Wine and gastronomy fair 2023: in Quimper, it’s also a story of encounters

The accent leaves little doubt: this guy crossed the Loire to reach Quimper! The bit of region that Claude Oliver has in his mouth is enough to bring a bit of sunshine to heads fogged by the grayness of the Cornish autumn. Sun in the glasses, too. Because be careful, coming from Trouillas in the Pyrénées-Orientales (66), the winegrower-harvester has traveled a thousand miles to our end of the world for the 24th year with his entire palette of white, red and rosé wines. It doesn’t take long to unpin a Grenache to let the identity of a Côte de Roussillon explode by explaining its biodynamic cultivation method: 20 hectares of vines, for 30,000 bottles produced, some of which are eco-certified wines. Proud.

Contact and know-how

The size and leather of the hand that grips the glass bottle also makes it clear that a lot of time is played out around and for the vine. Even if the Catalan concedes a few escapades on the rugby field like others go for a bike ride…

But there’s no question of missing the Quimper show. “A story of encounter and loyalty with a loyal clientele over the years. “You know that 80% of the wine I bring is already sold, so to speak? The Bretons are loyal. I believe they appreciate the direct relationship established with the producers. When you don’t deceive your customers, they inevitably come back,” the winemaker finishes as we push into the fray.

The news

The 2023 edition of the Wine and Gastronomy Fair welcomes, this year, in Quimper, a few stands from producers a little more exotic than usual: Creole products, Italian gastronomy products, but also Quebecois.

“We have created a 50-seat catering area allowing visitors to sit freely to taste the products they buy at the show,” explains Joëlle Grall, organizer. “This offer comes in addition to the classic restaurant which was often saturated.” Last year, the show welcomed 20,000 visitors in three days.

Practical

Wine and gastronomy fair, in the large hall of the Quimper exhibition center, this Saturday November 18 until 7 p.m. and this Sunday November 19, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. And Monday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 140 exhibitors. Entrance: €5, free for under-16s accompanied by an adult, free parking, catering on site.