Monthly Archives: February 2026

Wine Paris 2026: The Global Influence Epicentre For Wines And Spirits

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Wine Paris 2026 has established itself as the global influence hub for wines and spirits, now open to all beverage categories. A crossroads of attendance and influence, the event strengthens its structuring role for the industry on an international scale. With 63,541 trade visitors from 169 countries, 51% of whom were international – up 20.75% – and 6,537 exhibitors from 63 countries (51% international), representing a 20% increase, the 2026 edition confirms the event’s growing global reach.

“Wine Paris 2026 reaffirms its central role for the global beverage industry. As both a marketplace, a platform for influence and a space for dialogue, the event has become a structuring meeting point to support the sector’s transformations and help shape its future”, said Nicolas Cuissard, Director of Wine Paris.

THE LEADING GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FOR THE INDUSTRY

In a challenging economic environment marked by market unpredictability and trade tensions, Wine Paris has more than ever positioned itself as the place and the moment where global business opportunities converge.

Business momentum translated into 25,958 pre-scheduled meetings through the business matching platform – up 28% – and a 20% increase in the presence of top buyers. Over three days, 112,462 industry professionals crossed paths throughout the exhibition halls, reflecting the exceptional density of its ecosystem.

Producers, merchants, importers, distributors and international buyers found in Wine Paris a unique convergence point for business development. The renewed commitment of major industry players, combined with the arrival of new international exhibitors, further strengthens the event’s growing appeal.

All beverage categories are now structured within the ecosystem deployed by Vinexposium – wines, spirits, beers, ciders, cocktails, RTDs and no/low – reflecting evolving consumption patterns and market dynamics.

AN INFLUENCE PLATFORM OBSERVED BY ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DECISION-MAKERS

Wine Paris has reached a new strategic milestone by establishing itself as a major influence platform for the industry.

The 2026 edition brought together more than 400 French, European and international public officials. For the first time, the event was inaugurated by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.

The show also welcomed former President François Hollande, two serving French ministers and four foreign ministers. Embassies from 37 countries were represented, including 21 ambassadors in attendance, alongside representatives of the European Commission (DG Trade and DG Agri) and members of Parliament from across the political spectrum.

This mobilisation now clearly demonstrates that Wine Paris has become a structured space for dialogue between the industry, national governments and European institutions.

Wine Paris is no longer solely a trading venue; it has become a strategic platform where the collective vision of the sector is shaped.

AN INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR DIALOGUE AND REFLECTION

The growing prominence of geo-economic issues and societal developments resulted in a strengthened content programme.

Three round tables were notably dedicated to the recently concluded free trade agreements between the European Union and Mercosur on the one hand, and between the European Union and India on the other, as well as to US tariffs and broader international trade tensions.

Through the Academy programme, the show delivered 239 sessions over three days – conferences, round tables and masterclasses – focusing on innovation, brand strategies, consumption trends, mixology, emerging market dynamics and the development of no/low.

New for 2026, the Be Spirits Stage and the Be No Stage introduced dedicated content programmes focused respectively on spirits and alcohol-free alternatives, enhancing the clarity and specialisation of the offer.
These discussions reinforced the event’s role as an international forum for reflection, where economic analysis, adaptation strategies and forward-looking perspectives are openly debated.

With 1,894 media representatives from 49 countries – 57% international – up 25%, Wine Paris demonstrates the global reach of the debates and industry dynamics taking place at the show.

BE SPIRITS AND BE NO: KEY PILLARS OF THE VINEXPOSIUM ECOSYSTEM

The continued success of Be Spirits and the launch of Be No illustrate Wine Paris’ ability to support structural market developments through clearly identified and sustainable formats. Both further consolidate their long-term role within the Vinexposium portfolio.

Be Spirits brought together 370 exhibitors from 39 countries (53% international), up 28%, with a strong presence of national pavilions. The visitor profile reflected increased internationalisation, the strong presence of leading trade buyers and, for the first time, a significant attendance of international bartenders, signalling a broadening of professional audiences.

Be No, a new space entirely dedicated to alcohol-free alternatives, gathered 64 exhibitors from 13 countries and featured more than 250 labels presented within a highly attended free-tasting area.

“In seven years of existence, we had never had the opportunity to meet so many people from such a wide range of countries – including Indonesia, Argentina and Canada – in such a short time. The show operates as a true one-stop shop, allowing us to present our brand internationally and meet potential distributors from around the world in one place,” said Ian Thomson, Founder of Thomson & Scott Naughty (United Kingdom).

SEE YOU IN FEBRUARY 2027

Wine Paris will return from 15 to 17 February 2027, with the ambition to continue strengthening its international momentum, support market transformations and consolidate its role as a global reference platform.

“In a rapidly changing world, the industry needs places capable of combining commerce, influence and collective reflection. Wine Paris has established itself as that global platform, bringing together economic, institutional and political stakeholders to build the future of wines and spirits. The 2026 edition marks a decisive new step in this trajectory,” concluded Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.

Austrian Cooperage Creates First Wood and Stone Barrel

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For more than 90 years, the Schön cooperage in Lower Austria has been creating the perfect vessels for fermenting and ageing fine wines from carefully selected wood. But the world of wine is changing, and with it, consumer tastes. Powerful flavours and tannins are no longer as sought after – fruitiness and freshness are the new standard. A challenge for cooperages that has only just been solved with Schön’s invention of a patented ‘hybrid barrel’ made of both wood and stone.

Manuel Schön (29) is himself part of the younger generation of wine enthusiasts who appreciate precise fruit and fine aromas. He and his sister Jennifer are the fourth generation to run the Schön cooperage, whose traditionally crafted barrels are sought after by winemakers worldwide. But Manuel Schön did not want to rest on his laurels despite having nearly a century of barrel making craftsmanship in the family. And so, he developed a new wooden barrel that would take these contemporary wine styles into account while incorporating the undisputed qualities of ageing in wood.

Schön isn’t reinventing the wheel – just his wine barrel
After several years of hard work, Schön has found an innovative answer to one of the burning questions in the wine industry with his ‘hybrid barrel’. His latest patented creation is a barrel that combines the advantages of the classic wooden barrel with the stylistic influence of alternative vessels such as clay amphorae, concrete eggs and stone containers.

The barrel: a duet of wood and stone
After an extensive development and testing phase, including with project wines from young winemakers in 2024, the Schön family’s patented ‘hybrid barrel’ is now ready for the market. Classic oak staves are combined with stone slab bases. This creates a novel ageing process that guarantees a unique aroma profile. The barrel combines two materials that have been used in winemaking for centuries but are rarely associated with each other.

The wood
For the wood used in the staves, the Schön cooperage uses oak from Austria, France, Germany or Croatia. The wood is gently toasted at 140 °C / 284°F, then the first layer is removed to provided structure to the wine without any intrusive notes.

The stone
The bottom of the hybrid barrels is made of stone slabs: with regional considerations in mind, slate and granite were chosen. “Stone is the calming element. It hardly lets any oxygen through, does not require toasting and allows the wine to settle in peace. It brings clarity, sometimes even a subtle saltiness,” explains Manuel Schön.

The combination of wood and stone is tailor-made according to each customer’s requirements. Various types of wood, toasting and stone are available. When the influence of the wood diminishes, the hybrid barrel can be re-covered: the wooden body is renewed, while the stone remains. An approach that reflects Schön’s sustainable and resource-saving philosophy.

The result: a new style for modern wines
The special features of the hybrid barrel are easy to recognise: the barrel allows for more reductive ageing, as the stone slabs allow significantly less oxygen to pass through than wooden bases. This results in wines that are fresher and clearer in expression but still offer the desired aromas from wood ageing.

The barrique-sized hybrid barrel costs around €1,200. Due to the use of stone, it weighs 88 kilograms, which is around a third heavier than a conventional 225-litre barrel.

The future: rethinking craftsmanship
“The hybrid barrel in its current form is just the beginning,” explains Manuel Schön. “We are already receiving enquiries for barrels with marble inserts or even fermentation tanks with concrete lids. It’s great to see how we can bring a breath of fresh air to our craft as we move into the future.” The possibilities are almost limitless, and a wide variety of materials can be used.

www.schoen-austria.com

About Schön GmbH

For over 90 years, the Schön family has been synonymous with quality craftsmanship in the cooperage trade. Founded in 1933 by Johann Schön, the family business in the village of Sitzenberg-Reidling is now run by the fourth generation, Manuel and Jennifer, together with their father Gernot Schön. The company combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology: high-quality wooden barrels and fermentation tanks are manufactured to strict quality and hygiene standards. With around 85% of its production exported to more than 15 countries, the cooperage has become a recognised partner to wine producers throughout Europe.

Alto Adige Wines Returns to the US With a Series of Engaging Masterclasses

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The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines is coming back to the U.S. with an engaging series of masterclasses in San Francisco and Los Angeles in March, followed by Chicago and Houston in June, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of Italy’s most dynamic fine wine regions. Each session will pair curated tastings with expert-led educational seminars, showcasing Alto Adige DOC’s diverse grape varieties, remarkable terroirs, and signature balance of precision and elegance.

The series will open in San Francisco on March 23 with Vanessa Conlin, award-winning Master of Wine and educator, presenting “Alto Adige Wines: Alpine Wines for Bold Plates” . Hosted in a steakhouse setting, the seminar will explore the versatility of Alto Adige wines across a menu spanning seafood, light sauces, and grilled steaks. Featured grapes include Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Pinot Nero, Lagrein, Cabernet, and Merlot.

On March 25 in Los Angeles, Matthew Kaner, esteemed sommelier and 2019 Wine Enthusiast ’40 Under 40′ winner, will present “Alto Adige: Timeless Wines Shaped by the Dolomites,” highlighting young and aged examples of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Pinot Nero to illustrate the region’s aging potential and aromatic depth.

In Chicago on June 1 and Houston on June 3, top sommeliers Rachel Lowe and Brandon Kerne, MS will guide attendees through seminars titled “Alto Adige: Timeless Wines Shaped by the Dolomites” and “From the Dolomites to the Lone Star Plate,” respectively. These sessions will demonstrate how Alto Adige’s wines can pair with diverse menus, from delicate seafood to richly flavored steaks, reflecting the region’s broad stylistic range.

Eduard Bernhart, Director of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines, commented: “The U.S. is a key market for Alto Adige, where wine professionals and consumers alike are eager to discover Italy’s most distinctive regions. These masterclasses allow us to showcase the diversity and elegance of Alto Adige DOC wines, while also highlighting the important work of the Consorzio in promoting our members, protecting quality, and communicating the unique stories behind every bottle.”

The series aims to give participants an in-depth understanding of Alto Adige’s geography, climate, and traditions, showcasing the region’s distinctive Alpine excellence balanced with Mediterranean warmth. Attendees will taste wines that reflect the soul of Alto Adige DOC: a harmonious expression of place, diversity, and winemaking craft.

About Consorzio Alto Adige Wines

The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines was formed in 2007 to promote and strengthen the image of the wines from Alto Adige. One of Italy’s smallest wine-producing regions, Alto Adige is also one of its most multifaceted. Twenty grape varieties are cultivated on vineyards stretching from Mediterranean-influenced valleys to Alpine hillsides, tended by individual growers, small family-wineries, and cooperatives alike.

WINE PARIS 2026:A CHANGING GLOBAL DRINKS INDUSTRY

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Wine Paris is undergoing significant growth, restructuring and development to keep pace with changing consumption patterns. The 2026 event will feature three distinct events: Wine Paris, Be Spirits and Be No all under one roof, showcasing the expanding spectrum of both alcoholic and no-alcohol beverages. This major trade show marks its commitment to driving progress the sector, responding to global changes and supporting industry transformation.

Wine Paris  has established itself as a flagship event, attracting producers and buyers from around the world. The 2026 edition will feature over 6,000 exhibitors from 60 countries and welcome more than 60,000 visitors representing 155 markets. New national and regional pavilions will be introduced, including Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Cyprus, Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Germany.

The United States ranks among the top five exhibiting nations at Wine Paris 2026, recording a 40% increase in exhibition space compared to 2025, nearly 5x growth since 2023. U.S. participation will feature national pavilions led by the California Wine Institute, Napa Valley, Oregon Wine Board and Washington State Wine Commission, alongside a diverse range of leading U.S. producers and importers, reflecting the depth and diversity of American wine expertise. This surge underscores the growing importance of the U.S. market and its commitment to international collaboration within the Vinexposium ecosystem.

Launched in 2020, Be Spirits has emerged as one of the most creative and innovative showcases at Wine Paris. In 2026, it will bring together over 300 exhibitors from 39 countries (versus 34 in 2025). For 2026, it becomes a standalone event, mirroring its growing international scope, with national pavilions and exhibitors representing Scotland, Japan, the United States, Ireland and Australia – and for the first time, the Philippines, Monaco, Madagascar, Panama, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

This momentum is driven by a strong mix of international leaders, rising craft distilleries, and premium mixer brands. The United States will feature a dedicated pavilion for the first time, led by Imex Management, with producers from Virginia and North Carolina. Canada also strengthens its presence with the Groupe Export Canada pavilion and new participants such as Nasdrow.

Anchored by immersive formats like the Infinite Bar and Be Spirits Stage, Be Spirits has built its own signature brand centered on mixology, expertise and innovation. The product range continues to expand to beers, ciders, sakes and RTDs, reflecting evolving consumer habits and a more diverse drinks culture.

Be No is a major addition for 2026, serving as Vinexposium’s new B2B hub for no-alcohol beverage alternatives. Responding to a rapidly growing global market with double-digit growth, Be No will be attended by 12 countries from Europe to Australia. Be No is establishing itself as an international platform supported by participation from leading brands such as Moderato, Noughty from Thomson & Scott or French Bloom. To guide and inspire in this evolving market, Be No Talks will debut in a new 45-minute format, encouraging interaction and the exchange of ideas. Be No completes the new product segment at Wine Paris 2026, offering a clear structure for a rapidly changing drinks industry.