Real Wine - all is revealed
What is The Real Wine Fair?
The Real Wine is an event where growers come from all the over the world to pour their wines to members of the trade and the public. This year it takes place on 7th and 8th May.
Where is it being held?
It takes place in London’s historic Tobacco Dock in Wapping. With plenty of space and natural light this is one of London’s best venues for large-scale tastings.
Real wine? What’s that?
Real Wine is handcrafted wine, made by artisan producers who work sustainably as well as organically or biodynamically in their vineyards, and then guide the liquid to the bottle with the minimum (or zero) interventions.
How many growers will be there?
160 growers from 16 countries will be in attendance pouring around 700 wines. The Real Wine Fair is one of the largest artisan growers’ fairs in the UK, and attracts visitors from around the world.
Sounds like a lot to taste! How can I plan my day?
You will be able to download a catalogue beforehand from The Real Wine Fair website. The website itself has up-to-the-date information. You can also follow The Real Wine Fair on social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram and Facebook). If you have any further questions, or need any advice, then please contact us via email or ask one of the members of staff on the day and they will be happy to help.
What should I look out for?
With so many highlights it’s difficult to know what to recommend! In 2017, however, there will be particularly strong contingents of growers coming from the USA and Austria respectively. If you’ve heard about, but never tasted, wines from Georgia (“the cradle of wine civilisation”) there will be half a dozen growers from that remarkable small country exhibiting their wares. The Real Wine Fair is all about diversity and individuality; there will be so many singular, exciting and unusual wines on show.
Sounds like I need to spend a few hours there! What about food?
The Real Wine Fair is hosting some terrific street food stalls. You will be able to buy a wide variety of hot or cold dishes, prepared and served by some very well-known London restaurants such as Salt Yard and Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, and also purchase food to take away including artisan bread, cheese and charcuterie.
Do I need to bring cash?
You do! The food stalls will only accept cash. And if you have not bought tickets in advance you will need to pay on the door (£25 per person). There are cashpoint machines in Wapping and Shadwell on the way.
So, I can buy tickets in advance?
Go to the website for tickets. They are priced £20 in advance (plus a small booking fee).
What other attractions are there at The Real Wine?
On Sunday 7th May there will be three fascinating seminars/masterclasses given by leading figures in the wine trade. For full details about these masterclasses, and to reserve places please visit the website (spaces are limited).
And if I want to buy the wines at the fair?
Many of the wines will be available on the day from an on-site pop-up wine shop. The shop will be able to process debit and credit cards.
For more information on this year's Real Wine Fair or to purchase tickets, visit the website.