Italian wine returns to the spotlight in the UK market with the seventh edition of Simply Italian Great Wines, scheduled for September 30 at Stationers’ Hall, in the vibrant heart of London.
The event, organized by International Exhibition Management (IEM) in collaboration with the renowned magazine The Drinks Business, is a strategic appointment not only for Italian wineries but also for importers, distributors, sommeliers, and the trade press.
Despite global economic challenges, the United Kingdom remains a key commercial partner for Italian wine. In the first half of 2025, Italy exported 118 million liters worth €370.1 million, firmly maintaining its third position among major foreign markets, after the United States and Germany. The slight decline compared to 2024 reflects a complex macroeconomic context but does not undermine the strength and appeal of Italian wine among British consumers. This mature, quality-conscious market continues to be a crucial showcase for Italian wine excellence, offering significant growth opportunities through targeted strategies and the promotion of regional denominations.
With the participation of over 30 producers, the 2025 edition of Simply Italian stands out for the variety and quality of the companies involved, including two major organizations representing iconic territories: Uni.Doc Friuli-Venezia Giulia and I Vini del Piemonte.
“The UK market is strategic for Italian wine, with growing attention to quality, authenticity, and territorial diversity,” says Marina Nedic, Managing Director of IEM. “In this context, Simply Italian Great Wines serves as a platform for dialogue and promotion, fostering new business collaborations and strengthening awareness of Italian excellence through targeted educational activities.”
Simply Italian will open the program with three masterclasses led by two exceptional Masters of Wine: Patrick Schmitt, Editor-in-Chief of The Drinks Business, and wine educator Peter McCombie. Federdoc will offer an in-depth look at the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system, traceability, and Italian wine regulations through a Franciacorta tasting. UNI.DOC Friuli-Venezia Giulia will present an overview of Friulian DOCs with a selection of unique wines, expressions of the territory such as Ribolla Gialla and Friulano. Finally, the Consorzio Pinot Grigio delle Venezie will showcase eight interpretations of the grape variety, highly appreciated in the UK not only for its simplicity and accessibility but also for its freshness, consistency, and ease of drinking.
The day will conclude with a commercial workshop, a key opportunity for companies to meet and engage with the country’s leading industry players.
Once again, Simply Italian Great Wines will be a unique occasion to strengthen the bond between Italian wine excellence and the UK market, increasingly oriented toward authenticity, quality, and territorial discovery.
