What is The Real Wine Fair?

The Real Wine Fair is an event where growers come from all the over the world to pour their wines to members of the trade and the public.

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 minimal (or zero) interventions.

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.

How many growers will be there?

180 growers from 20 countries will be in attendance pouring around 800 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?

The website itself has up-to-the-date information, or why not dowload our catalogue to get a headstart on your tasting plan of attack. You can also follow The Real Wine Fair on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. If you have any further questions, or need any advice, then please contact [email protected] 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 2019, however, there will be a particularly strong contingent of growers coming from central Europe. The Real Wine Fair is all about diversity and individuality; there will be so many singular, exciting and unusual wines on show. Check the catalogue and see what takes your fancy!

Are there prices in the catalogue?

Many of the wines do have prices (exclusive of vat). These are trade prices, and are indicative.

Sounds like I need to spend a few hours there! What about food?

The Real Wine Fair is once again 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 Ducksoup and Anchor & Hope and Normandy natural wine bar favourite, La Cour de Remi, and can also purchase food to take away, including artisan bread, cheese and charcuterie.

So, I can buy tickets in advance?

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the discounted rate of £20. Trade is free of charge but do ask that you register. Please alse bring a copy of your confirmation, unless you have the EventBrite app on your smart-phone.

What other attractions are there at The Real Wine?

On Sunday 12^th May there will be four fascinating seminars/masterclasses given by leading figures in the wine trade. For full details about these masterclasses. All the masterclasses are currently fully-booked; please enquire on the day for space.

On Monday 13^th BYO Podcast will be interviewing a variety of growers and posting the interviews onto Facebook. Visitors to the fair may sit in the audience during the interviews. Please check with the front desk on the day for timings.

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 card payments (except for Amex). The shop will also have its famous tote bags, books from Alice Feiring, Simon Woolf, Carla Capalbo and Michel Tolmer, and other wine-related goodies.

It sounds like a full day!

Try to leave plenty of time, so that you can enjoy all the fun of the fair and talk to some growers. If you’re there for the day, break for a coffee, a beer and some food.

What about afterwards?

There are various after-fair events. Most of them will have some sort of food too. There will be a list of places open for dinner on the front desk, otherwise check for up-to-date details of what's going on where you are here.

We look forward to seeing you there, and above all hope you enjoy this year's Fair!