From Vineyards to Ventures: Five reasons why ProWein is a must visit for every wine enthusiast

With 4,200 exhibitors from 65 countries spread across eleven halls, ProWein is one of the world’s most significant trade fairs for wine and spirits. Here, professionals find a broad selection of wines from all key wine-growing regions worldwide.

"From prestigious wineries in France and Italy to emerging newcomers from New Zealand and hidden champions from Eastern Europe – ProWein brings the entire diversity of the wine world together in one place," enthuses Marius J. Berlemann, COO of Messe Düsseldorf and a passionate wine enthusiast himself.

ProWein is more than just a trade fair for professionals; it is also a crucial networking event. It brings together top industry experts – from sommeliers and buyers to wine journalists. Professional lectures, masterclasses, and tastings offer unique opportunities to stay updated and establish valuable connections.

Pascale Thieffry, Director of the Pavillons France Department at Business France, encourages her fellow French wine exporters not to miss this networking opportunity: "ProWein in Düsseldorf is one of the most important industry events, providing French exhibitors with the opportunity to expand their business and strengthen relationships with key decision-makers worldwide."

As ProWein is exclusively open to trade professionals, it ensures a focused and expert-driven environment.

As a globally recognized industry event, ProWein attracts guests from all over the world. At the 2024 edition, international participation exceeded even the already high average of Düsseldorf's world-leading trade fairs: 86% of exhibitors came from abroad, ten percentage points above the overall Messe Düsseldorf average. Additionally, with trade visitors from 136 countries, the international attendance rate stood at an exceptional 55% (compared to the Messe Düsseldorf average of 39%). For those aiming to compete on a global scale, ProWein is a must-attend event.

For Grégory Citerneschi, Director of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, the exhibition in Düsseldorf serves as an exclusive gateway to multiple regional wine markets. He states: “Our tasting at ProWein is the only event of the Union des Grands Crus in Germany and a key moment for professionals, especially those based in Germany, the Scandinavian countries, and Eastern Europe.”

ProWein’s extensive global network reinforces this positioning: as a well-known trade fair, it is the central hub of an international exhibition network, featuring six regional flagship events in São Paulo, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo. These strategically located events facilitate global exchange and open worldwide market opportunities for the industry.

Good wine deserves the right setting: The global wine and spirits industry gathers in Düsseldorf, not only in the heart of Europe but also in one of the world's most important wine import and consumption markets. "While countries like France, Italy, and Spain primarily consume their own national wines, the balance between imported and domestic wines in Germany is much more even," elaborates Messe Düsseldorf COO Marius Berlemann. His conclusion: "ProWein perfectly serves one of the most internationally significant sales markets."

Düsseldorf's international airport, with connections to all major wine regions, ensures that industry professionals from around the world can easily attend the trade fair. The airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the Düsseldorf exhibition center, one of the largest and most modern in the world, offering excellent accessibility: a dedicated highway connection, two subway/tram stations, and six bus stops providing direct links to the city center, main train station, and airport. Travel times to these key destinations are generally under twenty minutes.

For those looking to unwind after a busy day at the fair, Düsseldorf offers a wide range of top-tier restaurants and hotels. The "Kuoni Tumlare Congress" booking platform, integrated into the ProWein and other Messe Düsseldorf websites, provides a quick overview of the best-value accommodations in partner hotels with exclusive deals, comparing them to prices on other leading booking portals. Additionally, a collaboration with KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH) expands accommodation options during the fair by offering attractive hotel ships.

After hours, the grand world of wine seamlessly blends into Düsseldorf’s vibrant gastronomy scene. The city boasts numerous wine shops, bars, and restaurants, which transform into industry hotspots during ProWein.

Under the motto "ProWein goes City", over 100 special events dedicated to wine, spirits, gourmet experiences, and culture take place across Düsseldorf during the trade fair. As a result, ProWein extends beyond the exhibition halls, offering an immersive experience for both trade visitors and locals alike.

Whether exclusive tastings or relaxed get-togethers – the entire city celebrates wine. "This is what makes ProWein more than just a trade fair: it is a true experience for everyone who loves and lives wine," says ProWein Director Peter Schmitz enthusiastically.

Conclusion: ProWein remains one of the most important international events for winemakers and wine traders. Few other fairs bring together so many wine professionals, offer such a diverse range of wines, or open so many global business opportunities. In Düsseldorf, the wine world feels at home – not just during the fair, but all year round.