Vinexpo, the wine and spirits trade show, will take place from 14 to 18 June 2015 in Bordeaux. For this 18th show, the new management team will be rolling out a series of new features it has been planning for several months.
The exhibition site itself has been reorganised so that everything faces the lake and the show will offer tailor-made services for both exhibitors and visitors as well as a top-flight programme of talks and tastings. In addition, Vinexpo will put the spotlight on gastronomy for the first time, with the participation of prestigious chefs and sommeliers.
“Vinexpo has a history and now we are writing its future”, comments Vinexpo’s CEO, Guillaume Deglise. “And this future begins with a series of new initiatives that we’ll be launching in 2015”, he adds.
The Vinexpo exhibition spaces have been completely redesigned so that everything now faces the lake. At the centre of the show, Les Terrasses will bring together the major wine and spirits brands. These premium stands will have two openings: one into Hall 1 and another on the lake side.
In parallel, visitors will find new inspiration in a number of themed areas ranging from free tasting areas, a digital area, a food & wine pairing workshop with award-winning chefs and a wellness centre to a logistics advice area.
This year Vinexpo is introducing an innovative new personalised appointment booking service, whereby exhibitors and visitors can tell us their requirements and what they are looking for, and we will approach decision-makers in our database and set up targeted meetings on their behalf. So, for example, a Chilean exhibitor seeking a Singaporean importer, or a Belgian buyer looking for an Italian wine, can be assured of productive meetings at the exhibition.
Getting to the show will be easier in 2015 since the tramway service linking the Exhibition Centre with Bordeaux city centre in 15 minutes will be completed.
New tasting experiences
A major gathering of the entire industry, Vinexpo is the ideal place to sample the sector’s latest products. In 2015, Vinexpo will be organising three free tasting areas: two exploring the emerging trends for rosé and sparkling wines, and a third revisiting sweet wines.
In the centre of Hall 3, the Spiritual concept bar will showcase spirits brands, with cocktails created by renowned mixologists.
The catering area, also located by the lake, will be bigger with a more varied offer ranging from a gourmet restaurant to food trucks. Exhibitors will be able to bring their own wine for lunch at any of the outlets without having to pay corkage.
Each evening after 10pm, Vinexpo invites all exhibition participants to a series of four fun and informal business networking parties. Called The Blend, all four events will take place at Hangar 14 on the banks of the Garonne in Bordeaux itself.
