April 30, 2026 — London Wine Fair will host a record 96 individual sessions – more than 125 hours’ worth – across the three-day event next month, spanning Industry Briefings, Masterclasses, Seminars, and Tastings underlining the fundamental importance of debate, education and knowledge sharing for UK drinks industry professionals. The sessions – hosted by industry thought-leaders – will take place across eight areas of the show: Centre Stage; Premium Masterclass Theatre; Walk-Up Tasting Sessions; Education Zone Theatre; Signature Serve Theatre; The Tasting Space; Gallery Suite; and – new for 2026 – The Sustainability Hub, which is hosting 12 individual sessions. The content gives a platform for debate across the industry’s most pertinent topics, including: the economy; supply chain pressures; climate change; and changing consumer behaviours.
Commenting, Head of London Wine Fair, Hannah Tovey, said: “This record number of sessions puts London Wine Fair in pole position in terms of content, when compared to other drinks exhibitions, based on a per capita expected audience figure. The content will be rich and diverse, serving a purpose to inform, educate and inspire debate within the UK drinks industry and beyond. Despite the turbulence and challenges our industry is facing, are opportunities, innovations, and discovery. Our industry remains resilient, and that can continue if we engage, debate and knowledge-share with our peers. London Wine Fair is incredibly proud to facilitate this debate and put the UK centre stage of the drinks industry.”
The Wine Spirit Trade Association will host three sessions, including a key-note address “the Squeeze” on the opening morning:
Wine, Spirits & the Squeeze: A Conversation with WSTA
Monday, 18th May, 10h15 – 11h15, Centre Stage
The UK wine and spirits industry is one of the country’s largest and most influential sectors, contributing over £76 billion to the economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Yet behind this success story lies a growing set of challenges—from rising taxes and regulatory pressures to increasing costs across the supply chain. In this session, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association explores the realities facing the industry today, what’s at stake for businesses and consumers, and what the future holds for this vital part of the UK economy.
Reasons to Be Cheerful: Dynamism & Opportunity in UK drinks
Monday, 18th May, 14h30 – 15h30, Gallery Suite
Despite global challenges—from shifting consumption habits to economic pressures—the wine and spirits industry is far from stagnant. In fact, it is evolving faster than ever. This discussion will explore reasons to be optimistic, spotlighting the creativity, adaptability, and resilience of the sector.
From Supermarket Shelf to Wine List: How Wine Consumption is Changing Today
Tuesday, 19th May, 11h30 – 12h30, Centre Stage
This WSTA-led discussion on how consumers are buying, drinking, and choosing wine will explore what the wine sales trends reveal about changing spending habits. Hear from Fergus MacKenzie from NIQ as he discusses how shoppers are feeling in the current ‘squeezed’ climate, exploring consumer trends around drinking less but better, moderation, and wine formats at the supermarkets and specialist retailers. Chris Sterling from CGA will reflect on how drinking occasions are changing in pubs and restaurants, what earlier visits to the on-trade mean, and where the opportunities for wine lie in the future. Hosted by Davina Kortright, Head of Research & Insights at WSTA.
Host Nation content includes:
Defined Wine: Tuesday, 19th May, All Day, Pop-Up Two
Defined Wine will showcase English wines – mostly still – from 24 vineyards from across England, demonstrating the range of styles and varieties on offer. Hosted by Defined Wine, who have made all the wines, the vineyard owners will be on hand to explain more about their sites, terroir and wine styles, providing an opportunity to taste a really broad range of English wines.
Hattingley Valley Blending Masterclass: Wednesday, 20th May, 12h00 – 13h00, Education Zone
An interactive blending session exploring how individual base wines shape style. Guests assess components, create and compare blends, then refine their own. A hands-on way to understand decision-making, precision, and the craft behind consistent house style. Led by Rob MacCulloch MW,Head Winemaker, Hattingley Valley Wines.
Other highlight sessions include:
Carbon Calculation Challenge 2026: the industry’s next climate milestone starts today
Tuesday, 19th May, 12h00 to 12h30, The Sustainability Hub (F52)
International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) and retailer partners Berry Bros & Rudd and The Wine Society unveil the Carbon Calculation Challenge 2026. Join wineries taking the first step on their decarbonisation journey through this landmark initiative, which raises the bar on transparency and accountability, turning commitments into measurable action.
Whisky soaring: All eyes on Asia
Monday, 18th May, 16h00 – 16h45, Signature Serve Theatre
Presented by Spirits writer, Millie Milliken, and The Whisky Exchange’s Dawn Davies MW. The Asian whisky net is being cast ever further, with old and new whisky-making regions giving consumers more and more to get excited about. From Thailand and India, to China, Korea and Japan, explore how each of these countries is cementing – or evolving – their place on the global whisky map. And ask what it means for the continent’s future.
The Claret Revival
Monday, 18th May, 16h30 to 17h30, Premium Masterclass Theatre
Explore how Bordeaux winemakers have reimagined red wine for younger consumers. From a major consumer study to launch strategy, discover the rise of lighter, fruit-driven styles. Taste five representative wines and understand how this new profile is reshaping Bordeaux’s image and market approach. Presented by writer, broadcaster and author, Jane Rakison.
The London Wine Fair will take place at Olympia from 18th to 20th May. All sessions are accessible to London Wine Fair ticket holders on a first come, first seated basis. Premium Masterclass Theatre will have an allocation of seats that can be pre-booked by VIP’s, verified media, MW’s and MS’s; pre-booking is open now via the Essential Planner platform for registered visitors: https://lwf-2026.eventware.com/login The full schedule can be seen here: London Wine Fair | Session schedule | Register to attend
