Wine Paris: connecting beverage opportunities with the journey to market
Table of contents
- Introduction
- What is the focus of Wine Paris?
- How many visitors and exhibitors attended Wine Paris?
- How is Wine Paris positioned among Europe’s major wine events?
- Which discussions shaped Wine Paris 2026?
- What did visitors experience with Hillebrand Gori?
- Blog - Image
- How can eShipping support samples for Wine Paris?
- What should happen after Wine Paris?
- How can Hillebrand Gori support Wine Paris opportunities?
Wine Paris brings producers, importers, distributors and buyers together at the start of the European trade-fair calendar. The event supports new relationships, portfolio decisions and conversations about how wine, beer and spirits can reach new markets.
Hillebrand Gori exhibits at Wine Paris to help connect those commercial opportunities with practical beverage logistics. Our specialists can discuss customs, documentation, route planning, lead times and quality protection with both exhibitors and visitors.
The next Wine Paris takes place from 15 to 17 February 2027 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This guide looks back at the latest edition and explains why the event continues to gain international relevance.
What is the focus of Wine Paris?
Wine Paris began with a strong French wine identity, but its scope is increasingly international. It now presents wine regions from across the world alongside other beverage categories.
Be Spirits covers spirits, beer, cider, sake, RTDs and mixology. The 2026 edition also introduced Be No as a separate area for alcohol-free alternatives. Together, these areas create a broad marketplace where buyers can compare established categories and changing consumption trends.
Its early timing supports annual sourcing and distribution discussions. Producers can present their ranges, while importers review portfolio priorities and arrange follow-up tastings.
How many visitors and exhibitors attended Wine Paris?
The official Wine Paris 2026 results reported 63,541 trade visitors from 169 countries. Visitor numbers increased by 20.75% compared with 2025, when 52,622 people attended.
The event also welcomed 6,537 exhibitors from 63 countries, an increase of 20%. International participants represented 51% of both visitors and exhibitors. This balance shows how Wine Paris has developed beyond its home market.
Commercial engagement also increased. The event recorded 25,958 pre-scheduled meetings, 28% more than the previous year, and a 20% rise in top-buyer attendance. Be Spirits alone brought together 370 exhibitors, up 28%.
How is Wine Paris positioned among Europe’s major wine events?
Each major European event offers a different route into the beverage trade. Wine Paris combines French strength with a growing international exhibitor and buyer base.
ProWein is an established international B2B event focused on commercial decision-makers. Its 2026 edition welcomed 31,000 trade visitors and 3,400 exhibitors.
Vinitaly is the flagship event for Italian wine and international buyers seeking access to Italy’s regions. Vinitaly 2026 recorded 90,000 attendees and 4,000 exhibiting companies.
Wine Paris had the largest exhibitor count of the three in 2026. Attendance figures are not directly comparable because event formats differ. Wine Paris now sits alongside ProWein and Vinitaly, with a broad international mix across several beverage categories.
Which discussions shaped Wine Paris 2026?
Wine Paris combined a commercial marketplace with industry discussion. Its Academy delivered 239 conferences, round tables, masterclasses and tastings.
The programme reflected the decisions facing beverage businesses. Key themes included:
- EU trade agreements with Mercosur and India, together with US tariffs
- Changing consumption patterns and the development of no and low alcohol choices
- Brand strategy, premiumisation and routes into emerging markets
- Innovation, mixology and the growing international spirits audience
- Sustainability, changing vineyard practices and long-term business resilience
These topics connect commercial development with operational planning. New opportunities bring questions about duties, registrations, labels, documentation, routes and costs. Early answers make the path from tasting to regular supply easier to assess.
What did visitors experience with Hillebrand Gori?
Members of Hillebrand Gori’s Executive Committee joined specialists from France and offices serving important beverage trade routes. Visitors and exhibitors could discuss local requirements and international transport in one place.
Our popular game station offered practical demonstrations of eShipping, Hillebrand Gori’s service for very small quantities. Visitors could see how a small movement of wine, beer or spirits could be managed digitally.
Importers also discussed sourcing opportunities and likely order patterns. Producers and distributors explored destination requirements, routes and preparation for commercial supply.
How can eShipping support samples for Wine Paris?
Tasting samples are central to Wine Paris. Their condition, presentation and arrival time can influence a meeting with a potential buyer.
eShipping is designed for very small quantities of wine, beer and spirits, including eligible bottles, cases and B2B samples. The service combines booking, documentation, compliance support and visibility through a structured digital process.
The team can help assess alcohol regulations, duties, recipient eligibility and customs requirements. Suitable protective packaging can also be arranged. Venues may apply designated delivery points, receiving times or handling rules.
Users can book, manage and track eligible movements in one place. Stand replenishment, larger quantities or returns may need a tailored arrangement, particularly where separate customs or excise processes apply.
Further details are available in the guide to international alcohol transport with eShipping.
What should happen after Wine Paris?
After the final tasting, importers can review samples, compare terms and assess market fit. Producers can qualify leads and identify promising destinations.
Commercial expectations should then connect with an operational plan covering:
Expected volumes, order frequency, Incoterms®, documentation responsibilities, import requirements, duties, lead times and protection needs.
Small samples may suit eShipping. Regular case volumes may use LCL consolidation, while larger orders may require full-container transport. Early specialist input can support the choice.
Readers planning other events can explore the full wine trade events guide.
How can Hillebrand Gori support Wine Paris opportunities?
As a logistics partner specialised in wine, beer and spirits, Hillebrand Gori supports both sides of the Wine Paris conversation. Producers and distributors can explore how to reach new markets. Importers and buyers can plan how newly sourced alcoholic beverages could become part of a reliable supply programme.
Support can include event samples through eShipping, customs guidance, documentation, protective packaging, international transport and digital visibility. With global reach and local beverage expertise, Hillebrand Gori can help connect the first tasting with a practical journey to market.