Get Your Caffeine Fix at Beijing Coffee Wine Festival, Jun 27-29

Beijing coffee fiends, this one’s for you. Yes, this year’s Beijing Coffee and Wine Festival is set to lure those in need of a caffeinated pick me up, anyone with an affinity for freshly roasted aromas, and those of us who love nerding out about the specifics of beans.

Numerous popular cafes and bars are among the 30 vendors selling their wares at this event, set to take place at the China National Convention Centre, Jun 27-29. A recent promo for the event says attendees will “experience classic flavors and new concoctions, intense competitions, exciting activities and promotions all at the 2018 Beijing Coffee and Wine Festival.”

Among the vendors will be hotly buzzed, ubiquitously marketed Luckin Coffee, along with humbler homegrown but nevertheless beloved brands like Big Small Coffee.

Zhang Yipeng, Big Small’s owner and founder, says she’s looking forward to being among the vendors selling piping hot cups of joe at the event. She says: "We believe this event will not only enlighten us on what the new trends in the industry are, but also serve as a perfect opportunity to communicate with our peers and customers. It is always exciting to meet with insightful people and learn from them, so we see this exhibition as a treat for us as to be part of. It’s all part of our excitement about being part of this emerging industry.”

Marco Costantini, founder of Black White Filter: Beijing's Cafe Guide says he went to the festival last year and enjoyed it. He notes that foreigners who speak a little Chinese will get more band for their buck “as they can meet 'famous' baristas and try the latest machines and concoctions from many different brands.”

And while he was quick to point out that last year’s event was aimed more towards diehard coffee drinkers rather than casual attendees, he adds: “I think this year they have more local people and businesses involved so it would mean more chances for networking and creating relationships between the owners. There were a few good talks [last year] as well, organized by Soloist Cafe’s owner, and some of the competitions were fun to watch.”

That means that run-of-the-mill attendees might not flock to this event, but coffee aficionados will be primed for this one-of-a festival. For more information, click here.

Photos courtesy of the organizers