Our key trade event of the year which will include seminars and focus tastings

Notes from 2010:

Chile Celebrates at Annual Trade Tasting

September 2010 – Wines of Chile kicked off the Bicentenary Celebrations with a buzzing Annual Trade Tasting at The Royal Horticultural Halls on the 8th September. The show of strength from winemakers, principals and new exhibitors was testament to a Chile that was “shaken, but not broken” by the earthquake earlier this year.

“Business as usual” may be the mantra, but with more exhibitors and more wines than ever before, Chile continues to rise to the challenges of the international marketplace with “diversity and dynamism” becoming a signature mark.

Michael Cox, EU Director for Wines of Chile said, “With value for money the watchword these days, there has never been a better time for Chile to reinforce its relevance and suitability to today’s wine shelves and lists.  It’s rare to sense so much optimism being expressed by so many”

There were well over 100 producers represented in the hall including for the first time ever, 17 members of MOVI (the Movement of Independent Vintners) which took the range of producers flying into London from the biggest international brands to some of the smallest garage wineries in Chile.

In addition to the exhibitor stands, a “Regional Chile” focus tasting highlighted the breadth of Chile’s offering as wineries continue to push the boundaries with new vineyards, different varieties and improved winemaking techniques. The “2010 Award Winners” tasting of trophy and gold medal winners provided a snapshot of Chile’s successes in the UK’s big wine competitions so far this year.

Two trade briefings added to the occasion and included a highlight of the day: an on-trade briefing by Gerard Basset MW - the 2010 ASI World’s Best Sommelier and now the 2010 IWC Personality of the Year - looking at Chile’s place in the modern wine list.