Vinexpo comes to NY

[Billy D]

So Vinexpo will be in NY for the first time at the Javits Center on Oct. 22-24.  I have heard that the one in Bordeaux is a great event but I have not heard anything about the one in Tokyo.  Has anyone ever attended one of these?  What is it like?

[Billy D]

I find it hard to belive that no one has any input on this.  Has anyone else read that it will be in NY this year?

[lizziee]

Go to their site at:

http://www.vinexpo.fr/

[Steve Klc]

Billy--since it has never been in the US before it's hard to comment meaningfully.  In past years, only my winemaker and wine marketing friends made the trip--and yes, they loved it.  But it is more a trade thing than a foodie event.  Lots of industry networking, importers doing deals, under-appreciated wineries trying to win medals and get some publicity, etc. I wasn't aware Slow Food glommed onto the 2001 event until I followed Lizziee's link--thanks for that.

Trying to make headway in NYC from a global brand and event planning perspective seems a smart move, though the French sometimes have a funny way of handling things when they come to the US. Website says producers and exporters exhibit--importers and distributors are not allowed to. Interesting. I suspect alot more American media, chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs will attend. I didn't answer you immediately because I didn't feel I could give you what you wanted. sorry. I felt bad no one answered.

I have been to many trade events at the Javits Center and it is without charm.  Again, the real action is in the networking and dinners around town.

what's your connection to the industry?

[Billy D]

Thanks for the input Steve.  I have been told that it is a great networking opportunity.  I look forward to seeing it for myself.  I usually find these events to be fruitless; they are often packed with crappy producers and lots of retail store owners.  Otherwise the smaller ones with better producers and better networking take place on weekdays in the middle of the afternoon so I rarely go.  This should be interesting.

As far as my connection to the industry, I would prefer to remain anonymous.  Sorry.