London Wine Fair 2026: The Ultimate Global Wine Event – Dates, Exhibitors & Must-See Highlights

For this edition, we expect to welcome over 18,000 industry professionals, representing significant growth compared to the 9,741 visitors at the previous edition, which already showed a 5% increase from 2024. Additionally, we’re pleased to share that more than 13,000 wines will be showcased by over 7,000 exhibitors, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovations, and discoveries in the wine world. Without a doubt, London wine tasting has become a must-attend event, where attendees can connect with more than 400 premium exhibitors across specialized zones like Esoterica, Drinks Britannia, and Wines Unearthed.  

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Organizers Confirm Dates and Venue for London Wine Fair 2026

The event organizers have officially confirmed details for the upcoming London Wine Fair 2026, solidifying its position as one of the most important events in the international wine calendar.  

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When and Where Will the Wine Fair Take Place?

The London Wine Fair 2026 will open its doors from Monday, May 18, to Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This key industry event will maintain its traditional three-day format, following the successful structure of previous editions.  

The chosen venue will once again be the iconic Olympia London, located at Hammersmith Road, Kensington (W14 8UX). This exhibition center has been the fair’s home for years, thanks to its excellent infrastructure and strategic location in the British capital.  

Olympia London provides the ideal space for an event of this scale, with modern facilities that allow exhibitors to present their products under optimal conditions and visitors to enjoy a complete experience. The venue features expansive exhibition halls, conference areas, and dedicated spaces for tastings and specialized presentations.  

Additionally, its central location ensures easy access for both local professionals and international visitors traveling to London specifically for this event.  

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Who Organizes the Event, and What Is Its Track Record?

The London Wine Fair 2026 is organized by the Hemming Group through its subsidiary Brintex Events, a company specializing in trade fairs, conferences, and events across multiple countries. Headquartered at 32 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London (SW1V 2SS), this group has extensive experience managing large-scale events.  

The fair’s history is truly remarkable. The London Wine Fair has been held annually since 1981, meaning the 2026 edition will mark over four decades of uninterrupted history, with the sole exception of 2020, when the pandemic forced its cancellation, and 2021, when it was held exclusively in a digital format.  

Throughout its history, this fair has established itself as the premier event in the British wine market. Its importance has grown to become one of the most influential gatherings in the industry worldwide, attracting thousands of professionals each year.  

Hannah Tovey, Director of the London Wine Fair, has expressed optimism about the event’s future, stating: "There’s a tangible sense of optimism in the British market, reflected in the positive outlook of exhibitors signing up for the 2025 fair." This enthusiasm extends to the 2026 edition, for which organizers expect continued growth in both exhibitor and visitor numbers.  

The fair serves as a crucial meeting point for the entire British and international wine industry, acting as an essential platform for discovery, learning, and celebrating all aspects of wine trade.  

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Exhibitors and Visitors Prepare for a Bigger Edition

Expectations for the London Wine Fair 2026 are soaring, with figures indicating significant expansion in both exhibitors and attendees. Data from previous editions shows an upward trend that promises to continue in this upcoming edition.  

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What Types of Professionals Attend the Event?

The London Wine Fair attracts a wide range of wine and beverage industry professionals. Notable attendees include:  

• Wine importers and distributors  
• Sommeliers from renowned restaurants  
• Buyers from hotel chains and premium establishments  
• Specialty retailers and purchasing managers  
• Producers and winemakers  
• Wine consultants and industry experts  
• Specialized press and critics  

This event is exclusively for professionals, ensuring a high-level business and networking environment. According to past data, attendees primarily include sommeliers, importers, buyers, and restaurateurs, who come not only to discover new wines but also to explore the latest industry innovations.  

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How Many Exhibitors Are Expected This Year?

For the 2026 edition, projections indicate around 500 exhibitors, a substantial increase from previous years. This growth follows the positive trend observed in recent editions:  

• The 2024 edition featured over 410 exhibitors from 30 countries.  
• The 2025 edition saw this number rise to 442 exhibitors from 35 countries, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.  

Additionally, organizers report that 2026 bookings are the highest since 2019. Several returning participants—such as Rías Baixas, Champagne Jacquart, Marques Del Atrio, and O’Donnell Moonshine—are expanding their presence for the next edition. Notably, O’Donnell Moonshine will quintuple the size of its stand.  

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Which Countries Will Be Represented?

The London Wine Fair 2026 will maintain its international character, with exhibitors from numerous countries. While British producers are expected to significantly increase their participation, the event will continue to feature strong global representation.  

Confirmed participating countries include:  

• United Kingdom: With a major growth in English wines. Defined Wine, the UK’s largest contract winery, has confirmed a one-day Pop-Up tasting showcasing around 35 producers—more than double the previous record for English wine participation at the fair.  
• Spain: The Rías Baixas Designation of Origin, for example, has been a consistent participant in past editions, bringing numerous brands (71 in 2023). Its presence is especially significant given that the UK is its second-largest export market.  
• South Africa and New Zealand: Both countries have shown renewed interest in the 2026 edition. The "Wines of South Africa" event has historically been very successful at the fair.  

Organizers are also working to attract more producers from the Americas and Australia, further expanding the fair’s geographic diversity.  

The variety of exhibitors—from bulk wine specialists to alternative formats and minimal-intervention producers—reflects the fair’s broadening reach. There will also be dedicated stands for organic and biodynamic wines, aligning with current market trends.  

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Key Events and Highlights at the Fair

The London Wine Fair 2026 will feature a packed program of activities designed to captivate all wine industry professionals. Each edition of this prestigious fair incorporates unique experiences for discovering trends, forging business connections, and deepening knowledge.  

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Wines Unearthed and Other Thematic Zones

Wines Unearthed stands out as a flagship zone dedicated to discovering wines never before imported to the UK. This carefully curated space offers an exceptional opportunity to find high-quality new products. Data shows that about 40% of exhibitors in this section secure distribution as a direct result of their participation.  

For 2026, Wines Unearthed is expected to feature over 50 wineries from 13 different countries, all seeking UK distribution. Exhibitors will receive a comprehensive 90+ page document titled "The Road Map to Export to the UK," containing vital market insights and up-to-date buyer and importer contacts.  

The fair will also include other specialized zones like:  

• Esoterica (exclusive wines from the UK’s top specialized importers)  
• Drinks Britannia (revolutionary national beverages)  
• Mindful Drinking Experience (low- and no-alcohol drinks)  

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Sustainability and Technology Conferences

The 2026 edition will host conferences on cutting-edge topics like "Staying Grounded: Making Sense of a Rapidly Changing World." Key discussions will cover:  

• Zero-waste bar launches  
• The rise of African distillation in the UK  
• Strategies to reduce pesticide use  
• Agronomic techniques for climate challenges (e.g., water scarcity, extreme temperatures)  
• Digitalization in wine production (sensors, decision-support systems, monitoring tools)  

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Masterclasses and Exclusive Tastings

A cornerstone of the London Wine Fair is its masterclasses led by industry experts. The fair will feature three tasting spaces:  

1. Premium Masterclass Theatre (by appointment for VIPs, media, and Masters of Wine)  
2. Walk-up Tasting Theatre (no reservation needed)  
3. Tasting Space (open access)  

These sessions will offer guided tastings of wines from the world’s most acclaimed regions. Past editions have included successful masterclasses like "Monastrell Spain – A Taste of Sunshine," led by Master of Wine Sarah Jane Evans, which drew strong interest from sommeliers, importers, distributors, and specialized press.  

Attendees will also have access to over 13,000 wines showcased during the three-day fair, ensuring a fully immersive experience for all professionals.  

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How to Get to Olympia London and Where to Stay

To attend the London Wine Fair 2026, planning your transportation and accommodation in advance is essential. Olympia London, the event’s venue, boasts excellent transport links to make your visit seamless.  

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Public and Private Transport Options

Olympia London has its own train and tube station, Kensington (Olympia), located in Zone 2, right next to the venue. It’s served by:  

• London Overground: Direct connections from Clapham Junction, Shepherd’s Bush, and West Brompton.  
• Tube options:  
  • District Line: Direct service from Earl’s Court (weekends only). On weekdays, transfer at West Brompton for a 2-minute train to Kensington (Olympia).  
  • Central Line: Transfer at Shepherd’s Bush for a 2-minute train.  
  • Piccadilly Line: Barons Court is a 9-minute walk.  
  • Hammersmith & City/Circle Lines: From Hammersmith or High Street Kensington, connect via bus or walk.  

Buses: Routes 9, 23, 27, 28, 49, and 391 stop nearby, along with night services.  
From airports:  

• Gatwick: Take a train to Clapham Junction, then transfer.  
• Heathrow: Take the Piccadilly Line.  

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Tips for Booking Accommodation Early

Hotel availability during the London Wine Fair 2026 will be limited due to high demand. Data shows visitors typically book stays for around 3 days.  

To secure the best rates:  

• Book in January or February for lower prices.  
• Sunday stays are generally cheaper than Fridays.  
• Reserve several months in advance to guarantee availability.  

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Why Attend the London Wine Fair 2026?

Participating in the London Wine Fair 2026 is a strategic investment for wine professionals looking to expand their presence in the UK market.  

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Networking and Business Opportunities

Over 10,000 beverage industry professionals converge at this event annually, creating an ideal environment for forging lasting business connections. Over three days, the fair serves as a direct pathway to new contacts and deals. The positive atmosphere fosters high-quality conversations that often lead to new partnerships.  

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Access to Market Trends and New Products

The fair offers exclusive expert-led sessions, masterclasses, and tastings designed to showcase the next generation of beverages. Attendees can identify emerging trends like the growing demand for organic, natural, and low-alcohol wines. Visitors will also have access to over 3,000 references and 300 grape varieties.  

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Benefits for Buyers and Professional Visitors

Attendees will enjoy:  

• An intuitive platform for scheduling efficient meetings.  
• Personalized search functionality to connect with ideal exhibitors.  
• Access to Bottlebooks, the industry’s most advanced digital wine data platform.  

For top buyers, the Invited Buyers Programme and Concierge Service for the UK’s top 50 buyers transform strategic purchasing decisions.  

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Conclusion

Without a doubt, the London Wine Fair 2026 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for all wine professionals. The fair offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with experts, discover new trends, and establish long-term business relationships during three action-packed days.  

This 40th edition promises to surpass all previous expectations, with:  

• Over 18,000 professionals in attendance.  
• A stunning selection of 13,000 wines from 7,000+ exhibitors.  
• Specialized zones like Wines Unearthed, Esoterica, and Drinks Britannia showcasing the industry’s most innovative offerings.  

The event’s international scope, with representatives from 35+ countries, ensures a global perspective on the wine market. Meanwhile, sustainability conferences, tech discussions, and exclusive masterclasses will complement the tasting experience.  

Olympia London’s prime location, with multiple transport options and nearby hotels, ensures easy access for both domestic and international visitors. However, we recommend booking accommodations early due to high demand.  

The fair is a strategic investment for those looking to grow their presence in the UK market, identify trends, or discover innovative products. Digital tools like meeting schedulers and Bottlebooks will streamline the experience for all attendees.  

Wine professionals, mark your calendars for May 18–20, 2026, in London. This edition will solidify its place as the definitive gathering for the global wine industry, where business opportunities and learning experiences will be as abundant as the wines on display.  

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We have prepared a practical guide for you in which clicking on this link, we will show you from how to define clear objectives to the selection of the target market, through all the institutional resources available to support you in the process. In addition, this guide also shares the most common mistakes you should avoid and metrics to evaluate the success of your trade mission.

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