The artisan wine fair: Exciting talks and masterclasses

RAW, the artisan wine fair is a two-day celebration of some of the best natural wine talent in the world. To help visitors get under the skin of the 180 artisan producers who will be showing their wines at the Old Truman Brewery in May, the team has lined up a series of talks, discussions and masterclasses. From wine newbies to professionals, there will certainly be something to catch your eye.

Sunday's exciting roll out includes a talk on the history of the oldest winemaking vessel known to man, another on the authenticity of taste by Nicolas Joly, a chocolate & wine matching session with renowned chocolatier Paul A. Young and a biodynamic & permaculture gardening Q&A with Mark Garrett and Channel 4's Monty Waldin.

A seminal panel discussion on transparency and wine labeling, chaired by Clive Barlow MW, will feature some of the wine world's most respected names, including amongst others Julia Harding MW (Jancis Robinson's associate palate), Guy Woodward (Editor of Decanter Magazine), and Clark Smith, founder of Vinovation, provider of high tech wine services and consulting to over a thousand wineries. Isabelle Legeron MW, founder of RAW, will also be present to give an introduction on why she has made a stand for transparency.

Equally interesting talks will be taking place on Monday's trade day, including a masterclass and tasting on obscure grape varieties by one of Jancis Robinson's co-authors of her latest, upcoming book on grape varieties, the grape geneticist Dr José Vouillamoz. The world-famous microbiologist Claude Bourguignon will be giving a talk on the importance of soil life for producing quality wine. There will also be a vertical tasting of Léclapart's top cuvée l'Apôtre, a cult champagne; and a presentation of brand new research that argues that natural wine might even be better for your health.

For the full line-up and timings, visit rawfair.com.