London’s Landmark Hotel in Marylebone once again hosted the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE), an event that has become essential for wine enthusiasts over nearly three decades. This year’s event, held in November, represented a significant evolution by introducing Friday attendance to the Grand Tasting and showcasing the inaugural series of Winemakers’ Lunches.
The Grand Tasting
Marking the 28th edition of the DFWE, guests were treated to a choice of attending on either Friday afternoon or Saturday—a new flexibility. Over 100 wine producers from across the globe participated, featuring both established regions and emerging wine areas. Notable presences included prominent Bordeaux producers, as well as representations from Burgundy, Champagne, the Rhône, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and many acclaimed Italian and Spanish regions. English sparkling wine also had a significant representation, with Hambledon showcasing the growing quality of this category, while wines from the Southern Hemisphere added diversity to the offerings.
In addition to familiar faces, guests were intrigued by emerging regions, with Chinese exhibitors and a strong representation from Greece, Ukraine, Switzerland, and Turkey sparking interest. The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) stand highlighted 33 award-winning wines, creating a unique opportunity for guests to taste these celebrated selections.
Cellar Collection
A standout feature of the event was the Cellar Collection, an exclusive area where 300 guests had the chance to taste flagship wines from 21 prestigious producers. Each producer showcased three vintages, including rare library releases that looked back at least a decade. This format proved immensely popular, allowing attendees to appreciate the intricacies of aging fine wines over the years.
New Winemakers’ Lunches
An exciting development this year was the introduction of Winemakers’ Lunches held on Friday. Only a small group of guests joined top winemakers and a Decanter editor for intimate meals featuring wineries like Abbott Claim, Bodegas Muga, Châteaux Canon and Rauzan-Ségla, Chateau Musar, and Ken Forrester. Guests dined on a three-course British classic menu paired with thoughtfully selected wines while engaging in behind-the-scenes discussions.
Masterclass Sessions
The masterclass program also garnered attention, with sessions selling out due to high demand. Each 75-minute tutoring session featured renowned winery principals or Decanter writers. Notable masterclasses included a tasting of Champagne’s exceptional 2012 vintage and explorations of Château Smith Haut Lafitte’s terroir through multiple vintages. A session dedicated to Bolgheri’s Guado al Tasso estate allowed attendees to sample exclusive blends and vintages.
A Memorable Experience
Whether participating in the extensive Grand Tasting, enjoying the exclusive Cellar Collection, or attending masterclasses, guests experienced the best of the wine world. With Riedel glassware presenting each wine beautifully, the event not only showcased premier wines but also involved delightful culinary pairings from partners such as Mouse & Grape and Firetree Chocolate.
Looking to the future, the next DFWE will take place in Singapore on November 22, followed by New York in June 2026, promising further grand showcases of exemplary wines.
For further information, visit the Decanter Events page.