The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS UK) is pleased to announce a new masterclass. 

“The Art & Economics of Blending – Creating Wines That Sell”, led by Jo Ahearne MW, will be held on November 20, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Christ Church, Spitalfields, London (Commercial Street, E1 6LY).

IBWSS UK Masterclass Room: Christ Church, Spitalfields, London (Commercial Street, E1 6LY). November 20, 12 pm to 1 pm.

This session is designed for trade buyers, importers, brand managers, and winemakers interested in understanding how blending decisions influence not just wine style, but market success, margin, and positioning.

About the Masterclass

Blending is both an art and a commercial decision. In this masterclass, Jo Ahearne MW will guide attendees through blending strategies that optimize flavour, consistency, and cost efficiency, especially for on-trade, retail, and private-label markets.

Key takeaways include:

- How blending impacts flavour profile, consistency, and pricing
- Using bulk components to balance cost and quality
- Designing blends for specific sales channels: on-trade, retail, private label
- Real case studies from Jo’s global winemaking and consulting work

About Jo Ahearne MW

Jo Ahearne MW is a highly regarded winemaker and consultant with a global career spanning Australia, the UK, and Europe. Prior to earning her Master of Wine in 2008, she worked with major producers (e.g., Charles Melton, Pipers Brook, Hardy’s). 

In the UK, she has held roles including Winemaker/Blender for Marks & Spencer and Head Wine Buyer at Harrods. Since 2014, she has been based in Hvar, Croatia, producing her own label, Ahearne Vino, and consulting across Europe—helping producers tailor blends to target markets with both technical precision and commercial savvy.

Why Attend

This masterclass offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between sensory practice and business outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks on how blending influences brand performance, pricing, and market strategy.

Secure your spot and learn from Jo’s blend of artistry and market wisdom in a session on 20 November 2025, 12:00–13:00, at Christ Church Spitalfields, London. The seating is on a first-come basis.

UK trade buyers, supermarket buyers, private-label developers, and bulk wine professionals are invited to attend IBWSS UK 2025 and take part in this exclusive masterclass with Jo Ahearne MW. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the industry’s most respected winemakers and business strategists. 

Join Jo as she breaks down how blending decisions influence wine style, consistency, and profitability — and how these techniques can be applied to build commercially successful portfolios. Attendees will have the chance to ask Jo their own questions, explore real-world case studies, and gain practical insights to improve sourcing, brand positioning, and margin performance. Don’t miss this session — and the chance to connect with key players driving the UK wine trade forward.

Register for an IBWSS UK 2025 visitor pass and attend the masterclass if you are a trade buyer.

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