Europe hosts the world's most important wine trade events. Whether you are an estate seeking new importers, a négociant sounding out new markets, or a freight forwarder planning shipping peaks, knowing the 2026 major fair calendar is essential.
Why Attend Professional Wine Fairs?
A professional wine fair is not simply a place to have your wines tasted. It is a strategic investment to identify new importers, understand the expectations of target markets, and assess competition in your segment. A fair's ROI is measured over 12 to 24 months after the event.
150+
Countries at Wine Paris
6,000+
Exhibitors at ProWein
12-24 months
Average ROI horizon
The 2026 Fair-by-Fair Calendar
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris
February 9–11, 2026 · Paris Exhibition Centre – Le Bourget
The annual gathering of the global wine industry in France. Over 4,000 exhibitors, 50,000 professional visitors from 150 countries. Essential for estates seeking to meet European and global importers in a single location.
Vastorg Logistics Tip
Logistics tip: ship your samples 3 weeks in advance via a specialist carrier. Direct deliveries to Le Bourget are accepted with 48h notice.
Target audience: Importers, distributors, wine merchants, trade press
ProWein
March 8–10, 2026 · Messe Düsseldorf, Germany
The world's largest professional wine and spirits trade fair. 6,000+ exhibitors, 50,000 visitors, global focus. Essential to penetrate DACH markets (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Northern Europe.
Vastorg Logistics Tip
Logistics tip: road freight recommended from France (11-13h transit). For larger lots, groupage is possible with other French exhibitors via specialized freight forwarders.
Target audience: DACH and Northern European buyers, international distributors
Vinitaly
April 6–9, 2026 · Veronafiere, Verona, Italy
Italy's flagship wine fair, open to exhibitors worldwide. 4,000 exhibitors, 100,000 visitors. Excellent for reaching Italian markets and Southeast Asian buyers who attend in force.
Vastorg Logistics Tip
Logistics tip: customs rules for samples in Italy can vary. An ATA Carnet is recommended for demonstration bottles not intended for sale.
Target audience: Italian and Asian buyers, global Italian diaspora
London Wine Fair
May 19–21, 2026 · ExCeL London, United Kingdom
The UK's leading wine trade fair, refocused since Brexit on the specific requirements of the UK market. Essential for any estate targeting the British market post-Brexit.
Vastorg Logistics Tip
Logistics tip: since Brexit, bringing samples into the UK requires a UK customs declaration and potential excise duty payment. Allow 4 weeks lead time.
Target audience: UK importers, on-trade (restaurants, bars), British wine merchants
Wine & Gourmet Asia / Vinexpo Asia
May 27–29, 2026 · Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
The premium reference fair for Asian markets. Ideal for building contacts with importers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Vastorg Logistics Tip
Logistics tip: air freight required. Hong Kong customs lead times: allow 2 weeks. Samples must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and an analysis certificate.
Target audience: Importers from China, HK, Japan, Korea, Singapore
General Logistics Tips for Exhibitors
- Book your sample transport 6 to 8 weeks before the fair — slots fill up quickly
- Use an ATA Carnet for temporary import of samples outside the EU (UK, Hong Kong, Switzerland) — this avoids paying customs duties
- Require temperature-controlled transport (12-14°C) if the fair takes place in summer
- Plan a safety stock on site: transit losses (even minor ones) are common
- Document each shipped case with a detailed packing list (HS code 2204 or 2208, ABV, vintage)
- For non-consumed returns: prepare the re-import customs formalities in advance