Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris to put spirits in the spotlight

The forthcoming Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris exhibition, taking place from 13 to 15 February in the French capital, will have a new hall dedicated to spirits.

Some 27 categories of spirits will be represented in the Be Spirits hall, from armagnac to Cognac, whisky to vermouth, with non-alcoholic alternatives present too. There will also be the Craft Pavilion, reserved for young and upcoming producers of spirits, RTDs, beers and ciders. The focal point of the hall will be the Infinite Bar, a 40-metre-long bar where bartenders from across Europe will be able to showcase their creativity when it comes to cocktails.

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, said: “In 2023, spirits, craft and alcohol-free beverages are becoming even more significant with 20% extra floor space compared with the 2022 event and 44% new exhibitors. Alongside the many French exhibitors, international attendance will be very strong with the return of Belgium, Canada, the United States, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Romania, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Alongside them will be Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic and Vietnam as newcomers to the exhibition in 2023.”

As part of the On! programme, taking place in Porte de Versailles, there will also be a series of innovative events in the new Speakeasy area. These include ‘The Battle of the Mixologists’ and numerous masterclasses, including one on brandy, curated by producer Lucien Bernard, the ‘Sowine’ conference (on the relationship younger generations have with wine and spirits), and one provided by the Japan Sake and Shochu Association.

Last year, db reported on Vinexposium’s plans to launch a standalone trade show for spirits.