Real Italian Wine & Food Experience
Excel London, 26-27 April 2026
WE break borders
WE build future
Over two days, the event brought together more than 170 wineries and 25 Italian food producers, offering buyers a practical overview of Italy’s wine and food landscape.
The line-up combined leading export-ready groups — including Zonin 1821, Santa Margherita, Banfi, Ferrari F.lli Lunelli, and Gruppo Italiano Vini — with premium estates already active in the UK and smaller producers seeking distribution from regions such as Sicily, Campania, Calabria, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Sardinia.
Curated areas added further depth, from the Slow Wine Coalition to the ICE – Italian Trade Agency collective, highlighting both sustainable producers and key categories for the UK market.
Together, this created a focused line-up that allowed buyers to explore everything from established brands to more niche, terroir-driven selections in a single visit.
+170
exhibitors
40
Italian
food producers
130
wine producers
Moments from the event
Programming
Lounges
Institutions
What people are saying
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![DecanterArticle]()
Northern Italy's White Wines: DWWA masterclass at Wines Experience London 2026
DECANTER
Decanter World Wine Awards recently hosted a masterclass at the launch of Wines Experience London (Real Italian Wine & Food Experience), showcasing six Northern Italian white wines awarded medals in the competition's 2025 edition. -
![theBuyerArticle]()
Celebrating Italy at breakthrough Real Italian Wine & Food Experience
THE BUYER
With so many food styles, wine regions and grape varieties it was always going to be an ambitious attempt to bring all that together in a two day trade show, but the Real Italian Wine & Food Experience (Wines Experience London) proved to be exactly that for all the producers, importers and buyers who came together at London’s ExCel last month. Lilla O’Connor, who took part in the event herself, reports back for The Buyer from the second day of the show and picks out her own highlights from what was such a breakthrough event. -
![TheDrinksBusinessArticle]()
United Experiences debuts lounge-style wine fair in London
THE DRINKS BUSINESS
On 26-27 April, United Experiences hosted the inaugural Wines Experience in ExCeL, London, bringing together more than 200 Italian producers and 1,250 trade professionals to a lounge-style show.
Exhibitors
Map
ITALIA DEL VINO
SLOW WINE FAIR
UMBRIA
SARDEGNA
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
SICILIA
CAMPANIA
CALABRIA
ITA
MMD WINE IMPORTERS
AREA K
Speakers
Programming
APRIL 25 - PREVIEW EVENTS
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
An exclusive tasting event inviting engaged wine lovers and professionals to experience wines served blind while interacting directly with producers in an intimate setting designed to stimulate discovery and dialogue.
APRIL 26 - EXHIBITION DAY 1
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Official inauguration of Wines Experience London 2026 and formal opening of the exhibition floor.
This institutional moment marks the beginning of two days dedicated to strengthening the
commercial, cultural and strategic relationship between Italian producers and UK trade. The
ceremony sets the tone of the event: positioning Italy not only as a heritage agrifood country, but
as a contemporary, competitive and future-focused player in one of the world's most
sophisticated markets. The ribbon cutting formally opens the exhibition and tasting halls.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Elio Bartolotta - Chef
A guided tasting celebrating Sicilian culinary heritage through artisanal pasta and carefully selected regional ingredients. This vibrant experience brings together a curated selection of producers, showcasing how traditional recipes and artisanal techniques translate into products with strong contemporary appeal. From rich, sun-driven flavours to fresher Mediterranean profiles, the session explores textures, aromas, and the identity of Sicily's gastronomy, while offering practical insights into positioning Sicilian food across retail and hospitality, with a focus on storytelling and cross-category opportunities.
A tasting-led analysis of adaptation already happening in vineyards worldwide. Each session connects climate science → viticulture → sensory outcome → commercial decisions.
Format: 45/60 panel discussion and guided tasting with final Q&A.
Audience: Importers, distributors, buyers, sommeliers, wine directors, independent retailers
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM | Riccardo Del Noce - General Manager & Head Sommelier, Clarette London
This session is part of the Dialogue in Motion series—an evolving format designed to move beyond traditional panels and into more dynamic, participatory conversations.
Centered on Italian sparkling wine, this discussion brings together next-generation voices from both the production and vineyard sides, offering a more complete view of how wines are shaped, communicated, and brought to market. Rather than a single, static conversation, participants will engage through a series of guided table rotations. Each round builds on the last, allowing ideas to develop in real time while creating space for direct exchange between speakers and attendees.
At the core of the session is a central question: Can sparkling act as a catalyst—for new audiences, new narratives, and new ways of thinking about Italian wine?
Alessandro Medici (Medici Ermete):
- "Concerto" Lambrusco Reggiano DOC, 2025
- Charmat
- Lambrusco Salamino, 11.5%
- "Phermento" Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC, 2023
- Refermented in bottle
- Lambrusco di Sorbara, 11.5%
- Alessandro will also bring a special selection of his family's Balsamic Vinegar to taste
Gualberto Ricci Curbastro (Franciacorta Consorzio):
- Franciacorta Satèn Brut
- Fermented in oak barrels.
- 100% Chardonnay
- Franciacorta Extra Brut
- 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir.
- the temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats, and partially (about 20%) in oak barrels
- Brugnano Brut, Terre Siciliane IGT
- Metodo Classico
- Catarratto & Chardonnay, 12.5%
- Taurus Bianco, Alcamo DOC Bianco territory
- Charmat
- Autochthonous & International Grapes, 11.5%
- How sparkling wines are currently perceived across key markets
- The role of the next generation in redefining identity, communication, and strategy
- The tension between tradition and evolution, including new styles and cultural approaches
- The realities of vineyard work and how they connect to commercial decisions
- The role of consorzi and NextGen networks in shaping collective direction
- Where investment—across marketing, trade engagement, and pricing—has the greatest impact
Speakers:
Alessandro Medici - Sales & Marketing Director, Medici Ermete & figli srl
Gualberto Ricci Curbastro - President, Young Producers of Franciacorta, Ricci Curbastro
Anastasia Moroaica — Export Manager, Brugnano Vini
Martina Dal Grande — Delegate, CEJA Young Farmers
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Jonathan Gebser — Deputy Editor, Slow Wine Guide and Mattia Tabacco - Head buyer, Élevage Wines
The concept of sustainability is vital for any sector, and wine is no exception. Yet the abuse, and
often indiscriminate use of the term, has emptied it of meaning, leaving many—consumers and
wine professionals alike—confused about its complexity and true significance. The Slow Wine Fair
has developed an approach to selecting producers based on concrete and verifiable criteria. The
reference point is the Slow Food Manifesto for good, clean, and fair wine, a tool for navigating
and developing a critical perspective on contemporary viticulture. The wines selected by the Slow
Wine Fair for this masterclass were chosen to represent different concrete interpretations of the
Manifesto's principles. The goal is not simply to taste, but to step back from the glass, grasp the
bigger picture, and interpret wine in light of its agricultural context and the entire production
process.
Wines on tasting:
- Gavi del Comune di Gavi Rovereto Etichetta Nera 2024 - Il Poggio di Gavi (Cortese) - Piemonte
- Soffio 2020 - Rabel (Arneis) - Piemonte
- Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Le Vigne 2025 - Faraone (Montepulciano) - Abruzzo
- RosèMarie 2023 - Tröpfltalhof (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) - Alto Adige
- Grignolino d'Asti Arlandino 2024 - Tenuta Santa Caterina (Grignolino) - Piemonte
- Dogliani San Luigi 2023 - Cascina Corte (Dolcetto) - Piemonte
- Dogliani Superiore San Bernardo 2017 - Anna Maria Abbona (Dolcetto) - Piemonte
- Cortona Syrah Il Castagno 2022 - Fabrizio Dionisio (Syrah) - Toscana
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Vincenzo Arnese - DWWA Judge, Wine Director
Italy is globally celebrated for its reds, yet many of its most compelling wines come from its white wine traditions, particularly across Northern Italy. Shaped by diverse landscapes, from mountain vineyards to lake and coastal influences, these wines reflect a wide range of terroirs, grape varieties and winemaking approaches.
From wines defined by clarity and immediacy to those built with structure and the capacity to evolve, the selection highlights how Northern Italy's white wines move beyond familiar perceptions, with some increasingly recognised within the fine wine conversation.
Through the perspective of Decanter World Wine Awards Judge and fine wine specialist, Vincenzo Arnese, this session explores how Northern Italy's white wines are increasingly recognised on the global stage. Featuring a tasting of six wines awarded at DWWA, the selection reflects the competition's rigorous judging process and highlights benchmark examples that are shaping the category today.
Wines on tasting:
- Muzic, Valeris Friulano, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2023 - Platinum, 97 points
- Podere Selva Capuzza, Menasasso, Lugana Riserva, Lombardy, Italy 2020 - Gold, 95 points
- Zýmē di Celestino Gaspari, From Black to White, Veneto 2022 - Gold, 95 points
- Cantine Volpi, Derthona La Zerba Timorasso, Colli Tortonesi, Piedmont 2023 - Gold, 95 points
- Les Crêtes, Cuvée Bois Chardonnay, Valle d'Aosta 2022 - Gold, 96 points
- Cantina Terlano, Rarity, Alto Adige Terlano 2012 - Gold, 96 point
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Matteo Montone MS - Master Sommelier, and Food: Elio Bartolotta - Chef
A focused wine-led tasting exploring Sardinia through its most distinctive pairing traditions. This
session combines indigenous Sardinian wines with key regional products to highlight structure,
salinity and gastronomic identity. Designed for trade professionals, it offers practical insights into
how these wines perform in real service conditions and how to position them effectively on wine
lists. The experience includes pairings with Sardinian cheeses and a signature combination of
Vernaccia di Oristano with bottarga, showcasing how texture, intensity and umami interact to
create compelling and commercially relevant wine moments.
Wines & Food on tasting:
- Cantine di Dolianova (Sardegna) Nuragus di Cagliari DOC — White - Intro wine
- Cantina Quarto Moro di Sardegna (Sardegna) Vernaccia di Oristano DOC — White
Paired with: Bottarga di Muggine — Tharros Pesca - Cantine Tani (Sardegna) Vermentino di Gallura DOCG — White
Paired with:Pecorino di Sardegna DOP (dolce) — Argiolas - Cantine del Bovale (Sardegna) Bovale Superiore Terralba DOC - Arcuentu — Red
Paired with: Pecorino Romano DOP — Argiolas - Cantine Sannittu (Sardegna) Cannonau di Sardegna DOC — Red
Paired with: Fiore Sardo DOP - Cantina di riferimento Mandrolisai (Sardegna) Mandrolisai DOC “Angraris” — Red - Closing wine
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Roberto Costa - Founder, Macellaio RC and Luca Dusi - Founder, Passione Vino
Roberto Costa and Luca Dusi bring the “Show” to the Wines Experience Trade & Show concept
through a dynamic wine pairing exploration built around steak tartare.
Steak tartare serves as a clear, uncompromising reference point, its simplicity and focus on
quality ingredients offering an ideal way to explore how wine can shape the experience. Framed
around acid, fat and structure, Luca has selected three artisan wines from his Passione Vino
portfolio, each offering a distinct expression against the same dish and an opportunity to consider
a central question:
What is balance, how does it evolve, and is it the same for everyone?
As Luca and Roberto guide participants through each pairing, they invite a closer look at how the
wine interacts with the dish: whether it leans into richness, sharpens acidity, or shifts the overall
sense of weight and length. The final result is not a definitive conclusion, but a deeper
understanding of how pairing decisions influence the guest experience and how balance can be
shaped to suit different preferences.
Roberto Costa, originally from Genova and founder of Macellaio RC, has built a reputation around
a focused, meat-driven Italian restaurant concept. Luca Dusi, owner of Passione Vino, an artisan
wine importer with a namesake wine bar in Shoreditch, is known for a carefully selected portfolio
that balances tradition and sustainability with a more contemporary point of view. Together, they
bring two distinct perspectives into the same space, making their collaboration as engaging as it
is insightful.
APRIL 27 - EXHIBITION DAY 2
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Wine Market Shapers Award celebrates individuals, wineries and organisations that are
actively shaping the future of Italian wine in the UK and international markets. The award
recognises outstanding initiatives that combine innovation, cultural impact and market
development, highlighting those who contribute to strengthening the visibility, quality perception
and commercial success of Italian wine.
Masters Ceremony:
Valeria Robecco - Journalist and Reporter, Il Giornale, Ansa, Il Gusto
Sarah Abbott MW - Founder & Director, Swirl Wine Group
12:45 PM - 2:10 PM | Speed Conversations with Industry Leaders
A dynamic sequence of short, high-impact conversations exploring the forces currently reshaping the UK wine market. Through a series of rapid 15/20 minutes Speed Conversations, leading importers, buyers and industry commentators address some of the most pressing questions facing the trade today: navigating cost pressure and margin compression, identifying the wine styles gaining traction with consumers, understanding the real commercial value of sustainability, and analysing how social media is transforming wine discovery and brand storytelling.
Each discussion is followed by 30-minute B2B networking breaks, allowing participants and attendees to continue the conversation directly on the exhibition floor and translate insights into real commercial connections. Designed for importers, distributors, buyers, sommeliers and wine professionals, Market Pulse offers a concise, practical snapshot of what is driving wine sales in the UK today — and where the market may be heading next.
12.45 PM - 12:55 PM | Opening Framing
Master Ceremony: Alessandro Allocca — journalist
1:00 PM – 1:20 PM | Trade Conversation 1 (20 min)
“Profit Under Pressure: Surviving the Cost Squeeze”
Description: Importers and buyers discuss how they are navigating rising costs, tighter margins
and the need to streamline portfolios without losing identity. Topics include pricing strategies,
SKU rationalisation and maintaining value perception for consumers.
Speakers:
Mauro Segatta — Sales Director & Wine Buyer, Alivini
Luigi Buonanno - Head of Sales London, Berkmann
Sergio De Luca — Business Development Director, Enotria
Dario Langella - Director, Vineyards Direct
30-Minute Trade B2B Meeting
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM | Trade Conversation 2 (20 min)
“Fresh, Light, Drinkable: Styles Winning the UK Market”
Description: What styles are actually moving in the UK market? A discussion on the growing
demand for fresher wines, lower-alcohol styles and drinkability-driven categories, from alpine
whites to vibrant reds and sparkling wines.
Speakers:
Mario del Prestito - Sales Manager, Maisons Marques et Domaines
Ambro Ianeselli - Wine Consultant, Dolcevitawines
Dario Poddana - Export & Ex-Cellar Manager, Les Caves de Pyrène
Justin Knock MW - Head Buyer, Elevage Wines
David Harvey — Wine importer, Raeburn Fine Wines
Robin Goldsmith - Founder, The Write Taste
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Filippo Bartolotta - Wine educator, speaker & consultant, The Grape Trotter
Calabria is not a discovery. It is a reckoning. Ancient indigenous varieties, new generation
producers, a region quietly building the conditions for serious international relevance. This session
cuts through the geography and goes straight to the wines — what they are, where they are
going, and why the UK trade should be paying attention.
Tradition, reimagined.
Wines on tasting:
- Mantonico Bianco Statti Lamezia Terme CZ Mantonico Bianco 100% bianco Lamezia DOC area
- Bianco Greco Bianco Cantine Caccamo Taurianova RC Greco Bianco 100% bianco IGT Calabria Locride
- Parisu Tenuta Diecimani Stilo RC Pecorello 100% bianco Bivongi DOC area
- Tharsias Feudo della Sagitta Spezzano Albanese CS Magliocco Canino 100% rosé Terre di Cosenza DOC
- Akra Rosso Akra Cosenza Gaglioppo blend rosso Terre di Cosenza DOC
- Testagna Cantine Stoli Africo RC Nerello Calabrese rosso IGT Calabria Locride
- Cosmì 2024 Murace Vini Consorzio Bivongi Gaglioppo e Greco Nero rosso Bivongi DOC
- Blind Tasting Wine
- Blind Tasting Wine
- Blind Tasting Wine
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Elio Bartolotta - Chef
A guided tasting celebrating Sicilian culinary heritage through artisanal pasta and carefully selected regional ingredients. This vibrant experience brings together a curated selection of producers, showcasing how traditional recipes and artisanal techniques translate into products with strong contemporary appeal. From rich, sun-driven flavours to fresher Mediterranean profiles, the session explores textures, aromas, and the identity of Sicily’s gastronomy, while offering practical insights into positioning Sicilian food across retail and hospitality, with a focus on storytelling and cross-category opportunities.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM | Jonathan Gebser - Deputy Editor, Slow Wine Guide and Mehdi Chennawi – General manager Gastronomica Market, Borough Market
Think about it: no gastronomic heritage exists without a connection to a gesture, a table, and the
relationships between people, their land, and their history. Yet wine has gradually lost this original
dimension, shifting from a convivial element to a commodity—an object of analysis, status, and
speculation. Recovering this dimension means rethinking contemporary habits such as
fragmented consumption and wine by the glass, which, while increasing choice, often disrupt the
continuity of the experience. The shared bottle thus regains its central role—not just as a format,
but as a convivial gesture. This masterclass brings together the Slow Wine Fair and Sana Food,
two international events united by a shared vision. The wines selected are gastronomic in nature
—meant to be enjoyed at the table, alongside food, in dialogue with it. Food pairings are curated
by Gastronomica Market at Borough Market, reflecting Sana Food's values: quality ingredients,
transparent supply chains, and respect for local traditions.
Wines on tasting:
- Trebbiano Toscano Punto Luce 2024 - Prima Luce (Trebbiano) - Toscana
- Marche Rosato Flò 2024 - Vigna della Cava (Montepulciano) - Marche
- Reggiano Lambrusco Frizzante Marchese Manodori - Venturini Baldini (Lambrusco) - Emilia Romagna
- Giorgio 2021 - Tiziano Bellini (Ancellotta) - Lombardia
- Primitivo IGT Puglia Lenos 2024 - Tenuta Patruno Perniola (Primitivo) - Puglia
- Morellino di Scansano Ficaie 2024 - Tenuta Il Quinto (Sangiovese, Syrah) - Toscana
- Marche Rosso IGT Arzillo Rosso 2023 - Agricola Arzilla (Sangiovese) - Marche
- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva 2018 - Lidia e Amato (Montepulciano) - Abruzzo
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Helmuth Köcher - Founder, Merano Wine Festival
Ancient techniques and modern experimentation converge in the world of amphora wine. This
session explores how non-conventional methods such as terroir-driven amphora fermentations
shape wine identity, influence sensory perception, and create distinctive commercial
opportunities.
Attendees will learn to identify quality benchmarks, stylistic markers and market positioning
strategies that resonate with UK buyers and sommeliers.
Wines on tasting:
- Feudo Antico (Abruzzo)
2022 Inanfora Pecorino DOCG — White - Hadrianum (Abruzzo)
2023 Naevia Colli Aprutini DOC — White - Nove Lune (Lombardia)
2023 Rukh Orange Wine — Orange - Luca Leggero Villareggia (Piemonte)
22022 Maura Nen Canavese Nebbiolo DOC — Red - Tenuta Morganti (Abruzzo)
2024 Dolcenera Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC — Red - Masso Antico - Gruppo Schenk (Puglia)
2025 Le Anfore Rosso Salento IGT — Red - Le Anfore di Elena Casadei (Sardegna)
2023 Cannonau — Red
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Claudio Iucolino - Mixologist, Freelance Consultant & Business Manager
Sicily is redefining its identity beyond wine, through a new generation of spirits, amari and soft
drinks rooted in Mediterranean botanicals.
This session explores how local ingredients, terroir and production philosophy translate into
contemporary cocktail culture, offering versatile and story-driven products for modern beverage
programs. Featuring: Polara, Paesano, Marinium
Cocktail List:
- SCIROCCO
Vermouth Rosso, Pink Grapefruit Soda (Polara), olive, lemon - Fresh, citrusy, lightly saline - ISALA
Prickly Pear Liqueur (Paesano), Limoncello (Paesano), sparkling wine, soda - Fruity, bright, sparkling - NISCEMI
Coffee-infused Gin (Marinium), Mango Liqueur (Paesano), bitter - Rich, aromatic, bittersweet - SICILIAN IPA
Chinotto & Tonic (Polara), Gin (Marinium), malt - Dry, citrusy, beer-inspired - ARSIA
Gin (Marinium), Bitter, Pomegranate Liqueur (Paesano), Vermouth - Structured, citrusy, complex - BRADO (NON-ALCOHOLIC)
Artichoke Amaro (Paesano), Mediterranean Tonic (Polara), citrus - Herbal, saline, refreshing.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
A focused, high-level conversation bringing together leading industry voices to explore the key
forces shaping the UK wine market today — from shifting consumer preferences and drinkability
trends to pricing pressure, portfolio decisions and the evolving role of education. Moving beyond
static panel formats, the session captures the spirit of “Dialogue in Motion” through a dynamic
exchange of perspectives, grounded in real market experience. The discussion connects
producer, buyer and educator viewpoints, offering a practical snapshot of what is working, what is
being challenged, and where opportunities are emerging in an increasingly complex and
competitive landscape. Designed for trade professionals, the session provides clear, actionable
insight into how decisions are being made today — and how the market is likely to evolve in the
near future. Hosted by Women in Wine & Spirits.
Moderator:
Lilla O'Connor - Writer, International Wine Judge & Consultant
Speakers:
Roberta Corrà - CEO, Frederick Wildman & Sons; MD, GIV
Francesca Mecchia - Owner, Vigna Petrussa
Emma Hodges - Advisory Council Member, Drinks United
Christine Barkey - Wine Buyer, C&C Group
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
We invite guests to close Wines Experience London with intention.
Hosted by Women in Wine & Spirits in collaboration with Roberta Corrà and Italia del Vino,
this reception offers a relaxed moment to reflect, reconnect and raise a glass to what's ahead.
Guests will enjoy a curated selection of wines and light bites, with time to continue conversations
and strengthen connections made throughout the fair.
As the momentum continues beyond London, we look ahead to the next stop, Ho Chi Minh City
25-26 June, where both will be part of Wines Experience SEA.