Few events rival the prestige and scale of The London Wine Fair, the UK’s preeminent wine trade exhibition. Held annually at Olympia London, this show is essential for sommeliers, wine buyers, importers, distributors, hospitality professionals, and winemakers. Over three days, it brings together top-tier producers, cutting-edge wine trends, focused insight sessions, and a vibrant platform for sourcing and networking. If you’re serious about wine, this is where you elevate your portfolio and taste your way into the future.
When and Where
- Dates: 19–21 May 2025
- Venue: Olympia London, Grand Hall, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX
- Opening Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 10:00–18:00
- Wednesday: 10:00–17:00
This centrally located venue is a heritage building with easy access via Tube, Overground, and nearby hotels — perfect for a three-day immersion.
Cost & Admission
Entry is paid but offers substantial trade value:
- Three-day trade ticket: £49.50
- One-day pass: £29.50
- Group packages available (e.g., six attendees for £247.50)
VIPs, accredited press, Masters of Wine/Sommeliers, and hosted buyers often receive complimentary access, keeping the focus firmly on business and industry engagement.
Who Should Attend
This event is tailored to professionals whose work revolves around wine and spirits:
- Sommeliers and hospitality operators
- Specialist and mainstream wine buyers
- Wine importers, distributors, and agents
- Trade press and industry analysts
- Certified wine educators and trainers
Under-18s are not permitted to enter — the event maintains a serious, trade-only atmosphere.
What You’ll Experience
1. Global Wine Showcase
With over 400 exhibitors spanning every major and emerging wine region—from Bordeaux and Burgundy to South Africa, Georgia, and New Zealand—the show offers a chance to taste widely and source directly.
Premium zones like Esoterica (specialist imports), Wines Unearthed (new-to-market wines), Drinks Britannia (UK innovation), and Mindful Drinking (no-alcohol/low-alcohol portfolio) help you streamline discovery.
2. Masterclasses and Tastings
Structured Masterclasses and Discovery Tastings form part of a schedule with over 80 expert-led sessions. Topics range from terroir deep-dives and trend spotlights to branding and sustainability in wine .
3. Signature Spirits Zone
New for 2025, Signature Serve highlights premium spirits, mixers, and cocktails—with seminars led by hospitality experts, offering cross-industry networking and new category opportunities .
4. Buyer Programmes & Networking
Hosted Buyer schemes and concierge services match serious buyers with key suppliers; digital platforms allow meetings, sample requests, and ongoing discovery before you walk onto the floor .
5. Awards & Innovation
The Wine Buyers Awards recognise standout products and new-market players, while zones like Wines Unearthed and Esoterica spotlight indie producers and winemakers seeking UK entry.
Key Benefits
- Curated sourcing across global regions in a single, focused visit
- Taste with purpose—structured zones and tasting formats save time
- Industry insight—masterclasses grant depth and context to emerging trends
- Business matching ensures you meet key suppliers efficiently
- Brand presence—network among peer buyers, sommeliers, ambassadors, and press
- Market differentiation—discover rare wines, spirits, and low- or no-alcohol alternatives
Accommodation & Travel Tips
Olympia London is served by Kensington (Olympia) station (Overground) and close to Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith Underground stations. Multiple bus routes and local taxis connect easily.
Nearby hotels across budgets include:
- Hilton London Olympia
- Novotel London West
- Premier Inn Shepherd’s Bush
- Ibis Styles Shepherd’s Bush
Booking early is advised, as availability fills fast during regular exhibitions.
Preparation Insights
- Register and purchase your ticket early, taking advantage of group discounts if applicable
- Download the show planner app to book masterclasses and link to exhibitors pre-event
- Create a zone-based visit map, prioritizing specialist categories like spirit zones or newbie wine zones
- Bring plenty of business cards, digital contact details, and note-taking tools
- Arrive early on trade days to avoid crowds and access your first tastings with ease
Post-Show ROI
The London Wine Fair delivers real benefits:
- A shortlist of wines and spirits to sample and introduce to your portfolio
- Contacts across importer networks and boutique brands
- Insights from masterclasses to update menus or product ranges
- Early access to emerging brands—especially in zero-alcohol and eco-conscious sectors
- Stronger relationships with trade-focused media and influencers
Final Takeaway
If your role involves buying, curating, or studying wine and spirits, The London Wine Fair is a must-visit event. With its robust exhibitor mix, leading expert content, and efficient business match platform, it offers tangible ROI—and plenty of discovery and inspiration.
Three days in May at Olympia could set the course for your next memorable vintage.
Book Your Ticket Now
Secure your place at the London Wine Fair 2025 and immerse yourself in the highest standard of wine trade excellence: