Vinexpo, the leading international wine and spirits exhibition thanks you for supporting its blog on a daily basis and wish you good holydays. (Source: Vinexpo)

The success of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2008 in Hong Kong reveals how much the Asian wine and spirits professionals were awaiting the event. The attendance of large numbers of important buyers, importers and distributors, alongside the international press and renowned experts, who spoke at the seminars and led tastings, confirms the leadership of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific in this area.

After the unanimously acclaimed success, having observed business statistics that demonstrate that Asia is one of the most promising markets in the world, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, the international wine and spirits exhibition for Asia-Pacific, will be held in Hong Kong again on 25, 26 and 27 May 2010.

Admission Pack have been sent to the exhibitors at the end of July. (Source: Vinexpo)

The number of visitors attending VINEXPO 2009 finally amounted to 46,621.
This exceeded all estimations made before the exhibition took place and is a clear demonstration of the ambition of wine and spirits industry players to move forward and not yield to the ambient gloom. VINEXPO stands out more than ever as the major international event for trade professionals. (Source : Vinexpo)

“Vinexpo is even more esential to us in this difficult market situation. It allows us to meet our partners from other regions and the savings made in communication costs with such a concentration of protagonists in a same place is essential.” Jean-Jacques Dost, Cave de Rasteau (Source : Vinexpo Daily News Numéro Spécial RVI)

Korea and the European Union have just finalised a free trade agreement that provides for the complete elimination in three years of customs duty on practically all the goods traded between them. The Korean Minister of Agriculture foresees a substantial increase in the importation of European wines into his country.

Since a similar free-trade agreement between Korea and Chile was implemented in 2003, the Korean market share of Chilean wines has increased from 7 to 18%. Chile even became market leader in 2008, exporting 660,000 hectolitres to Korea. (Source: VSB)

“Vinexpo offers ou teams a good awareness of world markets and our clients and partners are able to get a better perception of our South-West (France) gunuineness and of its strong personality. This is a great opportunity in difficult times, in which it is important to differentiate oneself.” Jean-Pierre Grangé, General Manager at Producteurs Plaimont (Source: Vinexpo Daily News Numéro Spécial RVI)

“In the current situation, Vinexpo remains the best way to meet the majr wine importers and distributors from around the world. This is a great opportunity for our group to present all of our brands simultaneously and our diaries are crowded indeed.” Alain Thiénot, CEO of Groupe Thiénot. (Source: Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

“Vinexpo is the one major event to take the world market temperature. This year, more than ever before, we have to be creative and dynamic to regain our markets. Vinexpo will allow us to ascertain and check on the potential upturn of the market for the second semester of 2009, in cooperation with our clients.” Lionel Lavail, General Manager at the Maison Cazes (Source: Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

According to The IWSR, Brazil wine imports increased by 220% in volume and by 300% in value in the period from 2002 to 2008. This makes the Brazilians the second biggest wine drinkers in Latin America after Argentina. (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 14) (Source: VSB)

The Union of Coteaux de l’Ardèche Winegrowers (UVICA), which represents 85% of the wine produced in the southern Ardèche area, are bringing out a range of bag-in-box formats in 5- and 10-litre sizes, which have been exclusively decorated by the painter and metal worker Sgarra. 6 of the 17 Ardèche “villages with character” have been chosen to provide modern illustrations for the new presentations, which highlight the terroir and heritage of the Ardèche region.  (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 189) (Source : VSB)

“More than this year, we shall be in a position to communicate everything we do to our partners, be it ations, thoughts or solutions implemented in this rather spooky market situation. Without doubt, Vinexpo will be the place where we whall be josting common ideas concerning cooperative wineries!” Pascal Duconget, General Manager of Vignrons de Caractere (Source : Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

“This meeting cannot be ignored when one works worldwide because it offers numerous opportunites for few encounters.” Miren de Lorgeril, President of Vignobles Lorgeril (Languedoc) (Source : Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

The Spanish family-owned company Garcia Carrion is going to introduce the ‘Don Simon Class’ brand, one of the largest export wines in the world, in the US in a PET bottle with a screw cap.

The range includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Merlot, a Cabernet Merlot and a Chardonnay. (Vinexpo Hall 2 MN 39) (Source: VSB)

Frapin is commercialising its VSOP with new packaging, a reproduction of a traditional 16^th century bottle made of extra white glass with a gilt stopper and sold in a black and gold case. (Vinexpo Hall 1 B 304) (Source: VSB)

"The exhibition is a barometre for all companies and actors of the market, a bridgehead towards expanding markets. It helps feel the pulse of our trade. In times of a crisis, one needs to exchange data and to meet buyers.” Xavier de Eizaguirre, Président of Vinexpo. (Source: Vinexpo Daily News Numéro spécial de RVI)

The Saumur merchant Gratien & Meyer, a sparkling wines specialist, now commercialises its premium cuvee Flamme as a Cremant de Loire brut, as well as with its original Saumur label. This wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin and Cabernet, and is aged for two years. The cuvée for this first vintage consists of 150,000 bottles. (Vinexpo Hall 1 A 220) (Source : VSB)

Rioja wineries in Vinexpo 2009 offer in these wine tastings their best vintages on which you savor the experience and tradition together with creativity, innovation and modernity that Riojan wine-growers and winemakers have incorporated. (Wednesday 24^th June / 10.00 – 11.30 / Room 221 H2) (Source: Vinexpo)

The photographer and graphic designer, Olivier Diaz de Zarate has just been hailed as the winner of the first international biennial festival of vine and wine photography. Photographers were asked to compete in five winegrowing subject areas: portraits, vineyards, chateaux and cellars, places where wine is consumed, contents and packaging. Olivier de Zarate photographed a black and white portrait which so impressed the jury that he was chosen as winner of all five categories. This photo will be exhibited in Bordeaux during Vinexpo 2009. (Source: Vinexpo)

At Vinexpo the stand of Cahors wines is located in the same square of stands as that representing Argentinean wines, in order to concentrate 80% of the world offering of Malbec wines in one place. To reinforce the connection, the Cahors stand is display the word “Malbec” in lettering as large as that used for the word “Cahors”.. (Vinexpo Hall 1 DE 10) (Source: VSB)

In partnership with “Reussir Vigne”, France Agrimer, will hold a conference on the outlook and commercial aspects of the world market for sparkling wine followed by a round table discussion on the growing taste for bubbles in drinks. (Conference by FranceAgrimer, French Ministry of Agriculture, June 24, 2009 from 14.30 to 16.30 - Room H1/H2. First floor, Palais des Congres de Bordeaux Lac) (Source: Vinexpo)

At the occasion of the 15^th edition of Vinexpo, Michel Barnier, minister of Agriculture said “it was no use hiding one’s face or acting like an ostrich in times of a crisis, but rather fight for new markets with our assets of quality and diversity”’. (Source: Vinexpo)

The launching in Bordeaux of a new system for the storage of fine wines in the Entrepôt Vins Export – Bonded Wine Export Warehouse (legal suspension of VAT) up to 10 years. This opration guarantees, in all confidentiality, the perfect conservation and the total traceability of products stored in an ultra-secure facility. (Monday 22^th at 04:00 pm Room H1/H2 Palais des Congrès) (Source: Vinexpo)

Accounting for some 80% of the world's total production of Malbec, Cahors and Argentina  will both have a stand in the same section at Vinexpo, forming a  "Malbec corner." This will provide visiting wine professionals with a unique occasion for comparative transcontinental tastings.

The UICV (Union Interprofessionnelle du Vin de Cahors) is organizing a "Malbec Summit" at Vinexpo on Monday, June 22^nd from 10 am to 2 pm in Hall 2, Room 221. (Source: Vinexpo)

Since more than 20 years the growing influence of “new world” wines and of the premium spirits in the world’s consumption has deeply modify the strategic approach of the industry.

New consumption habits? New distribution channels? New consuming countries? What are the right strategies? Targets? Products?

On 22 June, major French, British and American marketing specialists will discuss the new patterns of consumption, distribution channels and the new consumer countries and what these mean for wine and spirits marketing strategy. Chaired by French business celebrity Claude Bébéar. (Monday, June 22^nd / 14.30-17.30 / Amphitheatre B Convention Centre) (Source: Vinexpo)

To celebrate its 15th show, Vinexpo, the international wine and spirits exhibition, will not only be serving up wine but art too at this major trade gathering in Bordeaux from 21 to 25 June. What better to accompany fine wines than fine art?

These works from Jim Dine, William Sweetlove, Roland Cognet, Yves Guérin and Christophe Doucet, like Vinexpo look to the future and are modern and diverse. They are the fruit of passionate work and reflect the world of today. (Source: Vinexpo)

To help really benefit from all the charm of Bordeaux, listed on the world heritage of UNESCO, with the support of the Bordeaux City Hall, the Tourist Office, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vinexpo re-launch ‘Thank you for Coming!”.

170 shops and restaurants in the centre of the city are taking part in the initiative by preparing for visitors and exhibitors a special welcome. They are picked out by the “Thank you for Coming!” sticker. (Source: Vinexpo)

“The sommelier’s profession is passionately interesting and has many facets. 21st century sommeliers are both consultants, buyers, managers, restaurateurs and most importantly ambassadors. Today’s sommeliers are truly international standard-bearers for wines, gastronomy and the renaissance of the art of living. By skilfully combining modern and traditional approaches, the latest generation of sommeliers has succeeded in conquering the five continents,” emphasized Robert Beynat, Chief Executive of Vinexpo. (Source: Vinexpo)

Anxious to ease traffic in Bordeaux city centre and around the exhibition, the local authorities (the Prefecture, the Bordeaux Urban Community, Bordeaux City Hall and the local road authority) have decided to support the event and use the traffic’ease plan for the fourth year running, by putting in place 80 specific measures, which include increasing the number of taxis and the number of times city buses run, and reinforcing road signage, etc.
A traffic command post will be set up on site at the exhibition, making it possible to centralise information on traffic conditions and to broadcast it in real time via the traffic information terminals situated around the show or on the Vinexpo website Vinexpo.com)

During Vinexpo 2009 in Bordeaux the Auriol estates will present their new range of wines with a reduced alcohol content : So’ Light comes in three different types of wine : a red Merlot, a rosé Grenache-Cinsault and a white Terret-Sauvignon, with a degree between 9 and 9.5° from finished wine. Obtained through a combination of “de-alcoholising” and membrane techniques, these wines are not only less alcoholic but also contain less calories: they don’t contain sugar (less than 2g per litre) and they have less than 60 calories in one 12cl glass. These wines will be packaged in white Bordeaux bottles with a screw cap. The range will also include 25cl bottles with a screw cap so that they can be included in the snacks section of the supermarket, next to the low-fat ready prepared meals. At an international level the concept has been tried out in sports or fitness clubs and for “nomad” consumption (camping; picnics) in packaging similar to that of a small beer bottle. (Vinexpo Hall 2 L 15) (Source: WineAlley.com)

After a 6.37% increase between 2003 and 2007, which brought spirits volumes consumed to 132.96 million 9-litre cases or 1.595 billion bottles, the VINEXPO / The IWSR study expects spirits consumption in Japan to decrease by 8.26% in volume between 2008 and 2012. By the end of the period, consumption is anticipated to decline to 122.338 million cases, the equivalent of 1.46 billion bottles. (Source: Vinexpo / The IWSR)

Served in the world’s top restaurants, Skalli wines have won an international following for vintages produced in the South of France. New developments to be presented at the VINEXPO 2009 exhibition are designed to enhance the reputation of Skalli’s quality wines from the Rhône Valley, Languedoc, Corsica and Provence. Improved websites, new appellations and changes of style will help bolster Skalli’s status as the benchmark for Southern French wines. (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 149) (Source: Vinexpo)

In 2007 many of you used the concierge services. In view of this success and the expectations of all the visitors and exhibitors, these services will be offered again and widened for the 15^th Vinexpo.

The Concierge team will be on hand in Hall 1 in the “Avenue” area or in Hall 2 to offer solutions for a wide variety of personal requests. They will be available to all for advice, information and to find solutions for very specific requests. (Source: Vinexpo)

Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vinexpo's mother company, launches Bordeaux City Bond on Monday 22 th, June 2009.
Bordeaux City Bond provides the storage of fine wines in the first and unique bonded warehouse of this type in Bordeaux and in France.
Bordeaux City Bond is aimed to foreign buyers of fine wines who are looking to store their wines in the best conditions before shipping or for ageing in ultra - secure premises with full traceability. For the first time, fine wines, for most of them close to the areas of production, will be stored, taxes free without time limitation in Bordeaux. (Monday June 22^nd / 16.00 – 18.00 / Room H1-H2 Convention Centre) (Source: Vinexpo)

Every morning during Vinexpo 2009 (21^st to the 25^th June) WineAlley will offer breakfast from 9 to 10 am in the Restaurant de France (Hall 1, Porte 24 –stand F240).

Over breakfast, producers and buyers can meet the professionals from WineAlley. They will outline the services provided by WineAlley so that to buy and sell wines with greater ease, all thanks to the Internet! (Source: Vinexpo)

“The Bordeaux Wine Festival” will take place on the banks of the Garonne river, in the heart of Bordeaux recently classified by UNESCO, from June, 24th to 27th 2010. It is the world’s biggest wine festival open to public, with a wine route of 2 km and 450 000 visitors in 2008.

With Stephan Delaux, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux, in charge of Tourism, Heritage and animation of the city, and President of the Bordeaux Tourist Office and Alain Vironneau, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council. (Wednesday, June 24^th at 1.pm on the CIVB pavilion / s.gaillard@bordeaux-tourisme.com) (Source: Vinexpo)

The free shuttle buses were a great success in 2007 and carried nearly 20,000 passengers. To accommodate the crowds, Vinexpo will commission 45 shuttles in total to transport visitors. (Source: Vinexpo)

The Friuli Venezia Giulia Office of Tourism will introduce its new appellation « Friulano » at the 15th th edition of Vinexpo. Renowned for producing top quality wines, this region of North-Eastern Italy is especially remarkable for the excellency of its white wines. This unique land draws its resources from its indigenous grape

varieties, combining latin, germanic and slavic influences. This exemplary wine-growing region is made of 9 DOC or DOCG zones.

With its small area but the outstanding quality of its wines, Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s leading wine-producing regions. Its 1.700 estates produce more than 100 million bottles per year, on 20.000 hectares of vineyard. (Vinexpo Hall 2 JK 32 – K 30) (Source: Vinexpo)

In 2008, the World Health Organization conducted an extensive global study with input from the alcoholic beverage industry and public health authorities. The purpose of great importance was to determine what kind of legislation and regulation is necessary and how it should be structured.

In connection with this initiative, on Tuesday 23 June from 9.30 to 13.00 SAVOIR BOIRE / SAVOIR VIVRE will present a prestigious panel in Amphitheatre B of the Convention Centre to debate the following subject:

Laws, constraints, self-regulation, responsibility, communications, education - the role of each actor, the responsibility of all.

With the participation of Robert Madelin, George Sandeman, Alexis Capitant, Laure Alexandre, Michel Bettane, Hubert Sacy. (Source: Vinexpo)

Château de Tracy, unique owner in Pouilly Fumé of High density planted vines, will be present at the 2009’ edition of Vinexpo in Bordeaux, from the 21st to 25th of June. Henry d' Assay will comment the outcome of its multiple researches with the Pouilly Fumé “Haute Densité du Château de Tracy 2005” as well as with the “Grand Vin du Château de Tracy 2007”. It will be a privileged occasion to give a report on the vintage 2008 in Pouilly Fumé and to discover the potential of a major grape variety, Sauvignon. (Vinexpo Hall 1 A 97) (Source: Vinexpo)

Over the next five years, Castel expects to double its sales volume on the expanding Russian market where the middle class is expressing a growing penchant for quality wine. This development shows promise for an annual turnover of 45.6 million euros by 2013, versus the 27.2-million-euro turnover acquired in 2008 (up 19.3% on 2007).

As many as 21 million bottles of wine are expected to go to market in 2013, as opposed to the 11.3 million marketed in 2008 (up 2.7% on 2007).

Castel aims to develop its commercial network within Russia’s 8 federal districts and 28 main cities exceeding 1 million inhabitants, increasing its sales force by 50% over the next five years. (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 270) (Source: Vinexpo)

On Vinexpo website, The Media Corner enables journalists to pre-register and obtain their electronic badge by E-mail. This badge is valid for the duration of the exhibition and gives direct access, without having to queue, to Vinexpo. (Source: Vinexpo)

If you disregard the absence this year of some of the big American names, who are seriously affected by the crisis, Vinexpo remains the most important gathering of the industry and is still the best place and the best time to maintain your business relationships. (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 270) (Source: Objectif Aquitaine)

The exhibition, organised by the Musée d’Aquitaine, explores the history of wine through the containers used to market and consume in through the ages, from amphorae to bottles: over 300 items, works of art and everyday objects, engravings, and lithographs… in vast, 700m2 exhibition. (Musée d’Aquitaine - Bordeaux - from June, 20^th) (Source: Vinexpo)

On Thursday 25th June, the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc is organising a large tasting of more than 140 Châteaux, in espace degustation 2 in hall3. This will provide the opportunity to discover both the new and to familiarise again with the classics, enabling to appreciate the diversity of the Cru Bourgeois.

This large family of Cru Bourgeois wines from the Médoc, which has existed for centuries, well illustrates the diverse richness of the eight different Médoc appellations: Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe. (Registration only for professionals with alliance@crus-bourgeois.com / Thursday 25th June / 9.30-13.00) (Source: Vinexpo)

Wine has been made in Uruguay for over 250 years but it was not until the 1870’s that Uruguay’s flagship grape, Tannat, was first introduced. It has since adapted extremely well to the chalky-clay soils and Mediterranean climate of Southern Uruguay as have many other predominantly French varieties.

The wineries are family owned and have been handed down from generation to generation. 100% of the harvesting is done by hand and Uruguay is very much focused on producing quality and unique wines which attract the wine-lover. (Vinexpo Hall 1 AB 12) (Source: Vinexpo)

The consumption of wine (both still and sparkling) increased by 10.57% between 2003 and 2007 in the Netherlands. At the end of this period, volumes consumed reached 41,684 million 9-litre cases, equivalent to 500,208 million bottles. Consumption should grow by a further 4.47% between 2008 and 2012 to reach 43,836 million cases, or 526 million bottles by the end of the period. (Source: Vinexpo / The IWSR)

In the 10-year period between 2003 and 2012, the consumption of still and sparkling wines in Russia should have increased by 70.55 million cases, an average increase of 12,6%.

This increase corresponds to growth in consumption of 84.667 million bottles per year over the period. (Source: Vinexpo)

In 2007, each inhabitant of Austria of legal drinking age consumed on average 42.20 litres of wine per year, making it the 5^th largest consuming nation in the world for still and sparkling wines in terms of per capita consumption.

In 2007, the Austrians drank 31.216 million 9-litre cases of wine, including still and sparkling, the equivalent of 374.5 million bottles, up 0.91% compared to 2003.

The Vinexpo / The IWSR study forecasts a 2.43% increase in wine consumption between 2008 and 2012, reaching almost 400 million bottles, or 32.691 million 9-litre cases by the end of the period. (Source: Vinexpo)

Allegrini, one of the best known Amarone producers in Veneto, is to give a free bottle of wine to drivers as part of a drink-driving campaign in Italy.

Throughout May, all designated drivers who manage to successfully stay off alcohol during nights out will be rewarded with a complimentary bottle of Palazzo della Torre.  (Vinexpo Hall 1 A 141) (Source: Decanter.com)

La RVF and Vinexpo are organizing a debate on French wine and globalization to be held at the coming wine fair in Bordeaux and in which famous international wine–tasters will take part: Simon Tam (China), Michael Fridjon (South Africa), Joel Payne (Germany), Enzo Vizzari (Italy), Jeannie Cho Lee (Asia) and Bisso Atanossov (Russia), as well as renowned French wine-growers.

Save the date: Wednesday 24^th June – 14:30 at Vinexpo, amphitheater B, Hall Marketers, convention center “Palais des Congrès du Lac”. (Source: Vinexpo)

Antonio Banderas is thought to have acquired 50% shareholding of Bodega Anta Natura, fulfilling his lifelong dream to becoming a winemaker in his native Spain.

The bodega will be renamed Anta Banderas as part of the deal.

According to president of Bodega Anta natura, Banderas chose the bodega “because of the quality of the wines, and its great potential for international expansion.” (Vinexpo Hall 2 MN 41 -4) (Decanter.com)

Tasting, decanting, carafing … now there is also qivining, using the revolutionary Qivino.

Qivino is a scientific innovation that enables you to perfectly protect the flavour,

bouquet and hue of wine in an opened bottle.

Wine keeps best in an oxygen-free atmosphere. Qivino removes the air from the bottle and places the wine under a controlled atmosphere. Its successful results have been proved scientifically.

No longer need you waste a single drop of wine from opened bottles of wine that you have qivined. (Vinexpo Hall Marketers Allée B) (Source: Vinexpo)

Vignobles André Lurton will be holding 3 exceptional tastings of their wines on Sunday the 21^st, Tuesday the 23^rd and Wednesday the 24^th of June, during Vinexpo Bordeaux 2009. The tastings will take place in the late afternoon at the Andre Lurton booth. All fans of André Lurton's wines are most cordially invited!

They look forward to seeing you at their Vinexpo booth, from 4:30 to 6:30pm.

Sunday, June 21^st: André Lurton wines: cap that!

Tuesday, June 23^rd: André Lurton’s buried treasures

Wednesday, June 24^th: Andre Lurton, a vertical tasting of the classified growth chateau Couhins Lurton

(Vinexpo Hall 1 B50 / Contact: Marie-Dorothée Corneau + 5 56 72 56 06) (Source: Vinexpo)

Morocco has become one of the largest winemakers in the Muslim world, with the equivalent of 35 million bottles produced last year. "Morocco is a country of tolerance," said Mehdi Bouchaara, the deputy general manager at the Celliers de Meknes, the country's largest winemaker, which bottles over 85 percent of national output. "It's everybody's personal choice whether to drink or not." The Celliers have flourished on this tolerance and now cultivate 2,100 hectares of vineyards. (Vinexpo Hall 1 DE 50) (Source: The Associated Press)

Finesse, Elegance and Purity… Louis Moreau Chablis style slowly shows its potential in the vintage 2008 which was recently revealed to the international press. Impressive, powerful and concentrated, the 2008’ Chablis Grand cru Monopole Clos des Hospices again brilliantly stands at the high-end of a full range of great wines. Only 2800 bottles and 60 magnums will be offered for this promising vintage.

“We are fortunate to be owner of world-renowned parcels in Premier and Grand Cru, but our production is naturally limited. In a significant low volume this year, our Chablis wines benefited from our perfectionist approach in the estate vineyard stressing on the organic labour” commented Louis Moreau. (Vinexpo Hall 1 DE 200) (Source: Vinexpo)

Remy Cointreau announces a new presentation of the Extra Old version of its Mount Gray Bajan rum, featuring a bottle engraved with the date 1703, when the distillery was founded. 35% of Mount Gray sales are in the US, 20% in the rest of the Americas, while the remainder is sold between Europe, Asia and Africa. (Vinexpo Hall 1 B – 268) (Source: VSB)

The Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior appellations are going to mark the start of cooking courses from world recipes at the “Bistro des Bordeaux”, in the heart of the largest International wines and spirits exhibition.

Test new culinary harmonies, bringing together distant flavors to the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior wines, that is the ambition of the Planet Bordeaux Cooking courses introduced Planète Bordeaux.

The “Bistro des Bordeaux” located in the the “Restaurant du Jardin” welcomes you for lunch every day, from Sunday 21^st to Thursday 25^th of June, and/or to take part to cooking workshops (2 cooking courses lasting out 45 minutes, at 10 am and 4 pm).

For any information covering the worshops program or to sign in, click on www.evenement-planete-bordeaux.net (limited numbers)

The Bordeaux firm Cheval Quancard has launched an organic Bordeaux Red and White, branded Authenta. The presentation is designed to meet the expectations of consumers of this type of wine: Diam cork, recycled paper label and unbleached Kraft cardboard. (Vinexpo Hall 1 B 211) (Source: VSB)

As at every Vinexpo, Castel, the world's leading family business for French wines, will be giving an original presentation of its brands, its Châteaux and its new products on its stand for customers from around the globe. The difference this year is that Castel will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.

With more than 580 million bottles produced and sold every year throughout the world generating a turnover of more than 1 billion euro and more than 5,000 wine references, Castel is the 3rd largest international group in terms of volume.

Apart from professional tasting sessions, to mark its commitment to the conviviality surrounding French wines and to pay tribute to its work as French catering partner (20% of national business), the Castel stand will also be offering its existing and prospective customers a gourmet restaurant service combining food and wine, by invitation and reservation only.

These are just some of the events that will mark the 60^th year of the Castel Group. (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 270 / Contact: Muriel Nicolas +33 1 56 77 14 14)

The consumption of rum and mainly white rum increased substantially, up 39.63% and 32.84% respectively between 2003 and 2007.Between 2008 and 2012, vodka and rum consumption should continue to grow, but rum will be slower than vodka at 9.35% compared to 28.16%. (Source: Vinexpo / The IWSR) (www.vinexpo)

Walders Vodka & Vanilla is a creamy liqueur uniquely infused with premium quality vodka and vanilla, blended with a natural non-dairy base. Walders is delicious over crushed ice or mixed with fruit juices for a refreshing range of cocktails. (Vinexpo Hall 3 U 338) (Source: Vinexpo)

In a new generation of beverages, called premix’, Ice Tropez is a cocktail which come to life in Saint Tropez in the south of France. This sparkling wine cocktail is mainly based upon a rosé wine, mixed up with a flavour of peach (fleur de brugnon) and carbonated water. A new generation of consumers will be seduced by the modern styled bottle containing a refreshing drink, with an amazing touch of fruit flavours. It’s rather bound to be consumed by a young and feminine market, who has the desire of tasting wine in a different ways. (Vinexpo Hall1 - E42) (Source: Vinexpo)

Concha y Toro Group, with its subsidiaries, accounts for 37% of the total volume of Chilean wine exports, which is 10% more than in 2003. In terms of value, the Group’s share of Chilean exports has evolved from 23.5% in 2003 to 31.4% in 2008, reaching €389 million, an increase of 3.5%. Concha y Toro forecasts 10% growth in the volumes it exports in 2009, despite the economic climate. (Club du Lac Vinexpo) (Source: VSB)

Zonin - an Italian family spiritZonin is one of the great wine families. Since 1821, seven generations of the Zonin family have gradually built one of the largest private winegrowing companies in Italy and Europe. The family has been able to rely on the know-how of a technical team made up of 32 oenologists and technicians led by oenologist Franco Giacosa.
The family’s  1,800 hectares (4,450 acres) of vines made up of 10 estates, produce more than 23 million bottles, of which 40% is exported to 89 countries in the world. (Vinexpo Hall 1 B 130) (Source: VINO magazine)

Along Hall 1 in a pleasant, practical setting, the Restaurants du Jardin offer a different way to highlight wines and spirits.

The national and regional pavilions offer the flavours of their distinctive cuisine as well as the opportunity to taste their wines and spirits.

Limited, these exclusive restaurants offer an unparalleled showcase for regional and national wines, spirits and dishes. (Source: Vinexpo)

In 2007, U.S. wine consumption (still + sparkling) reached 288.8 million (9 liter) cases, or 3.5 billion bottles, an increase of 70 % vs. 2003, thus reinforcing its position as the 3rd leading country in terms of volume.
Between 2008 and 2012, Americans will continue to increase their consumption (+11.8%), reaching a total of 330 million cases (3.96 billion bottles). Thus, the United States will become the world’s number one market in terms of still wine consumption, ahead of Italy and France.
Over a 10 year period (2003/2012), total wine consumption in the U.S. will have experienced an average annual increase of 3.1%. (Source: Vinexpo / The IWSR)