“We are delighted to see a return to confidence in UK trading from key European bodies after the dual headwinds of Brexit and Covid; many have taken a significant and increased presence for this year’s show,” said Head of London Wine Fair Hannah Tovey.

London Wine Fair showcased wine production from over 400 exhibitors from around the world, with the dedicated emphasis on producers that were set to import into the UK. The show is perfect for seeking out new wine that are yet to feature on any UK wine lists or shelves.

The Ministry of agriculture and the London Embassy hosted the 2023 stand for wine producers from the Czech republic with great success, creating opportunities and new business contacts with company’s such as Aldi, Waitrose, Propeller wines and journalists from across the wine industry.

The London Wine fair opened on Monday 15 th may showcasing producers and a UK Czech wine distributor from CZ.

The GB distributor, Wines of Bohemia, was joined by Bohemia Sect -Sparking wines, Cech, Horak, Ludwig, Zamecke, vinarstvi Valka, Svoboda and Thaya vinyeards. All producers brought a fantastic range of wine that were warmly greeted by the trade and has now led to further meetings and opportunities within the UK. Bohemia sects sparkling wines were a great new addition to the London show and have had raised a lot of eyebrows of the trade professionals that were unaware of the great quality wines that are available from across the Czech Republic.

All the producers attending the London wine show brought with them the great skills and products that their representative vineyards produce, being able to explain in great detail and interact with wine professionals on a one to one basis, being able to explain the subtle flavours of their wines, the tradition and history behind their vineyards and the hard work and passion that has gone into the production, gave a fantastic showcase to the GB market of the little known wines of the Czech republic.

From such great interest of the GB Wine industry the Wines of the Czech republic has been ask to participate in the international wine challenge for 2024 as well as hosting master classes at the London Wine fair 2024 to help educate the trade with Czech wines, regional variations, national grape varietals and the history of wine making within CZ, all allowing the opportunity to educate and introduce the great wines that are available.

The exhibition was a great success and has taken the first steps into showcasing the wide selection of wines that are available, the fantastic wine trips and tourism opportunities that the Czech republic has to offer, as well as great diversity, skills and opportunities that the new generation of wine producers have to offer.

For more information please contact Paul Wilkins at uktrade@mze.cz

Paul Wilkins, Agriculture Specialist, Embassy of the Czech Republic in London