Wine fair returns to its roots

A CELEBRATION of local tipples was the order of the day at a wine fair held in South East Cornwall.

The Cornwall Wine Fair, organised by Castang Wine Shippers, is held annually at the China Fleet Country Club in Saltash.

This year the event, in its 16th year attracted more than 2,000 visitors who together sampled upwards of 300 wines.

Organiser Jonathan Hearnden said: "We focused more on wine this year with a smattering of local cheeses, pates and chocolate.

"This took the fair back to its roots, before it became a food and wine event.

"We've worked hard to try to encourage people to use these rather than the supermarkets, otherwise they'll all disappear.

"We've always been passionate about supporting local companies and it seems gradually people are coming round to this idea; numbers were up on last year."

The event had more than two dozen tables where participants sampled the numerous wines, accompanied by music from a live jazz band.

Wine specialists came from Italy, Spain and France as well as other parts of the world and visitors to the show trekked from as far afield as Bodmin, Launceston and Tavistock.

"We're absolutely delighted with the event," said Claire Francis, who is the sales manager at the China Fleet Club.

"As usual, it was well attended and enjoyed by exhibitors and visitors alike."