February heralds the return of major wine fairs, with Wine Paris continually expanding its presence in the industry. The event, which began back in 2017 as "Vino Vision," started modestly, aimed predominantly at the French market. At that time, larger initiatives like ProWein were already establishing themselves as the predominant trade fairs, attracting thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the globe.
As Wine Paris evolved, it partnered with Vinexpo to bolster its standing just before the pandemic hit. Fast forward nearly a decade, and it has transformed into a key venue for discovering new wines and trends.
Rupert Millar, a local journalist, decided it was time to revisit this growing event. In his exploration, he celebrated notable discoveries, starting with the powerhouse duo from Napa Valley: Andy Erickson and Annie Favia of Favia Wines. Their upcoming transition to a new winery location in Oakville was exciting; they’re engaged in organic viticulture and an ‘analogue’ winemaking process. A standout was their 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, a fetching representation of Napa’s offerings.
In addition, Millar highlighted a fresh approach to Bordeaux wines. He emphasized the importance of moving away from heavily oaked profiles, instead supporting the use of neutral barrels and concrete for aging. He found treasures like Château Vieux Mougnac and Château La Maroquine, both of which showcase the potential of modern Bordeaux without the distraction of oak.
Lastly, a visit to the Hospices de Nuits-St-Georges offered a glimpse into Burgundy’s rich winemaking history. With their charity auction held annually, lesser-known wines from this historic hospice presented exceptional quality, further broadening the appeal of Burgundy wines.
Through these experiences at Wine Paris, Millar returned not only with knowledge about impressive wines but also with a renewed appreciation for the industry’s potential shifts away from traditional norms towards innovative practices and expressions.