UK wine is set for a sparkling future

Viticulturalists representing the dynamic and expanding UK wine industry will converge on Kent for Vines to Wines at Fruit Focus, the first technical exhibition dedicated to our domestic wine industry, to be held on 23rd July at East Malling. 

Celebrity wine entrepreneur and former head of wine buying for Somerfield Angela Mount, whose palate was famously insured for ten million pounds, joins a panel of experts including Hilary Knight, Julia Trustram Eve, Stephen Skelton and Geoff Taylor in a Forum programme that will explore the domestic wine market and its accreditation process.

Hilary Knight, food group manager for A Taste of Sussex will be sharing the stage with Angela Mount to discuss routes to market.  “It is important that producers know their target market and how to reach them,” she says.  “We will help producers understand their options and ascertain which route best suits their business and objectives.  From farm gate sales to distribution through regional retailers, we will show producers how to get their product from A to B.”

Master of Wine and acclaimed author Stephen Skelton will consider the challenges and opportunities ahead for new and expanding producers.  In his latest guide to UK vineyards he notes that just 60 producers account for 75% of domestic wines; an indication, perhaps, of changing consumer demands and business pressures. 

According to Mr Skelton: “with scale comes an ability to invest in the quality labour and advice - ingredients that are so essential to improving performance and profitability.”  Stephen Skelton will guide producers through the myriad of pitfalls and possibilities along the path to profitable wine production.

Geoff Taylor will discuss accreditation options and quality systems.  Mr Taylor, founder of the UK’s only specialist wine laboratory Corkwise, promises a practical guide to achieving the quality status which Britain’s discerning retailers demand.  He will explore the differing requirements for own label and retailer brands, but will argue that maintaining quality in the glass is the overriding priority. 

Vines to Wines is a one-stop information point for everyone involved in wine production.  Technical exhibits and trade stands cover all aspects of viticulture, from equipment and vineyard management to advances in crop protection, nutrition and marketing.

The event is sponsored jointly by English Wine Producers and the UK Vineyard Association.   Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers is in no doubt of the event’s value.  “There is such a buzz in the industry at the moment; for the first time there is an event dedicated to the domestic wine trade, offering an opportunity to meet, share ideas and showcase every aspect of our industry,” she says.  

 “Demand for UK-produced still and sparkling wine has never been higher.  But our ability to meet and grow demand relies on continuous improvements in technique, greater investment in production and marketing and, above all, development of the talent that will be making fantastic English wine in the years to come.”

Julia Trustram Eve believes the structure is in place to support current producers and new entrants to the industry.  “Vines to Wines exhibitors, including both English Wine Producers and the UK Vineyards Association, are drawing together and delivering advice and support that will carry the industry forward,” she says.  “Newcomers to the industry, in particular, will find their visit invaluable for making contacts and sourcing information on everything from education to agronomy.”

Chris Foss, head of Plumpton College Wine Department, is well placed to comment on the growing opportunities in wine production: “Our students learn how to grow vines and make wine with hands-on experience in our vineyard and winery, before taking up positions as vineyard managers and winemakers all over the world.   Vines to Wines is a great place to start if you’re looking for a career in wine. “

Vines to Wines takes place as part of Fruit Focus, the UK’s premier fruit event.  Seminars are open to all event visitors free of charge. Fruit focus visitors will earn three NRoSO or BASIS points for attending the event.  For more information and to register for your free ticket go to www.fruitfocus.co.uk.

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Contact the Vines to Wines and Fruit Focus PR team for more information:

Notes to Editors

Vines to Wines at Fruit Focus 2008:

• Vines to Wines takes place at Fruit Focus on 23rd July 2008, at East Malling, Kent.  Opening times are 9am – 4pm.
• Fruit Focus show features include leading suppliers’ stands, crop plots, a live demonstration area, the NFU and HSBC Fruit Forums, fruit research farm tours and the Vines to Wines exhibition and seminar programme
• Fruit Focus sponsors are the NFU, HSBC Agriculture and Berry Gardens.  Vines to Wines is sponsored by English Wine Producers and the UKVA.
• Grower, part of Horticulture Week, is the event media partner
• Fruit Focus is organised and presented by Haymarket Business Exhibitions
• Fruit Focus is registered for BASIS and NRoSO CPD points.  Point allocation is:
• 3 NRoSO CPD points.
• 3 BASIS points. Points allocation: 2 x crop protection, 1 x environment