Join Trevor Elliott and find out more about the wonderful wines from Madeira on the ViniPortugal stand D10/E10, every day at 2pm. Author of the recently published “The Wines of Madeira”, Trevor Elliott has written an indispensable guide to the wines, grapes and producers. Enjoy a journey of discovery with one of the most enthusiastic and leading experts on Madeira. www.viniportugal.co.uk
Some years ago I was ‘duped’ by a company calling itself The European City Guide. There are now a spate of letters (I had 3 last week) from a company claiming to organise an Expo-Guide. It looks to me like a re-hash of the ECG albeit the invitation to be listed is slightly less deceptively written.
Whilst this guide might exist, you need to be aware that if you SIGN the attached form you are potentially committing yourself to thousands of euros of expenses over the next 3 years.
If you have signed the form and are now being asked for money you might like to look at the Stop European City Guide web site that was set up to help people in your situation.
…but just beware
Expo Guide Covering Letter

Join us next Monday and Wednesday to taste Sarah Ahmed’s 50 Great Portuguese Wines selection. Sarah, ‘The Wine Detective’ and Portugal’s Journalist of the Year in 2009 has traveled and tasted her way through the length and breadth of Portugal to educate and surprise us with her personal selection.
It’s not just the wine press that loves Portugal. The trade is pretty keen too… Just look at the feedback from Sarah Ahmed’s recent unveiling of her 50 Great Portuguese Wines.
“Selections of this kind are usually an opportunity for sniping and facetious backbiting, particularly in the snarkier corners of the blogosphere. But try as I might, I couldn’t find anyone with a bad word to say about Ahmed’s list.”
The reviews from her peers were nothing short of raves.
“All in all an excellent tasting and a great job done by Sarah Ahmed” said Anthony Rose on his blog.
“Sarah’s selection was excellent” added Jamie Goode – Harpers Wine & Spirit April 9th 2010.
So come and find out what all the fuss is about in Manchester on Monday 14th June at The Lowry Hotel, and Edinburgh on Wednesday 16th June at The Balmoral Hotel (from 10.30am – 5pm).
Sarah will give a short presentation about her wine choice at 12noon and 2:30pm and a light lunch will be served at 1pm.
To register simply click here or call us on 01829 720130.

Winning Wine Sales – Understanding the UK market and making the most of On-line Media
Venue: Platinum Suite, Excel. Monday 17th May
We are helping Brintex to organise Monday’s very exciting London Wine Fair Anniversary Conference. Don’t miss out and book your place now.
The confirmed line-up of speakers (you can read the biogs by clicking here):
Jancis Robinson, OBE MW, www.JancisRobinson.com
David Cox, director Europe, New Zealand Winegrowers
Robert Joseph, international writer and communicator
Arend Heijbroek, global industry specialist, Rabobank
Vicki Arnold, general manager, Glaetzer Wines, Australia
Ryan Opaz, founder, Catavino Marketing, www.catavino.net
Ande Gregson, founder, Media 140
Carlos Fonseca, Quinta das Cerejeiras
12.30 – 14.10 The Nuts and Bolts of the UK Market
14.30 – 16.30 Building your Business from the Comfort of your Office Chair
The conference will be a practical forum which will ensure delegates go away with usable advice and ideas that can be put into practice not only at the Fair but as you continue to build your business in the UK.
Whilst there are many conferences at other similar events, many of them focus on the big picture, future thinking and statistics. This conference is different because it will be a direct ‘HOW TO DO IT, NUTS AND BOLTS’ affair, ensuring you are fully prepared to tackle this dynamic yet challenging market. You will also gain an invaluable insight into the power of social media, an integral route to global wine sales.
12.30 – 14.10 The Nuts and Bolts of the UK Market:
The opening session starts with an overview of the state of the wine world and goes on to tackle general and specific issues relating to export and in particular the UK market, featuring:
The Global Overview Arend Heijbroek, Rabobank
A factual look at how the world of wine looks today and what are the challenges for the future: is there too much wine being produced for insufficient markets? Arend will provide a unique insight into the state of the global market and what to expect next.
The UK market, is it really that complicated? David Cox, Zealand Winegrowers
David will lend his wealth of experience to expand on the UK market supply chain, margins, wine styles and pricing in different sectors. He’ll cover the different routes to market – finding an agent / selling direct – and the rules of marketing; including positioning, presentation, PR and media.
It’s not as easy as you might think! Vicki Arnold, Glaetzer Wines
Exporting and what you need to know. Vicki with 30 years of experience in wine will talk first hand about the challenges of what lies behind getting wines into a country the other side of the world – the logistics and also the pitfalls.
Don’t forget the consumer Robert Joseph, writer and communicator
What are the drivers behind consumer wine buying decisions, how and when do they make them and what influences them? Robert was described by Decanter Magazine as one of the 50 people in the world who would be influencing wine drinking in the 21st century, so very well placed to comment on how to understand that all important link in the chain… the consumer.
14.10 – 14.30 Tea and Coffee
14.30 – 16.30 Building your Business from the Comfort of your Office Chair
During the second session, you could not have a better line-up! Leading industry figures will help you to transform your communication, using social media & social networking to enhance your offering and awareness.
Managing the transition from printed media to on-line journalism – Jancis Robinson MW
What this means to Jancis and for the press in general and how her audiences have changed.
The future of communication through Social Media – Ryan Opaz, Catavino Marketing
Following his recent appearance at Wine Future (amongst many), Ryan is guaranteed to give a thoughtful and enjoyable insight into how to use the internet to promote your brands.
Social Media in Action Carlos Fonseca
We will present you with a real life success story – visit the producer, taste his wine, interact over the internet and find out how he achieved success.
Harness the Power of Social Media – Ande Gregson, Media 140
Ande will illustrate how social media can transform a good business in to a hugely successful enterprise. Media140 is an independent global movement creating unique multimedia conferences and events to explore the future of the real-time web. We do not just focus on Twitter but look at all the real-time platforms that are now beginning to affect business and consumers: to foster discourse, collaboration and innovation within journalism, media, advertising, entertainment, marketing, PR, gaming and technology industries.
Delegate places are limited and are charged at the following rate:
Single Delegates @ £195 + VAT
Multiple Delegates (5 or more) @ £175 +VAT per person.
We hope you’ll join us.
Best wishes
Judy