ProWein 2018 Düsseldorf: Photos & Impressions

ProWein is the world’s leading trade fair for wine and spirits, the largest industry meeting for professionals from viticulture, production, trade and gastronomy.

18 to 20 March saw the international wine and spirit industries get together at ProWein in Düsseldorf. Over 6,870 exhibitors from 64 countries provided a unique global overview of the current wine and spirits ranges. Over 60,000 trade visitors made use of this platform to place orders and gather information.

If you’re a big fan of wine, then ProWein offers you unbelievable opportunities to taste and experience wines from all over the world.

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This is now my third year in a row that I’ve attended ProWein in Düsseldorf.

The first day of the fair was a Sunday (18th of March), so it took me only 50 minutes to drive from Dortmund to Messe Düsseldorf (~68 kilometers). In comparison, it took me two hours on the second day and four (!!!) hours on Tuesday, the last day of the fair.

In this gallery:

• I was one of the first people to arrive at the fair at ~7:30.
• Here we go!
• Hall 9 is the closest from the North entrance. Hall 9 is for Overseas exhibitors: United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
• The first wine that I tasted at this event: Jim Barry Riesling, #33 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2017.
• The country stand of Wine Australia.
• Francis Ford Coppola Winery is the very first stand that you see when entering Hall 9 (Booth A06-1).
• This year I finally got to taste a few of their wines, including an oak-aged Chardonnay. Really good value for the money.
• Ste Michelle Wine Estates (Hall 9, D06) had some really impressive wines.
• South Africa is always popular.
• I was happy to find my favorite wine producer from South Africa: Orange River Cellars. Their fortified wine Hanepoot – Muscat d’ Alexandrie simply blew my mind. Too bad it can’t be bought in Germany.
• An event at the California Wines stand (Hall 9, B16-1).
• The A27 stand in Hall 9 is one of my favorite locations at ProWein: Napa Valley Vintners free tasting area. I think there are over 60 different wines that you can taste yourself, conveniently arranged by grape.
• An event at the Oregon Wine Board stand (Hall 9, D08).
• MUNDUS VINI at Hall 17, A51.
• The official ProWein photographer was taking photos for the Media Gallery page :)
• This year I got to taste five or six different types of Sake at the Japan stand (A47) in Hall 9. Even though the people were very inviting and polite, I think it was one of the most unattractive stands at this year’s event. I think Japan deserves an original and beautiful stand, and not just a couple of tables with random photos on the walls.
• Vinolok had a really cool stand in Hall 15, with a big mechanical clock on the wall. They make glass closures for bottles.
• The wines of E. & J. Gallo Winery are available in supermarkets in Germany (at least at REAL).
• Best of Spain Top 100 was surprisingly empty.
• Hall 18 was busy as usual. I hope the organizers figure out a way to create more spaces for people to take a break during the event.
• Hungary presented a new Botrytis Bar this year, which was a more casual way to try out their premium wines. Live music, a free tasting area, etc.
• Hungarian white wines have a surprisingly distinct taste and are worth a try.
• Tenute Piccini, Tuscany.
• I had my eyes on Rockabilly Wein Kult (Austria) even before the event, but in the end I haven’t even tried their wines :(
• Again the Oregon Wine Board stand.
• New York Wine & Grape Foundation with a surprisingly small stand (Hall 9, D28).
• ProWein is a great opportunity to look at original wine labels.
• “Ladies who shoot their lunch”. Who comes up with these? :)

In Conclusion

Great event as always. Having a plan and a schedule is always a good idea at ProWein, so that you don’t end up simply wondering around without a purpose.

P.S. On the first day of the event (Sunday) I’ve seen a lot of people with children in baby strollers and even with toddlers in back carriers, which I think is a bit odd.