RAW Vienna

RAW Vienna, There's life after London... 

RAW, one of the world's most avant-garde artisan wine fairs is, this weekend, hitting the Austrian capital. Join us for our last big fair of 2014 to celebrate the world of unprocessed, authentic wine production, and don't forget to buy your tickets online (or, if you are press, register yourself for free), as it is not only cheaper but spaces are extremely limited. 

As our nippy litte van sets off on its busy little way across Europe, carrying with it spittoons, ice buckets and the 1000 unplanned for extra copies of the Vienna catalogue, which we pulled-off last minute when the much prettier, collectable version vanished into thin air (yes, the impossible was made real when the transporter managed to loose an entire pallet because, and I quote them, "well, we just don't know where we put it"), the busy little bees that are team RAW are now spreading their wings for some wine waltzing in a Viennese palace, complete with its own 'Marble Hall', 'Imperial Salon' and 'Great Ballroom'. 

Not only conveniently located right next door to the prancing ponies of the Spanish Riding School, RAW Vienna is also 5-minutes walk from VieVinum, Austria's enormous bi-annual wine extravaganza. So, if you happen to be in town for that, be sure to stop by and pay us a visit. Here are a few of the highlights that await: A kaleidoscope of hundreds of wines to taste from 85 of the world's most exciting natural, biodynamic and organic growers. 

Originating from 13 different countries, RAW Vienna will host producers from classic regions like Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy, alongside New World wonders from Australia and Argentina, as well as exciting novelties from the likes of Georgia, Serbia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and even Poland! It is also a chance to explore a huge diversity of growers from central European nations including Switzerland, Germany and, of course, Austria - many of whom have 'gone RAW' for the first time.

Artisan, 'pure fermented rice' brews from Japan - a regular favourite in London - are also joining in Vienna, so come along to explore the fascinating world of properly crafted sake. Food and refreshments provided by some of Vienna’s most sought after foodies, including bread from the Joseph bakery, coffee by Grandoro, sushi by Mochi, delicious raw milk cheese by a special Austrian artisan, and a surprise offering by the michelin-starred Taubenkobel...

We have also managed to get hold of a few extra advance copies of Isabelle's forthcoming book (out in July) - Natural Wine: an introduction to organic and biodynamic wines made naturally - to take with us to the fair. So if you missed out in London where copies disappeared like hot cakes, here's your chance again.

Last and certainly not least, is the wonderful news that GABRIEL-GLAS have generously provided us with mouthblown glasses for all our visitors to use. It may also surprise you to know that these ultra thin, ultra light, angular beauties, share a sort of familial link with another ultra thin, ultra light Austrian glassware brand... Take a look at our Vienna blog to find out more.

Finally, inspired by our much beloved BBC Radio 4, we have decided to leave you with our very own Thought for the Day (see below) - a quote from the start of the chapter on 'Living Soils' in Isabelle's book, together with a graffiti on a wall round the corner from our office.

Happy weekend and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Team RAW.

RAW Vienna - Practical Info

Opening Times: 10 am to 7 pm

Palais Pallavicini
Josefsplatz 5
1010 Vienna

Click here to find out how to get to the fair. 

Thought for the Day

"The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself" (Franklin D. Rossevelt)

"When we go we're taking you with us" (corner of Bethnal Green and Vallance Rds, London).

#SavetheBees