Can you tell us about your VIN tasting in January and what people can expect?
VIN 2025 is the UK’s flagship trade tasting for French wines, taking place on January 16 2025 at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. It’s the opportunity for trade professionals to explore the best of French winemaking, all in one venue. Attendees can expect to meet over 40 producers and importers presenting wines from over 45 French appellations.
The event isn’t just about tasting—it’s a full immersion into the world of French wines, designed to educate and inspire. It’s a space to discover exciting wines, meet the people behind them, and of course catch up with some familiar faces.
Which regions will be represented, and what sort of diversity of wines can people expect?
(Click below to watch a summary of last year's event)
Every corner of France will be represented, offering an unparalleled range of styles. Attendees can explore iconic regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhône Valley, alongside lesser-known gems from Corsica, Savoie, and the Southwest.
Expect everything from classic reds, whites, and rosés to sparkling wines, fortified options, and increasingly popular categories like organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines. This year’s event will also shine a spotlight on innovation, with producers pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking.
What lessons have you learnt from your previous events that you are looking to implement this year?
From past editions, we’ve learned the importance of creating a more dynamic experience for attendees, so we’re bringing back the interactive wine walks that we launched in 2024. Anne McHale will help guests navigate the selection and discover standout wines with added context.
We’ve continued to diversify the producers present to keep things fresh. There’ll be everything from family-run vineyards to household names including Chateau Minuty &Chateau d’Esclans, as well as specialist importers Wine Story, Charles Taylor, Daniel Lambert and Les Producteurs & Vignerons de France.
Who do you hope will attend, and who do you think it is most relevant for?
VIN is designed specifically for wine trade professionals. We welcome buyers, importers, distributors, sommeliers, retailers, and restaurateurs who are looking to source French wines or expand their portfolios.
It’s also a great opportunity for journalists, educators, and influencers to gain insights into emerging trends in French wine and the stories behind the producers. Anyone in the trade who wants to stay ahead of the curve should be there.
You are also running your French Champion Trade Awards – what are these, and what do you hope they can achieve?
Aleesha Hansel will be presenting the French Champion awards at VIN
The French Champion Trade Awards are a celebration of the incredible efforts made by UK trade professionals to promote French wines. By recognising and rewarding excellence, the awards strengthen the relationship between French producers and the UK market.
The awards also highlight how vital the UK is to French wine and provide inspiration to others in the trade to continue championing these exceptional products.
What categories do you have?
There are six awards categories this year:
Best Importer for France
Best Supermarket for France
Best Independent Retailer for France
Best Online Retailer for France
Best Voice for France
Best Restaurant for France
Nominations are open to the trade via an online form, where they can recommend businesses, individuals, or organisations – including their own - they believe have excelled in promoting French wine in the UK.
French Champion Awards UK 2025
Will the awards be presented at the event?
The awards will kick off the event at 10am, with Aleesha Hansel hosting the ceremony. It would be fantastic to see as many faces there as possible!
For those that don't know Business France, what work do you do for the rest of the year to help producers and wine buyers in the UK?
As well as VIN Business France helps organise other trade tastings and helps bring French producers looking for UK distribution together with UK importers and wine buyers
Busy times at VIN 2024
Business France is the French national agency supporting the international development of the French economy. For the wine sector, we work year-round to connect French producers with UK buyers, importers, and distributors.
Our services include trips for buyers, sourcing specific French wines, and hosting events like VIN. We also provide market insights, promotional support, and advice to help producers navigate the UK market and grow their presence here.
What other plans and events do you have for 2025?
In addition to VIN, we’re planning regional-focused events to spotlight specific areas of French winemaking, such as the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux En Primeur tasting on the April 3. We also have a number of other tastings up our sleeve so watch this space.
Anything else to say?
We’re incredibly excited about VIN 2025 and the chance to bring the UK trade together for a celebration of all things French wine. If you work in the trade, this is your chance to be part of something special. See you there – extra points if you’re sporting a beret!
* To find out more about VIN and to register click here.
