In collaboration with Elisa Errea, director of The Wine Studio and The
Human Studio, we bring you 10 tips to help you stay well and make the
most of any fair or wine event. Originally these are tips for Barcelona Wine Week but we consider them to be valid for any wine event.
1. Approach with a Beginner's Mind
Imagine this fair is your very first. Before arriving, ask yourself: When I'm
heading home, what needs to have happened for my time at the event to
feel like a success? Make a list of clients or colleagues to see, wines to
taste, topics to explore, and speakers to learn from. Plan ahead with
excitement! This will reduce unnecessary stress and get you pumped for
the event. Connect, discover, and learn!
2. Own Your Mornings
The morning is yours before heading to the fair! Enjoy a calm breakfast,
review your plan, do a bit of exercise, jot down what went well the day
before, and get some fresh air. If possible, take a walk to start
your day off right.
3. Guard Your Sleep Like Gold
It’s easy to get swept up with friends and colleagues, but sometimes
heading out early is the real win. Good sleep will have your mood and
energy soaring the next day. Bring an engaging book and avoid phones or
Netflix before bed—make this trip a mini sleep retreat!
4. Silence and Darkness for the Win
Choose your hotel room wisely: interior rooms, away from elevators and on
higher floors, are generally quietest. Also, bring earplugs—I recommend
the Loop brand, which allows you to sleep on your side comfortably. For
any light that sneaks in from emergency signs, mini-fridges, or curtains
that don’t close completely, bring a small roll of tape or a soft sleep mask
for a solid night’s rest.
5. Lighten Up at Dinner
This is no easy feat in the wine world, but here are some tips: Befriend the
waiter early and request no bread or dessert and half portions, if possible.
It’s a surefire way to guarantee a good night’s sleep! To pace your wine
intake, ask the server not to refill your glass—this way, you can keep track
of how much you’re drinking.
6. Prepare “Emergency Fuel”
If you won’t have time to step out for lunch, bring along long-lasting
energy foods. Skip the sandwiches—they’ll only keep you full for an hour.
Instead, go for nuts, animal or plant protein, fruit, and healthy fats: think
raw veggies with hummus, guacamole, yogurt, boiled eggs (ask for these
at your hotel), cheese, apple slices with almond butter, or another nut
butter. If you eat bread, go for whole grain with protein and olive oil!
7. Power Up at Breakfast
Make the most of breakfast with eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, olive oil, fruit,
turkey, chia pudding, oatmeal, and whole grains. Prioritize protein,
healthy fats, and complex carbs to fuel your day.
8. Avoid “Fair Feet”
Standing at a booth for hours can take a toll on your feet. Wear your most
comfortable shoes, shift your weight from foot to foot, sit when possible,
and walk around—ideally outdoors. Stretch whenever you get a chance
and rotate your ankles to keep them mobile.
9. Hydrate Like there´s no tomorrow
You’ll be tasting wine all day, and even if you’re spitting, you’ll absorb
some alcohol. Water is key to avoiding dehydration and fatigue, keeping
your feet light, and giving you a good excuse to walk to the restroom!
Bonus: your tooth enamel will thank you.
10. Minimize Alcohol Intake
This might sound counterintuitive, but cutting back on alcohol can be the
difference between feeling energized and focused or sluggish and irritable.
Remember, you can enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine once you’re
back home to celebrate a successful wine event!
In short, wine events, whether international fairs, professional shows or exclusive tastings, are an exceptional opportunity to learn, connect and enjoy. However, they can also be intense, both physically and mentally. We hope that this decalogue helps you and always accompanies you to these events, which is why you can download it directly here.
Elisa Errea - The Wine Studio
