As I have written earlier, the first two editions of this exhibition, held in 2006 and 2008 were, in my opinion, great successes and served several major purposes. First, they served as a showcase for many Israeli wineries to display their wines to visitors from local and foreign venues. Second, the event also served as a major opportunity for buyers, journalists and others in the trade, especially those from abroad, to become familiar with Israeli wines. Third, after the first day, the three day fair was open, for a symbolic fee, to the general public, this letting wine lovers familiarize themselves with a great many local wines. Also important, although perhaps less significant, is that many of Israel's importers were well represented and offering tastings of wines from many different countries.

With final dates now set, the fair will take place on 9, 10 and 11 February 2010 and will take place at the Israeli Trade Fair and Convention Center (Ganai HaTarucha) on Tel Aviv's Rokach Boulevard. On the first day the fair will be open from 10:00-22:00 and exclusively to industry professionals, visitors from abroad and journalists. Attendance on that day will be by invitation only.

On the second two days the exhibition will be open to the public from 16:00-22:00. Admission will cost NIS 60 and that will include a coupon booklet allowing for 10 different wine tastings and a complimentary wine glass. Further coupons for additional tastings can be purchased on the spot. In my opinion, not to be missed for those who find themselves in Israel on these dates.

For the record, the exhibition is organized by the Israeli Trade Fairs and Convention Center in cooperation with Wine, Gourmet and Alcohol Magazine and Chaim Gan of Ish HaAnavim and sponsors include the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor; the Ministry of Agriculture; The Israel Export Institute; and the Israel Grape Board.

The exhibition's official website in English and Hebrew can be found at

http://israwinexpo.fairs.co.il/

Perhaps not yet the level of VinExpo or VinItaly but indeed one of the two most important wine exhibits/events held in Israel and my recommendation for attendance for those in or out of the trade is enthusiastic. My own plan is to be in attendance all of the first day.

DomaineVentura
Villa Willhelma
Tzion
Shilo
Avidan
Adir
Alexander
Bashan
Gvaot
Dalton
Galil Mountain
Vitkin
Tulip
Teperberg
Sea Horse
Chillag
Tzora
Tishbi
Binyamina
Reanati
Barkan
Carmel
Noah
Golan Heights Winery
Saslove
Ben Haim
Amphorae
Lurie

Also participating will be the following importers, each of whom represents at least one Israeli winery.

Shaked-Derek HaYain
The Scottish Company
Tzur (Representing Royal Wines and Herzog)

I will of course post my tasting notes and my comments about the event as soon as possible after the first day closes.

Best
Rogov