The phrase on the lips of many was talk of a "summer of the century" in 2003, which saw record temperatures and a prolonged drought produce superior vintages at vineyards throughout Europe.

Visitors to the fair were able to take their first sips of the exceptional harvest as well as test the ability of certain wines to combine with culinary delights such as chocolate and cheese at international tasting sessions.

But the fair’s primary goal was to bring together wine professionals from throughout the international community to foster trade among vintners. The largest international fair of its kind, this year’s fair included 746 exhibitors from Germany alone.

"The trade fair was a true reflection of the positive mood in the German wine business and quite a contrast to the general economic trend," said Armin Goering, Gerneral Manger of the German Wine Institute.

In fact, many European vintners have posted gains in the past year and expect good post-fair business.

Among the other countries represented at the fair were Italy, with over 635 exhibitors, France with 470, Austria with 214, and Spain with 201.
Republished with permission from "The Week in Germany"