Vinexpo launches Explorer concept for buyers

Trade event organiser Vinexpo has launched Vinexpo Explorer, an “intense” programme set up to take industry buyers directly to wine and spirit-producing regions.

Vinexpo CEO Guillaume Deglise toasts the first Vinexpo Explorer with Willi Klinger, Managing Director of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board

An annual two-day event, Vinexpo Explorer will see 100 international buyers selected by the organisation travel to a designated wine and/or spirit region to network, discover the host country, and conduct business deals.

The programme is set to include workshops, tastings, masterclasses and business sessions in Vinexpo’s One-to-Wine format.

Once invited, buyers would be fully hosted for the two-day visit, but would need to cover return transport costs.

The first Vinexpo Explorer edition, known as a ‘Chapter’, will take place in Austria from 11-12 September, co-hosted by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board.

Future countries and regions mooted include Scotland and the US state of Oregon.

Speaking at a press event in London this morning [17 January], Guillaume Deglise, Vinexpo CEO, said Vinexpo Explorer would highlight less-recognised producing regions while creating “a community of buyers”.

While the inaugural Austria Vinexpo Explorer will solely focus on wine, Deglise added that “it is a wish to get closer to the spirits industry” through the concept.

“Vinexpo Explorer is a unique approach, a new way of doing business,” a statement from Deglise reads.

“Whilst representing a revolutionary concept for the wine and spirits trade, it also marks a turn in the orientation of Vinexpo group. With our major trade fairs in Bordeaux, Hong Kong, Tokyo and now Vinexpo Explorer we offer a complete range to satisfy buyers’, producers’, and wine and spirits retailers’ needs worldwide”.

The next Vinexpo Bordeaux event will take place at the city’s Parc des Expositions from 18-21 June 2017.