Kokova Magazine

Tickets are now on sale for RAW 2014, one of the world's biggest showcases of natural, organic and biodynamic wine.

Described by Spanish national newspaper El Mundo as "the most important event for artisan and natural wines in the international wine calendar" and set to welcome over 150 growers, as well as an exciting selection of other artisan drinks producers, the fair returns to London's Truman Brewery on 18th -19th May 2014.

Proving that interest in natural wine is greater than ever, last year's show saw over 3000 visitors pack the venue to experience some 1000 different natural, organic and biodynamic wines made by artisans from around the world.

RAW is excited to welcome a number of new growers in 2014, including a selection from the USA, offering visitors the chance to make even more exciting discoveries.

And what better way to celebrate than with a glass of great sparkling? Don't miss the opportunity to taste and discover an extraordinary, diverse selection of bubblies, from fine Champagnes (Franck Pascal, Fleury, Laherte and Vincent Couche) to sparkling wines from all over Europe, most made wholly naturally; just 100% fermented grape juice. Produced in very small quantities, sometimes as little as 2000-3000 bottles, they are the ultimate affordable luxury.

Visitors will be able to taste a wide range of examples including astonishing col fondo Prosecco, traditionally-made Lambrusco and Pétillants Naturels (or Pet-Nats) from the Loire, southern France, Alsace and even the Austrian-Slovenian border.

Look out for examples across the whole spectrum of colours - white, orange, pink and red - and prepare to be amazed by this world of new possibilities that will help you understand why if go natural, you will never look back!

"Pet-Nats are probably the style of wine I am most excited about at the moment. They come in every weight and colour and are immensely quaffable. Grower Champagnes at RAW are particularly remarkable, not just for being delicious Champagnes but also for championing organic and biodynamic viticulture in a difficult, marginal climate. Champagne is, broadly speaking, one of the most polluted vineyard areas in France as grapes are so valuable here that chemical spraying is a sort of insurance policy. The growers at RAW therefore, are pioneers, heroes even, who battle through against the odds, producing exquisite drinks sometimes in minute quantities. Franck Pascal, for example, gets yields that are almost four times lower than his conventional neighbours."

RAW founder Isabelle Legeron

So much more than just another wine fair

If you think that once you have been to one wine fair, you have been to them all, then think again. RAW the artisan wine fair is as far from just-another-wine-fair as you can get.

RAW is committed to empowering all wine drinkers through real, informed choice. RAW is unprocessed. It is about truth, authenticity and frank wine talking, and organizer Isabelle Legeron MW believes this ethos should transfer to every element of the show. That’s why alongside 1000 different natural, biodynamic and organic wines from more than 150 growers, there will be an exciting variety of other artisan drinks and food producers at the show.

Regularly rated as one of the most exciting restaurant openings in 2013, Peckham Bazaar will be cooking on a special mangal grill and dishing up souvlaki wraps and sea bream fillet wraps. Soho wine bar & restaurant Antidote will be serving up a selection of tartines using naturally fermented bread from Michelin-starred chef Mikael Jonsson. Elliot's Café returns to the fair with a new feature this year - a Natural Wine Bar & Café.

Not tried sake before? Artisan sake from Japan is back in town but this time they are bringing with them one of Japan's top sake brewers who will be on hand to answer your questions.

Specialists in organic single-batch teas, Lalani & Co return to the show alongside the addition of New Bond Street's Postcard Teas who recently introduced the idea of tea from small producers who use natural methods to produce their tea on under 15 acres of land, some only a single tree strong!

RAW is about more than just wine. It's about building a community of people who are all headed in the same direction - be they foodies, wine amateurs, adventurers, collectors, ecologists, producers, importers, shop keepers, sommeliers, bartenders, chefs or anyone who simply values quality food and drink.

In so doing RAW hopes to make the world that little bit more aware, respectful but above all joyous! So come taste together.

So make sure you book your tickets to RAW 2014 and visit www.rawfair.com for more information.