestige Wine of Australia'. I wanted everyone who worked for the company to feel they were involved in the best and only the best."
- Bob Oatley, Founder, Rosemount Estate.
In a little over 30 years, Rosemount Estate has established itself as one of Australia's leading wineries, producing a selection of fine wines that reflect the riches of the Australian climate and an unswerving dedication to winemaking quality, innovation and style.
Much has changed over the years at Rosemount Estate however, the commitment to quality that defined the original vision for Rosemount Estate's humble beginnings in the Hunter Valley has remained intact. This vision has remained pivotal to the progress and success of the now world famous winery that is Rosemount Estate.
Bob Oatley established Rosemount Estate in 1969 after a career in the coffee industry where he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services in Papua New Guinea. Bob Oatley instilled at Rosemount Estate a mentality learned in the coffee industry; that a quality product will always be sought out and appreciated. Bob Oatley's wish to establish a reputation for fine wine production was satisfied early and has led Rosemount Estate to establish a wide variety of vineyard sites around Australia that take advantage of the varied soil types and regional climates. In 1992 he was awarded the Graham Gregory Trophy for Significant contribution to the Wine Industry of New South Wales
The Rosemount Estate crest reflects the Upper Hunter Valley setting of the Rosemount Estate and the passions of the founding Oatley family. The horse silhouette on the top left denotes the many stud farms of the Upper Hunter Valley and the Oatley family’s long association with thoroughbred horse racing. The adjacent rose represents the beautiful rose gardens that lead up to the cellar door at the Rosemount Estate Denman Vineyard. The bunch of grapes below signifies the long, and successful history of viticulture at Rosemount Estate
The Early Years
PENFOLDS was founded by a young English doctor who migrated to one of his country's most distant colonies a century and a half ago. Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold was born in 1811, the youngest of 11 children. He studied medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, graduating in1838.
The Grange
Like many doctors before and since, Dr Penfold had a firm belief in the medicinal value of wine. Before he left Britain he had obtained vine cuttings from the south of France and these were planted around the site of the modest stone cottage he built with his wife, Mary, at Magill on the outskirts of Adelaide in 1845. The couple called this house The Grange, after Mary's home in England.
Today
PENFOLDS continues to innovate in winemaking. The Yattarna project of the 1990s has led to an expansion of the white wine portfolio of PENFOLDS. Two white wines now sit proudly in the Bin range - Bin 311 Chardonnay and Bin 51 Riesling - and a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc joined the Koonunga Hill range. In 2004, PENFOLDS released two Special Bin wines - Kalimna Block 42 and Bin 60A, offering these unique wines to wine-lovers en primeur.
The Thomas Hyland range adopted the Adelaide appellation and launched two new wines, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Riesling. Sourcing the PENFOLDS Thomas Hyland wines from the Adelaide winegrowing region showcases the finest wines that the Adelaide region can produce from the only winery that truly calls Adelaide home. 30 years after the inaugural vintage of Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, PENFOLDS released Koonunga Hill Seventy Six Shiraz Cabernet from the 2006 vintage as an homage to the original wine.
Filed under: Wine, Wine Lovers, London Wine Show, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Adelaide, Shiraz Cabernet, The Grange, Riesling, Koonunga Hill, winemaking, penfolds
In today's commercial era of conglomeration, mass branding has led to the steady but sure homogenization of many products.
Here at Addison Wines we have long felt it is our duty to embrace and support unique and interesting products that have been created with passion, dedication and sheer hard work.
We are constantly expanding our portfolio of wines from quality boutique growers creating wines with real charm. Sure, you may sometimes pay a few pence more than you would for a bland mass produced item (and by the same token - sometimes you will pay less) - but what you gain in terms of quality and individuality is immeasurable
About Us: Established over 200 years ago Wm Addison (Newport) Ltd, or under its more modern guise Addison Wines, are a highly respected independent merchant who pride ourselves on exceptional wines and first class customer service. Owned and run by members of the Horton family, traditional values are still held firm, but mix perfectly with an extremely professional and competitive edge.
Are you up for the Challenge...?
The City Wine Challenge is a brand new and exciting wine competition taking place on Friday evening, 6.30 - 8.30pm. Eight teams, each from city-based institutions, will be invited to compete in a 'University Challenge' style wine competition in four separate heats. The winning team is the team which accumulates the most points.
Each team will consist of four members who consider themselves to have a good knowledge of wine and wine trivia. Teams will be asked to enter the competition with a healthy level of competition but also to enter it with the spirit that it is intended. Each member should feel competent in answering questions such as:
- Could you name the odd one out in this list: Haut Brion, Latour, Lafite, Margaux, Cheval Blanc?
- Is the connection between a popular wine made by Torres and Eger Bikaver animal, vegetable or mineral?
- Is Curico in a) Spain, b) Chile, c) Portugal?
For taking part, each team will receive 4 complimentary tickets to The Coutts Private Wine Cellar, a VIP area of the show which showcases a range of some of the finest wines on the market. In addition a 50% discount on Wine Show tickets will be offered to up to fifty of their wine club members.
The runners up will also receive personally signed copies of the best selling French Wines by leading wine expert Robert Joseph, who has helped to devise the Challenge.
The prize for the winning team is the books, plus a private wine tasting for themselves and up to 20 of their wine club members with Robert Joseph, which will take place on an agreed date, time and place. Plus of course the prestige of becoming The City Wine Challenge winners for 2008 at the UK’s largest, dedicated wine experience!
For further information about The City Wine Challenge or to take part contact Kate Price at kate@single-market.co.uk, telephone 020 8614 7697.
New Zealander Chris Scott first came into contact with the wine industry as a student in the 1990s winter pruning in Canterbury in New Zealand's South Island. He graduated with a first class honours degree in engineering and left the vineyards behind him to work overseas.
Chris moved to England in 2001. In 2002 he began studying wine with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and in the same year set up ThirtyFifty, the wine tasting company. Chris now heads up a team of 12 wine tasters across the UK to run tastings for private and corporate clients, at home and at work.
In the last two years he's been educating and entertaining wine drinkers with his weekly wine podcast, The UK Wine Show, which has over 10,000 downloads each week. His most recent project in 2008 has been to launch ThirtyFifty in Australia with a team in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Chris runs ThirtyFifty with his wife, Jane, from their home in Twickenham with the help of two daughters aged 1 and 4.
Want to enjoy some of the fine wines back at home but don't fancy carrying it? Then take advantage of this convenient service, free of charge and delivered to your door. Simply look out for the "Spend and Send" sign on the exhibitors' stands to see who's participating.
Alternatively, you can shop your way around The Wine Show and pay just £8.00 (per case of 12 bottles of wine) for delivery to your doorstep. It's as easy as that! Look out for the "Spend and Send" payment point at the top of the stairs on The Wine Gallery for your home delivery option.
Taste, try and buy your way around the world of wine at this years Wine Show, being held at The Business Design Centre from 23 - 26 October.
Book your tickets in advance and take advantage of our great 'Buy one and get one half price' deal on all days except Thursday's Preview evening! |
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| GENERAL ADMISSION |
Special Buy One Get 2nd Half Price offer, available for advanced bookings online or by telephone. If you'd prefer to book via telephone please call,
0871 230 7144.
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| THE COUTTS PRIVATE CELLAR GOLD TICKET |
The ultimate ticket for the true wine connoisseur. Perfect for client entertaining or if you just want an intimate VIP area of the show
Your golden ticket includes:
* Entry into The Wine Show.
* Entry into The Coutts Private Cellar for the session time selected (1.5 hour sessions).
* Luxury fine wine tastings in a relaxed VIP area for gold ticket holders only – limited to 60 people
* A dedicated wine expert on hand to offer intimate tastings and advice and expertise.
* Light refreshments
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| PREVIEW EVENING TICKET |
Celebrate the show's opening night with an unforgettable evening of fine wine, live music and glittering entertainment as Oz Clarke opens the show.
Your preview ticket includes:
* The opportunity to taste literally thousands of wines - browse the Wine List to make your selection.
* A light bite from our morish Food Court.
* The opportunity to watch Oz Clarke open the show at 6pm.
* Meet the celebrities including Oz Clarke, Matt Skinner & Susy Atkins.
* Top live entertainment
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The Business Design Centre
52 Upper Street
Islington
London N1 0QH
Tube - Bus - Train
- The Show is just an easy 5-minute walk from Angel Tube (Northern Line).
- Highbury & Islington station is a short walk away (Victoria Line and mainline).
- The City and King's Cross, St. Pancras and Euston mainline stations are a short bus journey away. These buses will take you straight there: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 341 and 394.
For route planners and timetables, please go to www.tfl.gov.uk
Car
The Business Design Centre has its own on-site car park.
Learn more about Codorníu, the pioneers of Traditional Method Spanish sparkling wine, and sample the range in a complimentary Codorníu Masterclass on Stand W13 at The Wine Show.
The classes include a tutored tasting of the Codorníu range with one of their experts. From grape to glass, learn about the elaborate Traditional Method of sparkling winemaking. Discover the true flavours in your glass and enjoy award-winning Codorníu for yourself. Each participant will also receive a complimentary goodie bag.
Codorniu advance bookings:
For more information about the Codorniu Masterclasses or to book your place, please call 01892 500265 or email s.bearne@codorniu.com Alternatively, to book a place on the day please visit the Codorniu stand, W13.
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
This lively author and broadcaster is well known for her ability to communicate a traditional subject in a digestible, modern manner. Weekly wine columnist for the Sunday Telegraph Stella magazine, wine editor of Delicious magazine and a regular on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen, Susy was awarded the prestigious Communicator of the Year award in 2004 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
The Cambridge graduate started her career as a journalist at WINE Magazine and discovered more about wine while working 'hands-on' at a winery in South Australia during the 1994 vintage. On her return, she became co-editor of the award-winning Which? Wine Guide for several years, and has written numerous articles on wine, food and restaurants for Which?, Decanter, BBC Good Food, The Daily Express magazine, Time Out, Eve, and several national newspapers.
Susy has been a guest and presenter on several Radio 4 programmes, and is currently a regular wine expert appearing live on Richard & Judy for their popular Wine Club strand (Channel 4).
Susy has written ten fantastic books on wine, including Wine Wisdom, The Really Useful Guide to Wine (both Quadrille) and Wine Made Easy (Mitchell Beazley, 2006).
Filed under: Susy Atkins, Wine Club, Broadcaster, London Wine Show, Author, Delicious magazine, Stella magazine, decanter, BBC Good Food, Richard & Judy, Which? Wine guide
Robert Joseph
Described as "one of the 50 people in the world who would be influencing wine drinking in the 21st century", Robert has proved to be an extremely influential figure within the wine world. He is co-founder of the International Wine Challenge, the world's biggest wine competition, has launched Wine Challenges in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Russia, India, Vietnam and Thailand and has chaired or judged at wine competitions worldwide.
In 1983, he founded Wine International Magazine, and in 2006 helped to launch - and is now Editor at - Large of Meininger's Wine Business International. He was, for 14 years, wine correspondent for the London Sunday Telegraph and his 27 books include the Ultimate Encyclopedia of Wine, Bordeaux and its Wines, The Good Wine Guide, The Art of the Wine Guide, The Wines of the Americas, The French Wine Guide and The Wine Travel Guide to the World. He is a frequent guest on the BBC and has appeared on television in many other countries, and has been the keynote speaker at numerous major conferences. Awards claimed include The Glenfiddich, Marques de Caceres, Golden Vine and UK Wine Guild. He is a Chevalier du Tastevin and a member of the Commanderie du Bontemps du Médoc et des Graves. Robert is now producing his own wines with flying winemaker Hugh Ryman and label designer Kevin Shaw.
Filed under: Robert Joseph, wine experts, London Wine Show, 2008, BBC, Chevalier du tastevin, The Good Wine guide, Hugh Ryman, Commanderie du Bontemps du Medoc et des Graves, Kevin Shaw, wine drinking, wine competition
Tim Atkin
One of Britain's leading wine writers and an internationally recognised expert on the subject, Tim is the wine correspondent of The Observer and Wine Editor at Large of OLN. He also writes for Wine & Spirit, Woman and Home, The World of Fine Wine, The Economist's Intelligent Life, Country House and Observer Food Monthly. He appears regularly as a presenter on BBC One's Saturday Kitchen.
The winner of numerous industry awards, Tim has contributed to a number of books on wine as well as writing two of his own - Chardonnay and Vins de Pays d'Oc. He was also the co-author with Anthony Rose of five editions of the annual consumer guide, Grapevine. He has judged wines across the globe and is co-chairman of the London-based International Wine Challenge, the world's biggest blind tasting competition.
Tim has lectured on wine to banks, firms of solicitors and numerous wine associations and clubs, specialising in the wines of France, Spain and the New World.
In 2001 he passed the Master of Wine examination at the first attempt, winning the Robert Mondavi Award for the best set of theory papers. He is a Caballero del Vino, a Chevalier du Tastevin and a member of the Ordre du Bontemps.
Filed under: Tim Atkin, wine experts, London Wine Show, Observer, Caballero del Vino, wine editor, BBC, Chevalier du tastevin, Ordre du Bontemps, Wine writers, Master Of Wine
Aged 18, fresh out of school and with little more than surfing on his mind, Matt landed a job at his local wine shop in order to make ends meet. Little did he know that he'd soon discover an insatiable passion and fascination for wine that would eventually see him writing about it, teaching it - and a decade later – becoming an internationally recognised wine expert.
Matt has both a refreshing take on the industry and a knack for making wine simple. His first book Thirsty Work sold into a staggering 14 countries and was translated into 9 foreign languages. It was awarded ‘Best Educational Wine Book – UK’ at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, and together with Matt’s second book The Juice 2006 – 100 Wines you should be drinking, featured on the Christmas bestsellers list. The Juice was so successful it has become a yearly publication and Matt is currently finishing the 2009 edition for publication this October.
Over the past two years he has put pen to paper for publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Red Magazine, The Guardian and Amazon.com. Matt now has a regular column in Waitrose Food Illustrated.
Matt has also appeared as a regular guest on ITV's Saturday Cooks, Daily Cooks, UK Food’s Great Food Live & Food Uncut.
Far from resting on his laurels, 2008 sees two new books – The Juice 2009 and Heard It Through The Grapevine, his follow up to Thirsty Work.
23th - 26th October 2008 at the Business Design Centre, London N1
Oz Clarke
Oz Clarke's phenomenal wine career began when he captained the wine-tasting team for Oxford University. The colourful character has since gone on to become one of the most familiar and highly esteemed celebrity figures of the wine world.
He has been the wine correspondent of The Daily Telegraph and written numerous books and guides on the subject, all received to notable critical acclaim and award. In addition to his work as a broadcaster Oz hosts many wine tastings throughout the year and produces his annual Wine Guide. He was awarded the Special Millennium Award by Le Prix du Champagne Lanson for his outstanding contribution to wine education and communication during the last ten years.
Oz is currently working on the television tie-in book for the third series of Oz and James' Big Wine Adventure, with James May of Top Gear fame. Oz lives in West London, where, when not writing about wine, he likes to avoid drinking altogether (except for the occasional pint of Fuller's ESB), playing any sport he can lay his hands on and dreaming wistfully of lying on a palm-fringed sandy beach somewhere near to the Equator.
Corks will be popping and bubbles overflowing at this year’s luxurious champagne bar, kindly provided by Champagne Lanson. Fancy some sparkle? Come and join the party at this vibrant show feature.
Centuries in the dedicated pursuit of perfection have established the House of Lanson as one of the premier champagne makers. Established back in 1760, it was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1860 by Queen Victoria. Today, the marriage of a contemporary dynamism with age-old tradition brings pleasure to millions the world over. Now enjoy a chilled glass of this pleasure in N1 – visit the Lanson bar for the perfect refresher!
Head buzzing with newfound wine expertise and advice? Why not put your feet up with a glass of wine or challenge your friends to an interactive Wii competition in The Rhône Zone chill-out area with great prizes to be won and a free gift for every player!
A case of Rhône wine will be up for grabs every day of the show, with all players being entered into a draw to win a weekend in the Rhône Valley. A selection of Côtes du Rhône wines will also be available for sampling so be sure to drop in! Kindly sponsored by Côtes du Rhône and located at the front of the show
The Tasting Theatre brought to you by Miele - The specialists in wine storage - In association with Vinopolis
Join an audience of enthusiasts and take part in a tasting session in the relaxed environment of the celebrated Tasting Theatre brought to you by Miele - the specialists in wine storage. One of our celebrity experts will lead your session, inviting you to try a fabulous array of different wines from around the world. It's a great chance to taste something new - and to rest your feet too. The timetable will be coming in mid-September, and places will be limited so be sure not to miss out..
Walk the Show with an expert guide
Join one of our team of charismatic experts - who include Oz Clarke, Matt Skinner, Tim Atkin, Robert Joseph, Susy Atkins and Chris Scott - as they guide you personally around the show floor. They'll help you discover wines from different grape varieties and regions as you take the opportunity to sample, savour and stock up in a fun and relaxed environment.
A timetable for the walks will be coming in mid-September. Places will be limited and pre-booking is essential, so keep your eyes peeled to avoid missing out!
Filed under: Robert Joseph, Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin, Wine Show, Matt Skinner, Susy Atkins, Grapes, Wine Walks, London Wine Show, Chris Scott, expert guide, varieties
The Wine Show in association with Toptable.
For the first time, Coutts & Co. bring you The Private Cellar at this year’s Wine Show! If you are a genuine wine fanatic, share your passion with an intimate audience at this most special area. The Coutts Private Cellar showcases a range of some of the finest wines on the market – sample them with the true connoisseurs and enter the draw to win a fantastic prize! Ensure you sample a range of the finest wines on the market in style. The ideal way to entertain clients and friends. Entry to this exclusive area is via a gold ticket at a cost of £35 - booking coming shortly
Celebrate The Wine Show's opening night with a fantastical red-carpet evening of fine wine, live music and glittering entertainment as we transform our venue into the perfect wine tasting setting...
Come straight from the office for a wonderful Thursday evening in N1. Bring colleagues, clients or friends along for a unique tasting experience and unwind from 6 - 9pm with untapped sampling. Brush shoulders with the leading industry experts and dine in our delectable food court, exclusive to Thursday!
Your golden ticket includes:
- The opportunity to taste literally thousands of wines
- A light bite from our morish Food Court
- Wine celebrity presence including Oz Clarke, Matt Skinner & Susy Atkins
- Top live entertainment
The ideal way to entertain clients or friends!
Reserve your tickets now. Places are limited and are sure to be in high demand. So call The Wine Show ticket hotline on 0871 2307 1444