So you’re back again?
Yes, and this time it’s even more personal and personable!
Remind me what it is all about?
The Real Wine Fair is an artisan growers’ event featuring small wine growers who work organically and/or biodynamically and intervene as little as possible in the winery to make wines that taste true to themselves, true to the growers and true to the vineyard and region.
I’m confused. Isn’t there a similar fair called RAW?
Yes, indeed. RAW is a great artisan fair held in May and features a wonderful array of growers with the same (or similar) philosophy and other entertainment. The existence of two great events shows the increasing interest in artisanal, low-intervention, environmentally-sustainable wines. We would urge trade and consumers to support all such events.
Where are you holding it?
Tobacco Dock E1W 2 SF, a listed Victorian brick-built warehouse space in Wapping.
How do I get there?
DLR to Shadwell which is one stop from Bank or Tower Gateway), or overground rail to Wapping and about 5 minutes walk from either station. See our Contacts page for more info.
And when?
The fair takes place on two days, Sunday 17th March (consumer & trade) and Monday 18th March (trade) from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
It’s a bit of a culinary wilderness out there. Where do I go for nosh?
There will be street food on-site prepared by various restaurants and artisan food suppliers to eat either on the hoof or you can take meals to our pop-up restaurant and wine bar, and enjoy them with a glass of wine, beer or coffee.
What is the grower profile look like?
Some of the participants are still to be finalised but we can announce that there will be over 100 growers. Real Wine heroes including Olivier Cousin, Pierre Breton, Michelle Aubery (Domaine Gramenon), Paolo Vodopivec, Boris Skerk, Dario Princic, Salvo Foti, Craig Hawkins and John Wurdeman (Pheasant’s Tears, Georgia) will be present to talk about and pour their wines. For a current list please see the Real Wine Fair’s website.
Anything I should look out for?
Look out for the Georgian section with no fewer than 11 growers and unfurl your tongue around such recondite grape delights as Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Kisi, Tavkvevri and Shavkapito.
Will there be seminars at the Fair?
Yes. Speakers and subjects to be announced. Check the website closer to the time.
Is there disabled access?
Yes.
What happens if I want to buy the wines?
There will be a pop up shop run by Roberson Wine Merchant offering a range of wines from the growers at the fair. If you fancy ordering something not available in the shop or want to place a larger order, the shop will take your details and arrange delivery. An online Real Wine Shop will also be set up and run by Roberson as part of Real Wine Month.
What is Real Wine Month?
Real Wine Month is a promotion in March in restaurants, bars, pubs, independent retailers and wholesalers featuring organic, biodynamic and natural wines either by the glass or to be purchased at a special price. There will be associated events and dinners celebrating these wines. It will take place throughout the UK. The list of establishments that will be participating in the promotion will be up on the Real Wine website soon so keep checking back, or email info@therealwinefair.com and ask how you can be part of it.
There are so many growers and wines! Where do I begin?
Large tastings can be intimidating, but we think this is a manageable size There is no particular order to taste. Everything is interesting and a few things are challenging. Taste according to your mood but try not to rush and leave enough time to enjoy the other attractions of the fair.
Please do ask advice especially if you are looking for something in particular. There were will be loads of people there to answer your questions and guide you on your way.
So, finally, what is “Real Wine?”
That is for you to come and make up your mind about!
Sounds fantastic! How do I get tickets?
If you are a member of the trade please pre-register on-line HERE or email info@therealwinefair.com. Please bring a business card or other form of trade accreditation on the day.
If you are a member of the public tickets may be purchased in advance HERE. The price per ticket is £15 (compared to £20 last year) with a standard agency fee of £1.55. You can also buy on the door for £20 per ticket.
Is the Real Wine Fair on social media?
We are indeed. Follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook!
Any other questions?
Please write to info@therealwinefair.com
Looking forward very much to seeing you.
The Real Wine Fair Team