July 19: After the successful 10th edition in Amsterdam RAI in 2018 and the maiden edition of WBWE Asia 2019 in Yantai, China, the World Bulk Wine Exhibition is getting ready to host the 11th edition at the same venue with exciting programmes, writes Subhash Arora who believes the Fair is picking up more and more momentum every year with better participation and more business generated
The Show is very important for wine professionals since over 38% of the world trade is in bulk wine. Private Label users, blenders and those interested in simply producing and marketing low end wines at reasonable price are principal beneficiaries of this Show that claims about 80% of the trade is carried out or originates in Amsterdam RAI over 2 days in November. This year the dates have been chosen as December 2-3.
Over the years, the Show has been going from strength to strength with new features added regularly. Some of the noteworthy features have been:
Art of Blending
This is the most important technical aspect of WBWE, started on a low key 2 years ago but with high powered presentations by the world-class speakers with tons of experience. Throughout two days, different keynote speakers and workshops will be carried out by the best professionals and the companies in this sector. It is an ambitious project that includes master classes and unique workshops to cover a comprehensive program starting from the knowledge of blending and its technique, to reach its application for red, white and sparkling wines, and the elements like barrels, woods, etc . It’s highly recommended for the technical people in any winery , interested to enhance their knowledge in blending. Details of Speakers is updated regularly and can be viewed at https://www.blendingwine.com/
Other Conferences
WBWE has already made a good name in conducting the 2-day conferences led by a Presentation by a senior person from OIV, presenting global wine data. This is the most attended part of the Conference; this year Pau Roca, the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) Director General, will give a keynote speech on “Climate change, environment and the bulk wine trade during 2018”. This will be followed by presentations from different countries and topics for varied interests starting with Round table discussion on “The bulk wine business in the United States: New ways of commercialization”, with the participation of Debora Parker Wong, journalist and professor.
Keeping with the general international trends and acknowledgement of the global warming on grape growing and wine making several topics have been chosen with this crucial factor in mind, For details, please visit
Private Exhibitor Area
This area where the visitors can have a one-to-one ‘conversation’ with a particular bottle with all the pertinent information available, one can taste in a rather quiet atmosphere without the producer’s rep trying to influence you. And if you are an exhibitor, you can participate in this segment too by offering your wine in this section after clicking here:
In order to attend the world’s biggest fair devoted to the bulk wine business, you can register from September 1, 2019 by clicking here:
International Bulk Wine Competition
It will be held one day prior to the launching of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition on the coming 1ST of December at RAI. This is the only competition in the world that encourages the promotion, transparency, quality and prestige of bulk wines produced all over the world. The jury comprises of a score of renowned professionals coming from 17 countries across five continents, including India represented by Subhash Arora.
Wineries working with bulk wines and proud of them have an excellent opportunity to introduce their wines to the industry’s major buyers and professionals, because the competition takes place one day prior to the exhibition and the results are announced on the day of the exhibition. The medals won can thus be displayed proudly for the potential buyers. Wineries from all over the world that produce a minimum quantity of 10,000 litres can participate in the competition.
The different categories to compete are the following: white, red, rosé and special wines, taking into account whether they have been in contact with wood or not, and whether they have a variety denomination, geographical indication or appellation of origin. For red wines, there are two additional categories: wines from 2019 and previous vintages.
It was interesting to see the use laptops last year for scoring for the first time. After a few glitches initially, it worked fine, taking less time and ensuring even better accuracy. An effort is made to observe that these wines are meant for blending and generally may not be the final product.
Other features
In addition, there are several key allied features like: The Vine, Voice of Vine, The Vine Science Award and The Bulk Wine Club, Gourmet Area etc.
The most interesting aspect is that the Show is in Amsterdam, very centrally located. One can take a taxi or train and get to the venue, visit for a day or both and carry on with the other activities anywhere else in Europe.
There is plenty of time to organise your trip to Europe around World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) 2019 on December 2-3. Do say hello to me if you spot me there.
For a related Article, visit WBWE 2018: A Decade of Promoting Global Bulk Wine Successfully
Subhash Arora
If you Like this article please click on the Like button