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Bibendum Times Annual Tasting hailed as best ever - 27/01/2010

Bibendum returned to the Saatchi Gallery on Wednesday 20th January for its Bibendum Times Annual Tasting. The event attracted a record number of people and all eleven galleries were buzzing from the moment the doors opened until the 7pm close. One telling statistic was that by midday over 1,500 people had arrived and only 53 had left.

The mood of the tasting was overwhelmingly optimistic with representatives from all sectors of the UK trade being positive and enthusiastic about the industry's prospects for 2010. The economic challenges might not be over yet but this tasting was compelling evidence of the UK trade's commitment to buying, selling and talking about quality wine.

Bibendum's Managing Director Michael Saunders said, "It was a phenomenal day with so many customers, new and old, pouring into the Saatchi Gallery to taste a huge range of amazing wines. The feedback from both guests and suppliers was fantastic and I am very proud of what we have achieved. Roll on next year."

But don't take our word for it...

Here is some of the feedback from the happy producers and customers at the Saatchi Gallery:

"Without doubt one of the best tastings in the wine diary! Professional at every level - venue, organisation and of course the wines demonstrating that Bibendum are top of the league and offer a fabulous selection of agencies, brands and suppliers from around the globe - well done to the team." Allan Cheesman, Cheesman Associates

"Brilliant show - you did it again." Robert Cook, CEO Malmaison and Hotel du Vin

"Such an impressive event - very inspiring. Plus thank you for talking to us about new media opportunities, lots of food for thought there." Emma Dawson, Category Planner Beers, Wines & Spirits, Sainsbury's

"There could be no better way to kick off 2010 and if anyone had told me beforehand that I could enjoy spending 10 hours on my feet pouring wine I wouldn't have thought it possible. So busy, excellent crowd, superb interest - simply the best wine tasting I have ever attended." Bevan Newton Johnson, Newton Johnson

"Great location. Great wines. Great Company. Great time." Trefor Cook, General Manager, Eurest

"#btimes tasting notes?? so many bottles, so many vintners and vineyards, so little time :)))) AMAZING EVENT!!!" @davidavdavid on Twitter