Ian Beecher-Jones, owner of JoJo’s Vineyard visited the Vinitech Sifel exhibition in Bordeaux on 26-28 November.
Ian Beecher-Jones was joined by Guillaume Lagger of The Whaire Experience and both were the official WineGB delegates for Vinitech Sifel that is held every two years. Located on a stand which hosted wines from around the world such as Argentina, China, Romania, Madagascar, Lebanon, Georgia, Turkey and Italy, Ian and Guillaume showcased wines from several producers including JoJo’s Vineyard, Harrow & Hope, Denbies, Candover Brook, Langhams, Raimes and Whaire Expérience.
Describing the event Ian Beecher-Jones said: “The event was extremely busy and we expected to deliver 150 small pour tastings over the three days, but we actually poured 150 tastings a day to cover approximately 450 people across the three day event.”
There were many visitors from France but also from as far afield as Australia, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Georgia and Argentina. “We also met visitors who had travelled from the UK,” said Ian.
“It was encouraging to speak to a large number of students from Universities across Bordeaux and France who were studying wine at different year levels from year 1 to year 4 and there were requests for speakers and tastings to take place at Bordeaux universities to help with placement and internship opportunities. The students were very keen to learn about English and Welsh wine having heard a lot of positive things about it.
“One of the real positives to come from the event was the possibility of organising a university tour with Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region to share what is happening in the UK with sustainability, technology and wine making skills.
“Vinitech Sifel was a wonderful event and we have to say thank you to all the vineyards who supplied us with wine to enable us to showcase English and Welsh wine. We would also like to thank the show organisers who gave WineGB the stand for the show and for covering the travel and accommodation costs for Guillaume and I to attend,” Ian Beecher-Jones concluded.
