The latest edition of the VIN trade tasting event in London radiated confidence, bringing together French wine producers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts in a celebration of France’s diverse wine offerings. The Hyatt Regency venue buzzed with energy as attendees, including over 300 UK wine professionals, interacted with 40 producers and importers, sampling more than 400 wines spanning regions from Jura and Corsica to Burgundy and Alsace.
The event, organized by Business France, the trade division of the French Embassy in the UK, kicked off with a heartfelt thank you to those supporting French wines, followed by the announcement of the coveted French Champion Awards.
Recognizing Excellence in the UK Wine Trade
The awards ceremony celebrated the hard work of the UK wine trade, with a panel of 50 British trade professionals nominating and voting for individuals and companies making a significant impact on French wine in the UK. The awards were presented by Aleesha Hansel, who won the Best Voice for France award in 2024, alongside Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador to the UK, and Pauline Gauthier, Head of Food & Drink at Business France UK & Ireland.
This year’s award winners included:
Best Importer for France: Daniel Lambert Wines (a repeat winner)
Best Supermarket for France: Waitrose, praised for its wide selection of French wines
Best Indie Retailer for France: Authentique, a Kent-based retailer known for French craft products
Best Online Retailer for France: The Wine Society, recognized for its extensive French wine collection
Best Voice for France: Natalie Earl, whose writing in Decanter highlights the richness of French wine regions
Best Restaurant for France: Noble Rot, celebrated for its outstanding wine list
Pauline Gauthier emphasized the importance of supporting the market to help bring France’s wines to a wider audience, stating, “If we don’t have support on the market, nothing’s going to happen.”
Wine Walks Led by Master of Wine Anne McHale
One of the event’s highlights was a series of guided wine walks led by Master of Wine Anne McHale, drawing crowds with insightful tours focusing on sparkling wines, rosé, and sustainability. McHale’s walks provided visitors a chance to directly compare different styles within each genre, giving them a deeper understanding of France’s varied offerings.
McHale noted, “The goal of the wine walks is twofold. For many visitors, the sheer variety of wines can be overwhelming, so these walks help guide them through the selection. It’s a chance to experience the breadth of styles and see them in action.”
A Comprehensive Showcase of French Wines
Reflecting on the success of the event, Gauthier shared her vision for the day, highlighting the diversity of producers and wines presented. “We wanted to show the full spectrum of French wines, from well-established regions to those off the beaten track, and I think we achieved that. The UK is always looking for new and interesting profiles, and France has so much to offer.”
For Gauthier, the key to success in the UK market lies not only in the quality of French wines but in the stories behind them. “Consumers are looking for experiences and narratives. We have passionate winemakers, sustainability stories, and more women in wine—these are the stories we need to tell.”
A Glimpse of the Wines on Offer
The event was also a great opportunity to discover new and exciting wines. Some of the standout selections included:
Bestheim Grand Prestige Crémant d’Alsace Brut 2019: A 100% Pinot Blanc sparkling wine with a biscuity complexity and notes of crushed apples and peach.
Domaine Daridan Cour Cheverny Vieilles Vignes Blanc 2023: A wine made from the rare Romorantin grape, offering flavors of ripe pear, honey, and green apple.
Orenga de Gaffory Muscat du Cap Corse Impassitu: A luscious, honeyed dessert wine from Corsica made from 100% Muscat à Petits Grains.
Calmel & Joseph Ams Tram Gram Le Roi Cinsault: A light, fresh Languedoc red with delicate red fruit flavors and subtle spice.
Chateau Famaey Prestige Malbec Cahors: A bold and aromatic Malbec with notes of violets, eucalyptus, and dark plum, challenging typical perceptions of the grape.
The event not only showcased France’s iconic wines but also introduced lesser-known regions and boutique producers, enriching the UK market’s appreciation of French wine culture.
Conclusion
As the event wrapped up, Gauthier expressed satisfaction with its success. “We are always striving to improve, and this event gave us the chance to show the breadth and depth of what France has to offer.” With a strong mix of both established producers and newcomers, and a focus on sustainability and storytelling, France is poised to continue making a significant impact on the UK wine market.
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