In 2026, more than ever, Wine Paris is reaffirming its role as a platform for expertise, development and connection, adopting an inclusive approach that speaks to the entire industry. Led by Vinexposium, the event is set to unveil a redefined programme within a coherent, fast-paced and forward-looking ecosystem that spans every market segment, from alcoholic to alcohol-free beverages.

This year, the Academy has deliberately embraced a contemporary format combining interactive tasting workshops, high-level masterclasses, panel discussions, conferences and trade meetings. Together, these formats are designed to help professionals decipher today’s challenges while anticipating those of tomorrow.

In 2026, the Academy programme features over 180 events, including 50 masterclasses and 20 conferences, firmly positioning it as a major focal point of Wine Paris. The programme is punctuated by new highlights such as the Be No Talks and the Be Spirits Stage, alongside numerous events hosted on exhibitor stands and across the show’s various stages.

Experts, sommeliers, mixologists, producers and flavour artisans will come together to explore key market trends, sharpen their expertise and nurture a shared vision of an industry undergoing profound transformation.

Through its three complementary events — Wine Paris, Be Spirits and Be No — Vinexposium illustrates the full depth and breadth of its Paris exhibition. The international gathering brings together all industry stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of the changes reshaping the sector. At the heart of these developments are innovation, the ability to adapt to new usages and the growing momentum behind alcohol-free beverages.

“Consumption patterns are evolving, and the industry is diversifying. Wine Paris, Be Spirits and Be No reflect this momentum. In Paris, Vinexposium brings to life a dynamic ecosystem, closely connected to market realities. The Academy is part of this movement: it opens up discussion on the industry’s key challenges and builds bridges between categories, guided by a spirit of complementarity and openness.”
— Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium

BE NO: NEW FEATURES, ENGAGEMENT AND INSPIRATION

2026 ‘Pairing Perfection’ Masterclasses – Exploring Harmony

“Pairing Perfection” is the thread woven through this year’s event, structuring the masterclasses and shaping their content. Wine Paris is introducing formats designed to reflect an evolving industry and changing consumption patterns.

Moving beyond food and wine pairings, the masterclasses explore the broader notion of harmony, focusing on the intersection of products, uses, cultures and visions. Pairing thus becomes a lens through which current expectations and industry transformation can be interpreted.

This approach is expressed through several interconnected lines of thought:

  • Linking inherited expertise with emerging creations

  • Fostering dialogue between producers and future partners

  • Connecting revisited traditions with contemporary perspectives

In an era of shifting drinking patterns, where alcoholic beverages and their alternatives continue to play a pivotal role in moments of togetherness, these masterclasses encourage the sharing of ideas and conversations around industry practices.

Programme formats include:

  • The Cocktail Pairing Experience – combining creativity, technique and pairing

  • Food and Cognac Pairings: The Perfect Alliance to Elevate Gastronomy

  • The New Pairing Frontier: Enhancing Cheese Pairing Through the Lens of Sake

  • The Agave Pairing Experience – agave distillates paired with Mexican food, with chef Mercedes Ahumada

New for 2026: The Be No Talks

Be No introduces the Be No Talks, a dedicated space designed to decode and deepen understanding of the alcohol-free market. Conceived as a hybrid, conversational format, the Be No Talks consist of 45-minute sessions combining market analysis, practical insights and expert-led discussions.

Topics include:

  • No Alcohol Wine: From Trend to Transformation

  • Responsible drinking as a core component of gastronomy

  • Is No-Alcohol an Ally or a Competitor to Wine and Spirits?

These sessions address market dynamics, consumption patterns, regulation, innovation, and the positioning of alcohol-free products within gastronomy and traditional beverage models.

BE SPIRITS STAGE AND THE INFINITE BAR

Be Spirits Stage: Honouring the Art of Mixology

Designed as a forum for discussion, the Be Spirits Stage hosts a programme where trade practices and the evolving mixology scene take centre stage. Formats include workshops, training sessions and demonstrations, delivering a practical and immersive experience.

Curated by mixologists and international experts, sessions explore techniques, products and working methods, with global contributors sharing perspectives and expertise.

Highlights include:

  • Global trends with Melita Kiely (The Spirits Business)

  • Pairings such as sake and cheese, and French cider diversity

  • Innovation showcases from Pegasus Distillerie and Glen Moray

  • Japanese traditions in Shochu and Awamori

  • Global spirits analysis by IWSR

  • Food and spirits pairings from Cognac to Agave

Infinite Bar

Located at the heart of Be Spirits, the Infinite Bar spans 40 metres and features 20 mixologists from renowned Parisian bars including Danico, Moonshiner, Mr Antoine, Red Poppy, Bisou and L’Ours.

The space hosts live cocktail demonstrations using exhibitors’ spirits, showcasing techniques, creativity and emerging trends set to shape future drinks lists.

Mikk Pare & Raimonds Tomsons

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND PUBLIC POLICY

In 2026, Vinexposium reinforces its role as a strategic international platform through conferences and panel discussions dedicated to public policy, international trade and major societal issues facing the wine and spirits industry.

Key sessions address:

  • The EU–Mercosur agreement

  • Growth opportunities in the Indian market

  • Transatlantic trade relations and the impact of US tariffs

WINE TECH PERSPECTIVES: INNOVATION & DIGITALISATION

Wine Tech Perspectives is a dedicated area focused on technology, digital tools and emerging practices shaping the wine industry. It provides solutions and insights into digitalisation, new business models, artificial intelligence, neuromarketing and start-ups driving industry transformation.

OFF: EXTENDING THE WINE PARIS EXPERIENCE

OFF is Wine Paris’ invitation to extend the experience beyond the exhibition halls. The 2026 guide features over 140 Parisian venues — restaurants, wine bars, cocktail bars and wine merchants — selected for their unique propositions and curated to suit all budgets.

Print editions of the OFF Guide will be available during Wine Paris.

ABOUT VINEXPOSIUM

Vinexposium is the year-round ally to the global wine and spirits trade. Through international business events and editorial content, it brings together every segment of the industry to foster growth, visibility and market insight, helping professionals navigate change and seize emerging opportunities.

Source: VINEXPOSIUM - WINE PARIS