The international wine and spirits trade will be descending upon Singapore for Vinexpo Asia 2023, the industry’s largest B2B gathering in the region, from 23-25 May at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
The 3-day convention organised by Vinexposium marks the return of the highly anticipated event after a pandemic-induced 4-year hiatus. Having been held in Hong Kong since 1998, Vinexpo Asia’s move to Singapore for the first time marks a significant shift in the importance of the city-state as an international wine and spirits hub.
An estimated 1000 exhibitors and 8000 trade visitors are expected to attend. On the exhibitor front, over 35 countries are being represented with producers from France, Italy, and Australia making major showings. The USA has been named the country of honour for this year’s exhibition.
An initiative led by California Wines, Oregon Wine Board, and Washington Wine, the collaborative showing will see a joint pavilion at the show floor highlighting the diversity and quality of wines in the western United States.
Of the 8000 visitors, most will come from China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, with an estimated 50% of them being importers. Vinexposium CEO Rodolphe Lameyse is proud of their hosted buyers programme, where a suite of privileges and services are granted to select industry players.
On the programming side, the Vinexpo Academy will be offering a slew of masterclasses, conferences, and tastings, providing over 52 hours of content for attendees.
Highlights include the Battle of the Sommeliers and the Vinexpo Challenge. The former will see the likes of star Singaporean sommelier Mason Ng, top Malaysian sommelier Chuan Ann, and Vietnam’s best sommelier Le Hoang Khanh Vi compete in a series of tasting challenges.
Meanwhile, the Vinexpo Challenge is the ultimate test for industry participants, as they go head to head with other experts in the field in a blind tasting led by Raimonds Tomsons, who was recently crowned the 2023 Best Sommelier of the World.
A day before the tradeshow on 22 May, a ticketed wine event allowing public consumers to attend will also be happening. The Grand Tasting, organised by Vinexposium and Bettane + Desseauve, will be taking place at Marina Bay Sands’ Level 3 Atrium, with over 100 wines being showcased.
It has been announced that Vinexpo Asia 2024 will be held in Hong Kong, alternating with Singapore as the host country on odd numbered years.
Head to the official site for more information on Vinexpo Asia 2023, or sign up for visitor and press passes online here.