London Wine Fair connects international producers, UK distributors and importers with buyers who are helping in shaping the UK drinks market. It combines access to this important import-led market, as well as English and Welsh wine, craft beer and spirits.

Hillebrand Gori connects commercial conversations with beverage logistics. Producers can discuss UK market entry, while importers can explore transport plans for newly sourced beverages.

The next fair takes place at Olympia London from 17 to 19 May 2027. This guide reviews the 2026 event.

What is the focus of London Wine Fair?

London Wine Fair is a trade-focused event for the UK drinks market. Its audience includes importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality buyers and sommeliers.

This differs from other major European fairs. Wine Paris opens the sourcing year internationally. ProWein provides a global B2B platform, while Vinitaly offers deep access to Italian producers.

London Wine Fair concentrates on UK buying, market entry and distribution. In 2026, 82% of visitors came from the UK and the on-trade represented 35%.

How much did London Wine Fair grow in 2026?

The official 2026 results recorded 10,539 visitors and 475 exhibitors. Visitor numbers rose by 8.2% from 9,741 in 2025. Exhibitor bookings increased by 9% from 445, while occupied floor space grew by 13%.

These were the strongest results since before the pandemic. The fair also recorded 985 pre-arranged meetings, 21% more than in 2025.

The organiser reports that 2027 exhibitor bookings are already ahead year on year. No forecast percentage has been published.

Why is the UK important to international wine producers?

The UK remains one of the world’s largest wine markets despite recent volume changes. The OIV State of the World Wine Sector in 2025 ranks it fifth for consumption, at 12.3 million hectolitres.

Wine consumption was 13.7 million hectolitres in 2020. The 2025 total was therefore about 10% lower over five years and 2.4% below 2024.

UK imports reached 11.9 million hectolitres, valued at €4.3 billion, in 2025. Volume was 18.5% below 2020, but the UK remained the world’s third-largest importer by volume.

How does domestic wine growth fit this import market?

English and Welsh wine is developing quickly from a smaller base. WineGB reports 1,158 vineyards in 2025, 4.3% more than in 2024. The 2025 harvest produced 16.5 million bottles, a 55% increase in production volume.

Exports represented 9% of domestic sales in 2024, up from 4% in 2021, according to WineGB. Sparkling wine accounted for 90%.

However, 2025 domestic production equalled about 0.12 million hectolitres, compared with 11.9 million hectolitres of imports. London Wine Fair can therefore celebrate local momentum while retaining its central role as a gateway for international producers.

Which discussions shaped London Wine Fair 2026?

The event delivered a record 101 sessions, including 12 on sustainability. The programme connected sourcing with commercial, regulatory and environmental decisions.

Key discussions included:

• UK customs, alcohol duty, documentation and bonded warehousing
• How logistics choices can influence pricing, cash flow and commercial performance
• Lower-emission journeys through network design, data and transport choices
• Sustainability across production, procurement, packaging and people
• Changing buyer demand across wine, spirits, beer, cider and no and low alcohol ranges

The inaugural Sustainability Hub encouraged practical discussion. The first Host Nation programme highlighted home-nation producers.

What did Hillebrand Gori bring to the fair?

At Booth G50, Hillebrand Gori’s UK team discussed small-volume transport and end-to-end supply chains. Live eShipping demonstrations covered sample shipping and direct-to-consumer orders.

Dan Clements, Operations & Commercial Director, explained the UK import framework at Wines Unearthed. He covered transport, bonded warehousing, customs, documentation, duties and compliance.

Carolin Haas, Global Head of Sustainability & GoGreen, joined The Porto Protocol Foundation to explore lower-emission wine journeys through networks, data and transport choices. Hillebrand Gori UK was also named Best Logistics Company at The Drinks Business Awards 2026 during the fair.

How can eShipping support opportunities from London Wine Fair?

eShipping is designed for very small quantities of wine, beer and spirits. It can support transport for tasting samples, bottles for buyers, competition entries and direct-to-consumer orders.

Specialists can help manage documentation, customs and recipient eligibility. Protective packaging for wine, beer and spirits can be arranged where needed. Online booking and tracking provide visibility.

For regular commercial orders, LCL sea freight, full-container transport or a tailored supply plan may be more suitable. Route availability and UK alcohol requirements should be checked before collection.

Read more about how eShipping works here.

What happens after London Wine Fair?

Importers can review samples, pricing and portfolio fit. Producers can prioritise leads and assess UK market-entry requirements.

Early planning should cover Incoterms®, customs, excise duty, labels, bonded storage, lead times and quality protection. These decisions can influence landed costs and cash flow.

The wider wine trade events guide can support annual planning and connect sourcing conversations with a route to market.

How can Hillebrand Gori support London Wine Fair opportunities?

As a logistics partner specialised in wine, beer and spirits, Hillebrand Gori supports international producers entering the UK and importers developing their portfolios. Support can begin with transporting samples through eShipping directly to distributors or to the London Wine Fair ready to showcase.

Services can extend to customs guidance, bonded warehousing, LCL consolidation, full-container transport, beverage protection and digital visibility. UK knowledge and global beverage expertise can connect the first tasting with a practical supply plan.