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By Oliver Catchpole
Published: 02 November, 2026
London Wine Fair (LWF) has announced the launch of its ‘Spotlight Nation’ initiative for 2027, placing focus on a single country’s wines.
For the upcoming Fair, Portugal has been named as the inaugural nation, with over 50 producers from the country set to exhibit at the event this year.
According to organisers, the decision reflects both the nation’s ambition to make the UK its number one export market by the end of the decade, and its centuries-old position as a British trading partner.
The Spotlight Nation scheme differs from the Host Nation initiative which was introduced last year. The latter was originally intended to play a similar role to the former, with a different country chosen each year.
However, after the Host Nation scheme’s success at promoting home-grown wines and spirits – with 80 producers participating – it was decided that its focus would remain the UK, while the ‘Spotlight Nation’ will continue to change annually.
As a Spotlight Nation, Portugal will have a dedicated area at the show hosting both regional bodies and an individual producer pavilion.
Additionally, a Spotlight Nation Tasting Space and Theatre will feature a dedicated programme of masterclasses, small group tastings and seminars, which will aim to shine a light on lesser-known indigenous grape varieties and allow trade buyers the chance to explore Portugal’s regional diversity.
Portuguese exhibitors will also receive a VIP Concierge Service, a focused social media campaign and coverage in the LWF Times digital e-newsletters and print edition.
Commenting on the initiative, the chairman of the board for interprofessional organisation ViniPortugal, Frederico Falcão, said: “Being named Spotlight Nation for 2027 is a wonderful recognition of how far Portuguese wine has come in the UK, and of how much further it can go. The UK is already one of our most important export markets, and our ambition is to make it our number one by 2030.
“Few countries can match Portugal’s wealth of native grapes, its distinctive regions and its genuine commitment to sustainability. This spotlight gives the whole UK trade, from fine wine merchants to multiple retailers and the on trade, the perfect reason to take a fresh look at Portugal.”
Both exhibitors and key importers have expressed support for the scheme, with early sign-up Luís Gouveia, sales & marketing director at DFJ Vinhos adding that: “The fact that Portugal is the featured country at London Wine Fair 2027, one of the most important drinks industry events in the world, is concrete recognition of the value of the Portuguese wine industry.
“The price/quality/recognition ratio, so important for professionals and consumers, is a crucial selling point for Portugal; producers seek innovation, they seek to offer everyone, with consistency and balance, pleasure, control of the alongside quality and sustainability.”
London Wine Fair 2027 will take place from 17 to 19 May at Olympia.
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