Prowein - Spanish Steps

Prowein March 2013 - Dusseldorf, Germany

Last year we decided that in 2013 we were going to have a stand at Prowein for our educational brand Spanish Steps. The brand is designed to take you on a vinous journey through some of Spains lesser known regions, in this vision inparticular the wines in the range come from 5 areas within Castilla Y leon. The 5 DO's are; Rueda, Bierzo, Arribes, Toro and Ribera del Duero.

So we decided to take the plunge at Prowein purely because we wanted to reach out to an international target market, mainly to larger multiples and retailers who could promote this exciting brand. Here are some photos and a running commentary of our trip.

So living in Essex we decided to take the exciting route over to the show by getting the overnight Stena Line ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland. We were transporting the wine ourselves so it made sense. The crossing was enjoyable apart from the horrendous winds and humongous waves which tossed you around your cabin from midnight until 5am when we had to get up :/

We woke feeling fresh as a daisy...... our departure from the ferry was quick and efficient in true Dutch style and we set off to set up at Prowein Dusseldorf. After navigating the system of deliveries and set up we had the stand complete and looking fantastic, not bad for our first attempt. The show was good and very enjoyable, we had lots of appointments booked on the stand which was great because the general footfall was not huge in our part of the Spain hall. We made some new contacts so we are pleased overall with the show.

In the evenings we managed to drink our bodyweight in local beer, in the local brewery's. They are simply the 'place to go' so it would be rude not to! Always bumping into familiar faces we enjoyed beers and food with many friends from accross the globe. It really does bring everyone closer together, friends united in a foreign land. If you have ever been to a brewery in Dusseldorf you will know how it is, hustling, bustling and busy, beers are plonked down on you table by uber efficient waiters who know when you are thirsty and they mark your tab on your beermat.

Below are some photos taken at our favourite brewery Schlussel...

            

Oakley goes QR

Business cards are on order (because of new email addresses), so we've decided to put the QR code on the cards too.

What the journalists say

Found this great little video short

What a fab place! - The New St Wine Shop - London Liverpool Street

I was lucky enough to visit here twice in the last month, and what a great place!

Situated just opposite the bustling hub that is Liverpool Street Station, and tucked away on New Street, it's a chilled out safe haven for any wine lover! The concept of the shop is great, because not only do they have fridges and shelves full of the worlds wonderful wines but also an array of wooden tables and chairs where you can sit and relax. The New Street Wine Shop offers corkage of £8 on any bottle purchased in the shop and serves wines by the glass, which you can sip at in the warmly lit venue. If you're feeling peckish, which most people are once they have had a glass or two, they offer a wonderful menu of charcuterie, cheeses and nuts. If you haven't been there, you really must go and check it out for yourselves. A perfect place to meet friends after work or to kill some time when you're waiting for a train.....  http://www.newstreetwineshop.co.uk/

   

Left: Menu for mixed plates of Charcuetrie and cheese.

Right: A nice glass of Southern French red, and a plate of delicious salami, and Jamon...with bread! Heavenly it was!

Below: A snap shot of the bar area where the food and drinks are prepared by specially trained staff.

                                     

Upcoming tastings

We have various consumer tastings coming up where we will be showing selections of our portfolio. Here is a list of upcoming shows and links to purchase tickets if you fancy;

Duncan Murray Wines Tasting (Market Harborough)- 19 October - Click here

Tesco Wine Fair (Edinburgh) - 20/21 October - Click here

Tesco Wine Fair (London) - 27/28 October - Click here

The Wine Gang show (London) - 3 November - Click here

The Butchers Arms (Priors Hardwick) - 20 November - Click here

Three Wine Men consumer tasting - 8/9 December - Click here

CHEERS!!!