On 24 November 2021 at the Kent Country Showground history will be made with the first ever Vineyard & Winery Show – all under one roof and no need to travel abroad! It is a not to be missed event for anyone involved with UK viticulture and wine production.
The show is being organised by Vineyard magazine, in association with WineGB and is supported by sponsorship from some of the leading businesses in the sector – and we are all looking forward to welcoming you to this inaugural Buiness2Business event. Whether you are established producers or new to the industry the show is your key opportunity to access advice, meet suppliers and services, listen to experts and network with peers.
Sponsorship from sector leaders
The Vineyard & Winery Show is proud, and honoured, to have the support of some of the most prominent businesses in the sector and the organisers thank the main sponsors Berlin Packaging, CLM, Hutchinsons, Royston Labels and Vitifruit.
Sarah Calcutt, Vineyard & Winery Show Director, commented: “As well as the fantastic support from our main sponsors, we are so pleased to have individual sponsorship across all aspects of the show’s activities. Harvest Green Development will sponsor the hospitality, Ferovinum will sponsor the WineGB affiliated seminar programme, and Rankins Brothers & Son will provide a free unique cork bag as a gift for all visitors. Defined Wine will sponsor ‘The Wine Hub’ – a 30m long central table with 100 of the UK’s top wines to taste. Thanks also go to Urban Bar who are the show’s glassware sponsor, providing an exclusive branded glass for every visitor and Elite Wine Refrigeration who are our official wine storage sponsor – ensuring that all wines for tasting at the Vineyard & Winery show will be served at the correct temperature.
“All visitors will receive the beautifully designed cork bag with their exclusive engraved tasting glass, a handheld spittoon, as well as the Vineyard & Winery show guide.”
Jim Rankin from Rankin Brothers & Sons commented: “It’s right and proper to have our own expo, on our home shores, as the industry has reached a critical phase. It has experienced such high growth over the last 10-15 years, received so many accolades the world over, and we are recognised for the quality of our wine, and great winemaking. It is an opportunity for the supply chain to come together to show that it is supportive, strong and robust. There will be the opportunity to show vineyards what we can offer, to have conversations, build relationships and trust, and to explore new ideas and solutions. It’s also a chance to discuss sustainability and products that are positive for the environment.”
Over 70 exhibitors
The Vineyard & Winery Show organisers are delighted with the number of exhibitors attending this year’s first ever event – with more than 70 trade stands at the Kent County Showground. The wide-open space at the Kent County Showground can accommodate even the largest machinery, as well as provide flexibility for seminars and meetings.
“We have been absolutely overwhelmed with support from the trade, demonstrating a real appetite for this event,” commented Jamie McGrorty, Publisher of Vineyard Magazine. “We are so pleased to be able to provide visitors access to so many companies offering every aspect of the winery or vineyard supply chain that you can think of.
“From the winery side alone visitors can look forward to seeing companies displaying equipment such as BevTech Ltd, Core Equipment, Vigo and Vitikit, as well as label and cork suppliers. There is nothing better than seeing vineyard machinery first-hand, and visitors can view displays from firms such as Bell Agricultural, Bourne Engineering, Ernest Doe, Haynes, NP Seymour, Landini, Tuckwells, and Vitifruit.
“Anyone seeking advice on vineyard establishment or management will be able to discuss topics with companies such as Agrii, Hutchinsons, S.J. Barnes, Vine Care, Vine-Works, Veraison and Vinescapes – all on hand to assist on the day.
“If anyone still wishes to book a stand and join us then please do get in touch. Although space is now limited, we have arranged for more exhibitor areas in the John Hendry hall (where we will be hosting the seminars on the day) along with the catering facilities.” Jamie added.
Seminars to focus on a sustainable future
Ben Kanter, Nyetimber’s Head Viticulturist and the show’s keynote speaker will share his story and views on the viticulture in the UK. “I am very pleased to be invited to speak at the inaugural Vineyard & Winery show. In just five years in the UK, I have seen huge changes across the industry and as a whole it is just getting better and better. It is a privilege to reflect on these changes with colleagues, friends and peers and I look forward to passing on my experiences during what will be a great day,” commented Ben.
A full day of seminar sessions, in affiliation with WineGB, and chaired by Simon Thorpe MW CEO, will provide an exciting line up experts who will share their experiences, communicate their ideas, and encourage discussion and networking on topics that are current and pertinent to the industry and its sustainable future. See page 34 for the full seminar programme.
