# Tannins, Talks & Tassels: My Day at the London Wine Fair 2025 > Source: https://wineguide101.com/london-wine-fair-2025-review/ > Author: Damon Segal > Published: 2025-05-23T19:56:53+00:00 > Modified: 2025-05-23T20:00:45+00:00 From Rioja reds to Bulgarian gems, join Damon Segal’s witty walk through the boldest bottles and brightest moments at the London Wine Fair 2025. Last week, I wandered into Olympia for the **London Wine Fair** and walked out with a passport stamped in grapes—figuratively, of course. From Rioja’s red revival to Bulgarian dark horses, here’s what went down on a day soaked in taste, talent, and a touch of toffee moonshine. ### First Stop: The Rioja Renaissance Let’s start where the tannins run deep—**Rioja**. Despite the global red wine wobble, Rioja’s holding its nerve. In fact, it’s thriving. With 83.5% of its sales still in reds, the region is defying the dip. I was particularly struck by **Marqués de Cáceres’ Maturana Tinta** range—a forgotten grape making a confident comeback. These wines were rich, garnet-hued, and strutted around the glass like they owned the place. Bold acidity, firm tannins, a flirtation of Petit Verdot—yes please. ### Montepulciano’s Moody Cousin: Montecucco Just when I thought I’d met every Sangiovese going, along came Montecucco. At the “Other Face of Sangiovese” masterclass, I explored eight nuanced expressions of this Tuscan beauty. Earthy, complex, and not trying too hard to please—just how I like my wines (and conversations). ### Bulgarian Surprises and a Family Tree One of my favourite moments? Meeting **Militza Zikatanova** from **Villa Melnik**. Her passion for Bulgarian wines was infectious. From the “Melnik Family Tree” to the “Orange Voyage,” each bottle had a story, a root, and a refreshing twist. Bulgaria, you’ve been hiding these gems for too long. ### Bottles, Blends, and… BDSM Branding? A few labels screamed “pick me,” and one whispered “50 Shades of Chardonnay.” Take **Vicius**—a bottle dressed in matte black with a leather collar and tassel. Let’s just say, it didn’t need a tasting note to get attention. Then there was **Toretto**, “The Ultimate Blend,” looking like it might rev its engine and drive off. And let’s not forget **Edwards Vodka’s Raspberry Spritz**—canned sophistication with a fizzy punch. ### Moonshine & Mischief The O’Donnell Moonshine stand was like stepping into a speakeasy with better lighting. From sticky toffee to tough nut, these were sweet rebels in mason jars. And yes, they pack a punch. Approach with snacks. ### Spirit Safari & Canned Wine Cool A special nod to the visual feast at the spirits stand—vibrant bottles, exotic gins, and enough botanicals to start a garden centre. Oh, and **Canned Wine Co.** proved you don’t need a cork to impress. I sampled a crisp white that could outshine many a full-bodied bottle. ### Wine Guild, Great Chats & A New Website No fair is complete without a proper catch-up. I met **Tal and Lisa** from the **Wine Guild of the United Kingdom**, who we’re currently helping with a digital facelift (the website, not them). It’s always refreshing to mix sips with strategy. ## Final Swirl The **London Wine Fair 2025** was a masterclass in global flavour, innovation, and connection. Whether it was rediscovering the old (Maturana Tinta), discovering the new (Bulgarian orange wine), or sipping something sparkly in a tin, the event was proof that the wine world continues to innovate while staying rooted in story and soil. If wine is a journey, this was a round-the-world ticket—no jet lag, just hangovers.