Summary:

France has been a leading actor in international wine commerce for centuries.

This session summarizes France’s current position relative to other wine-producing countries and provides historical perspective. The composition of France’s external trade is discussed, focusing on regions which figure significantly in the country’s export portfolio, among them Bordeaux, Champagne, Beaujolais and Burgundy. Trends of note are evaluated as are issues faced by France in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

France enjoys distinct advantages given the reputation of its wines and its longstanding role as an exporter. The country’s future success is seen as hinging on the ability to adapt to changing tastes and circumstances.

Presenter: Roger Bohmrich MW

In 1993, Roger became one of the first Americans to pass the Master of Wine (“MW”) examination administered by the Institute of Masters of Wine in London. For ten years he dedicated himself to the MW cause, first as Education Coordinator of the North American educational program, then as Chairman of the No. American Advisory Board, leading the formation of the non-profit Institute of Masters of Wine (No. America), where he served three terms as its first President.

Roger has worked for two national importers, last as Senior Vice President-Marketing for Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, where he directed a team in brand management, advertising, and public relations. He acted as buyer and liaison with wineries in a dozen countries, and also developed training and education for the firm’s staff and wholesale clients.

More recently, he set up the U.S. affiliate of Millesima, S.A., Europe’s leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers via mail order and the internet. At present, he is an independent educator, speaker and consultant. Visit Roger's website: http://www.vintrinsic.com/

His articles and writing have appeared in Wine Business Monthly, Santé Magazine for restaurant professionals, and The Business of Wine – An Encyclopedia. Roger also provides the “Wine Q&A” replies to questions posted on LocalWineEvents.com.

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