MORE than 450 connoisseurs from across Hampshire and Surrey were attracted to Liphook’s Millennium Centre for the 20th annual wine fair, held by The General Wine Company.

Customers were able to sample more than 250 wines and meet producers and experts from around the world - all available to give advice and tell their background stories.

Several “masterclasses” with tastings were given by Master of Wine, Mike Ritchie throughout the day.

Pierre Franc de Ferriere, the winemaker at Chateau Carbonneau in France, explained some of the technicalities and difficulties of growing grapes and making wine in his part of the Bordeaux area and Italian expert, Robert Steel, tasted his way through the classic areas of Italy.

On display were great value wines ranging from South Africa, through to excellent southern French boutique producers as well as new Australian brands, some fantastic top end Bordeaux wines and Spanish Riojas.

Creating great interest was the famous Ruinart, the Champagne house of Gosset, which was founded in 1584 and is the oldest Champagne house still in operation today. Ruinart was founded in 1729 and was soon followed by Chanoine Frères in 1730, Taittinger in 1734, Moët et Chandon in 1743 and Veuve Clicquot in 1772.

Visitors were also able to choose from a large selection of traditional mead, produced in Rake by husband and wife team Mike and Lisa Wagstaff, who continue with this historic British tradition using recipes from as far back as 1520.

They are predicting that mead will replace Pimms over the next few years.

Clanfield gin producer, Jamie Williamson, showcased his latest brand, Corner Fifty Three, featuring Cherokee, made with maple and sarsparilla, Pomelo, made with pink grapefruit and wormwood and Umami, made from butternut and shitake.

Jamie, together with business partner Tom Rudman, said they set out to create new and bold flavours, blending the traditional and experimental to make gins quite like nothing else.

Representing British cider were the multi award-winning Gospel Green Cyder Company, who use hand-picked apples from the Blackmoor Estate, near Greatham.

Hampshire wine producers from Danebury Vineyards near Stockbridge presented their award-winning premium vintage sparkling wine.

Cossack, which is aged for up to five years on its lees, resulting in its distinctive taste.

Rapidly becoming a favourite for special events and weddings is sparkling wine from Hambledon Wineries, which also offers tours all year round.

Frapin Cognac from France has been a great family tradition in the Charente region since 1270 and its distinctive flavour is appreciated around the world.

Customers had the chance to sample British and international wines, whiskeys, brandy and gins that are not generally seen in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Alan Snudden, proprietor of The General Wine Company, told The Herald: “In the 30 years since we started the business in Liphook we have seen many changes in the wine trade.

“It was great to see so many people interested in the huge variety of wines that we import.

“We are lucky to have so many expert and well-qualified people in our business who can help customers find the right wine, and so many producers around the world who make wine of such quality.”

Last year he was made a made a ‘Chevalier of the Confrerie des Vins de Sainte Foy Bordeaux’, receiving the honour and recognition for 20 years as an ambassador representing and selling the wines of the region.

Wines shipped from this region are sold in some of the best pubs, hotels and restaurants across the South, and Alan confessed to always loving the region since starting in the trade and said that this was a proud moment for himself and everyone at the company.

The General Wine Company can be found at 25 Station Road, Liphook, and 39 Lavant Street, in Petersfield.

Next year’s wine fair will be held at the Festival Hall in Petersfield on November 2.