The Vineyard & Winery Show took place for a third year running at the Kent Showground at Detling in Kent. The event on the 22 November 2023 saw a new floor plan that enabled more exhibitors from across the industry to be in attendance at the one day show. So many people from across all areas of the industry were in attendance and the show was the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues and friends. Writes Rebecca Farmer Vineyard editor.
As promised by Vineyard Magazine in November’s show preview, The Vineyard & Winery Show was bigger than ever before. With over 120 exhibitors – the most since the show launched in 2021 – visitors could view latest innovations for both vineyards and wineries, with many stand holders reporting much business being done on the day. A highlight of the day included the opportunity to join not one but two masterclass tastings, one highlighting PIWI wines as well as the ever popular Matthew Jukes – all going on at the same time as a packed seminar programme. The masterclasses themselves were so popular that tickets for these were sold out two months before the show.
A new layout meant visitors could benefit from two wine tasting hubs spread across the two halls, one for sparkling and the other for still wines, providing more space to showcase the Top 100 English and Welsh wines as chosen by Matthew Jukes and WineGB. Wine writers, sommeliers and potential buyers in attendance were able to sample the high quality wines on display. Many visitors commented on the marvellous atmosphere and it was great to see so many from the industry come together just after harvest. With the day starting at just before 9am for producers to attend the seminar breakfast, many visitors didn’t stop for breath until the show closed at 5pm, having spent the day talking to exhibitors and listening to a broad selection of seminars that were sponsored by Ferovinum and organised by WineGB.
Sponsors key to show
The show of course would not be possible without the headline sponsors and Vineyard magazine would like to take this opportunity to thank Core Equipment, Hutchinsons, Vitifruit, NFU Mutual, berlin packaging and Royston labels. Thanks to Rankin Bros every visitor was once again greeted with a cotton and cork bag containing the visitor show guide which allowed every visitor to get the most from their day at the Vineyard & Winery Show 2023.
Thank you
Vineyard Magazine would like to say thank you to those producers who graciously gave their wines to make this spectacular showcase of English and Welsh wine possible. A special thank you must also be sent to Sensible Wine Services whose behind the scenes attention to detail ensured all the wine elements of the show ran smoothly. Their expertise with tastings and masterclasses and their help with equipment hire are vital to the success of many wine industry events including the Vineyard & Winery Show.
Photos: ©Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic
