WOSA WORLD

Wines of the Beautiful South increases visitor figures

19 September 2014

Wines of Argentina, Wines of Chile and Wines of South Africa are pleased to announce that the 2014 Wines of the Beautiful South tasting saw an overall increase in visitors of 7.3 per cent, compared to 2013, with numbers reaching 1,223 across the two days (excluding repeat visitors). The organisers were also encouraged to see that visitors attending both days increased by 48 per cent, meaning that day two of the event had an 11 per cent higher footfall than the previous year.

The tasting attracted high calibre buyers and influencers from across the UK and 11 per cent of visitors were from other European markets. All sectors were well represented, with buyers attending from leading retailers such as Tesco, ASDA, Spar, M&S, The Co-operative Group, Waitrose, Majestic Wines, Harvey Nichols, Wine Society and Laithwaites. There was a good turnout from the independent sector, spurred by the offer of a travel bursary, to encourage attendance. High profile sommeliers from the Gordon Ramsey Group, Hotel du Vin and Hawksmore rubbed shoulders with buyers from Whitbread and Matthew Clark, while over 100 journalists tasted and chatted with the 250 producers representing the three countries.

Commenting on the tasting, a spokesperson for Wines of the Beautiful South said: “We are delighted with the positive response that the 2014 event generated and believe that this collaborative approach ensures a ‘must attend’ tasting in the busy UK trade calendar. We listened to the feedback from the inaugural show in 2013 and made improvements that we feel will continue to ensure quality visitors and a tasting that meets the needs of the trade in the UK and beyond.”

Wines of the Beautiful South will return to Kensington Olympia in 2016, as Wines of South Africa will focus on hosting its international show, Cape Wine, in 2015. Wines of Chile and Wines of Argentina intend to hold a joint South American tasting in London in 2015 and the team is currently exploring ways to collaborate as Wines of the Beautiful South during London Wine Fair 2015. In addition, Wines of the Beautiful South seminars will be held during ProWein, Düsseldorf, next March.

18 September 2014

For up to date information on all international Wines of the Beautiful South events, visit www.winesofthebeautifulsouth.com

For further information please contact:

Jo Wehring, Wines of South Africa, jo@winesofsa.com 020 8405 6442

Anita Jackson, Wines of Chile, anita@winesofchile.org.uk 07747 615 976

Andrew Maidment, Wines of Argentina, amaidment@winesofargentina.com 07807 077 824