UK’s First Walkaround Trade Tasting Dedicated to PIWI Grape Varieties

Wine trade professionals and drinks media are invited to a first-of-its-kind event showcasing the future of sustainable winemaking. On Wednesday 18th June 2025, West London Wine School will host the UK’s inaugural walkaround trade tasting focused exclusively on PIWI grape varieties – fungal-resistant grapes that are reshaping viticulture across Europe.
This open-format, self-pour tasting will offer wines from some of the most progressive PIWI producers, giving attendees the chance to explore a broad range of styles, compare regional expressions, and engage in meaningful discussions about these revolutionary varieties. Guests can drop in anytime between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and will be welcomed by Jimmy Smith, and team who will be on hand throughout the day to offer insight, answer questions, and guide exploration.
What Are PIWI Grapes?
PIWIs – short for pilzwiderstandsfähig, meaning “fungal-resistant” in German – are hybrids bred to naturally resist disease, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical treatments. As climate change and sustainability take centre stage in the wine world, these grapes are gaining recognition for their environmental and qualitative potential.
Why Attend?
Taste a unique and evolving category of wines in an informal, walkaround setting
Sample over 30 exceptional PIWI wines from pioneering producers around the world
Learn directly from one of the UK’s most respected wine educators
Discover how PIWIs are addressing the environmental challenges facing global viticulture
Ideal for WSET Diploma D6 candidates exploring sustainability, innovation, and viticultural trends
Event Details:
Name: Exploring PIWI’s: Walkaround Trade Tasting
Date: Wednesday 18th June 2025
Time: Drop in anytime from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: West London Wine School, The Wine Cellars Fulham, 71 Townmead Rd, London, SW6 2SG
Format: Self-pour tasting with expert guidance from Jimmy Smith.

About Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith is one of the UK’s most prominent wine educators, having trained over 6,000 students through WSET Level 1, 2, and 3 Awards in Wine. As a recognised leader in the Wine Scholar Guild programs, Jimmy is known for making wine education engaging, accessible, and deeply informative.
Since founding West London Wine School in 2010, Jimmy has expanded his influence through co-founding Streatham Wine House (2016) and becoming co-owner of South London Wine School (2019). He has hosted hundreds of tastings across the UK and internationally for both private and corporate clients, covering wine, whisky, and beer.
In 2020, he launched the educational YouTube channel ‘Wine With Jimmy’, now a go-to resource for aspiring wine professionals seeking top-tier educational content.
Adding to his portfolio, Jimmy is also the owner and winemaker at Beare Green Winery, a boutique operation producing small-batch wines crafted with precision from grapes sourced from some of the finest vineyards in picturesque Southern England. His hands-on involvement from vineyard to bottle brings a practical, grounded perspective to his teaching and tastings.
“This tasting is about discovery,” says Smith. “PIWIs represent an intersection of sustainability, innovation, and quality – and I’m thrilled to introduce the trade to these exciting wines in a format that encourages exploration and conversation.”
For press or trade enquiries, contact:
Mandy Stirling
mandy@winewithjimmy.com
020 8144 2444