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On April 30, the main voting stage of the Wine Travel Awards 2024-2025 came to an end. Our distinguished panel of judges has made its decision, and we are proud to announce the names of the winners and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants of this year’s campaign – a campaign that united representatives from 44 countries around the world!
Judge: Paul Robert Blom (Netherlands). A renowned expert in wine and spirits, Paul Robert Blom has served as a judge at major international wine competitions for over five decades. For more than 33 years, he has also been dedicated to educating future winemakers, with a special focus on underappreciated wine regions and grape varieties. He has been honored with the Orde van Oranje-Nassau, a royal decoration awarded by the King of the Netherlands for exceptional service to the country.
Winner: #73 Chien Hao Chen
Chien-Hao Chen (Taiwan) – Associate Professor at the Department of Wine and Spirits, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, and Professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He holds a PhD in Tropical Agriculture and a Master’s degree from the OIV program at Paris Nanterre University. Chien-Hao is a certified international wine educator (CIVB) and has been a respected judge at the prestigious Mundus Vini wine competition for over 15 years. He is a driving force in the revival of Taiwan’s wine industry and the creator of Vino Formosa – the only Taiwanese wine brand to have received multiple medals at international competitions. Mr. Chen was the first winemaker in Taiwan to obtain a French oenologist license. A professional sommelier, he has also served as a wine consultant for three Michelin-starred restaurants since 2010. In 2023, Dr. Chien-Hao Chen became the first in Taiwan to explore deep-sea aging with the launch of Cuvée Marina, which won a Gold Medal at the Union des Œnologues Vinalies International.
Winner: #76 The Imeretian Wine Association
The Imeretian Wine Association was established in 2022 with the support and initiative of DMO Imereti (Destination Management Organization of Imereti). The main goal was to introduce the world to a unique corner of Georgia – the cradle of winemaking – the lesser-known Imereti region.
Judge: Yang Shen (China/New Zealand) – Estate Director at Cloudy Bay, a renowned winery celebrated for its exceptional wines in New Zealand. He studied viticulture and oenology at prestigious institutions in France before embarking on a career that led him to key positions at Moët Hennessy and Diageo.
Winner: #22 The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne
This is a network of wine museums in Burgundy, located in three cities: Chablis, Beaune, and Mâcon. These unique venues invite tourists and wine professionals alike to explore the rich diversity of Burgundy’s wine culture.
Judge: Filippo Magnani (Italy) – a renowned wine travel expert and founder of Fufluns Ltd. He is a graduate of the University of Economics in Florence and holds an MBA from Brighton University. Filippo is also a respected wine writer, known for his popular blog Tales behind the wine. He is an active member of several wine associations and serves as a judge at international wine competitions.
Winner: #180 GRANDE PASSIONE di JC Viens
The head of this educational company, JC Viens, embodies a universe of knowledge about the Italian wine scene. For the past 15 years, he has worked at the intersection of education, communication, and strategy – supporting wineries, consortia, and professionals in navigating international markets. His mission is to make Italian wine more understandable and valued around the world.
Judge: Per Karlsson (Sweden) is a renowned wine tourism expert. He has made a significant contribution to shaping the landscape of wine tourism, working as an editor and author for BKWine Magazine and Forbes. His company, BKWine, sets the standards for wine travel and gastronomic experiences. Per Karlsson’s work Framtidens Vin received the OIV Book Award.
Winner: #66 Charitable Gastro Dinners
The charitable gastro-dinners project is supported by the Ukrainian Chefs Association and a community of chefs from Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, Romania, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, who have united to support Ukraine. To date, over twenty charitable events have been held both in Ukraine and abroad. Since the focus of the theme is Ukraine, the dishes served at the Charitable Gastro Dinners are typically traditional Ukrainian cuisine with a unique interpretation by the chefs. Each dinner is accompanied by an auction where guests have the opportunity to purchase exclusive lots. The proceeds are donated to support the needs of Ukrainian defenders.
Winner: #200 Essência do Vinho
A prestigious event that is a cornerstone of Portuguese wine culture. Organized by Essência in February 2025, the event showcased over 4000 wines from 400 local and international producers, including rare and exclusive selections. Essência do Vinho took place at the Palácio da Bolsa, a historic 19th-century neoclassical building. A highlight of the event was the “Revista de Vinhos – TOP-10 Portuguese Wines” by Cork Supply, where an international jury selected the country’s most interesting wines.
Judge: Felicity Carter (Australia) is one of the world’s leading wine journalists. She has held prominent editorial positions, including being the editor-in-chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International and executive editor of The Drop at Pix Wine. Currently, she serves as the editorial director of the London-based analytical center Areni Global and hosts the podcast A Question of Drinks.
Winner: #41 The Shumi Winery
The “Shumi” tourist complex, with its wine museum, Georgian ethnographic pavilion, and a variety of gastronomic experiences, is a must-visit destination for both wine enthusiasts and those interested in exploring Georgian culture and history. Located in a historical area, it borders the National Park and the A. Chavchavadze Museum. The “Shumi” complex was recognized as the “most beautiful place in Georgia.”
Judge: Richard Bampfield MW (United Kingdom). A leading figure in wine commentary and evaluation. He is a wine writer with extensive experience in international wine education and consulting. Mr. Bampfield’s own consulting practice serves an impressive list of clients, including renowned wine producers and retailers. He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and supports wine producers in Ukraine.
Winner: #31 The Shumi Winery
Shumi Winery is a true emblem of Georgian winemaking and an annual winner of our awards in numerous categories! The wines of Shumi Winery are medalists (over 450 awards!) in most of the leading international wine competitions. With a history spanning more than 25 years, the winery has built an excellent reputation for producing high-quality Georgian wines. Shumi Winery exports its products to over 30 countries. The symbol of Shumi is the legendary Griffin (Faskundji in Georgian mythology). According to an ancient legend, it was the Griffin who brought the first bunch of grapes to humanity, which marked the beginning of vineyard cultivation on Earth.
Judge: Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki (Greece, Germany). A renowned authority in the field of wine market research and sustainable wine tourism. He is a professor at Geisenheim University and an honorary professor at the University of West Attica. He is a recipient of the OIV Book Award for co-authoring works on innovative models of wine tourism.
Winner: #62 The Shumi Winery
In 2013, UNESCO added the ancient Georgian traditional winemaking method of qvevri to the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Shumi Winery continues the traditions of Georgian viticulture and winemaking with an 8,000-year history. In 2003, in order to preserve the genetic integrity of Georgia’s native grape varieties, Shumi created the first private ampelographic collection in Georgia, which is now considered the largest private collection in the world, with over 2,000 grape varieties from 47 different countries.
Judge: Marinela Ardelean (Romania). Marinela Ardelean holds an MBA and a PhD in Marketing and is the head of Wines of Romania, being a prominent figure in the wine industry. Her groundbreaking book, which combines Romanian wines with Italian cuisine, showcases her innovative approach to intercultural culinary pairing.
Winner: #38 Castle Bethlen-Haller
A Renaissance-style castle, built between 1560 and 1624, intertwines the stories of knights with winemaking heritage. Today, it warmly welcomes guests, offering dishes made from local ingredients sourced from the castle’s own farm, as well as accommodations in one of its fifteen rooms. From here, visitors can embark on a journey to four wineries: Jidvei, Tăuni, Blaj, and Bălcaciu.
Region of the Year
Judge: Dr. Matthew Horkey (USA). An educator in the field of wine, he has authored three influential books on wine and numerous articles, as well as created a wealth of thematic videos. His deep immersion in the world’s wine regions has made Mr. Horkey a respected judge at wine competitions around the globe.
Winner: #50 Piemont
Piedmont, located in the northwest of Italy, is a renowned wine region known worldwide for its rich winemaking traditions and diverse terroir. Piedmont is the birthplace of the noble Nebbiolo grape, as well as Barbera and Dolcetto varieties, and, of course, iconic wines such as Asti, Barolo, Barbaresco, and more. With deep roots in both viticulture and gastronomy, Piedmont offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts, combining exceptional wines with stunning landscapes and culinary masterpieces.
Judge: Paul Wagner (USA). A distinguished leader in the wine industry, known for his strategic thinking, marketing innovations, and involvement in wine tourism and education. As the founder of Balzac Communications & Marketing, he played a crucial role in promoting global wine brands through creative advertising campaigns. Paul Wagner is a senior consultant for the cruise company Expedia, which pioneered the development of wine tourism routes and was a nominee for the Wine Travel Awards, eventually winning the public vote.
Winner: #172 Oleksandra Minenko-Decamps
Oleksandra Minenko-Dekamp is the ambassador of Dijon Bourgogne and Climats du Vignoble de Bourgogne Patrimoine Mondial. She plays a key role in promoting the rich heritage of Burgundy wines. A member of the jury of prestigious international competitions, Mrs. Oleksandra excels in creating personalized wine experiences that immerse guests in the rich history and flavors of Burgundy’s most renowned appellations. Each tour is carefully designed to showcase the best wineries, cultural landmarks, and the authentic atmosphere of the region.
Judge: Robert Joseph (United Kingdom). A renowned wine critic, writer, wine competition judge, and flying winemaker. An important contribution of Mr. Robert is the launch of the International Wine Challenge, which has become a benchmark for wine quality assessment worldwide. He is also well-known for his educational role, lecturing on wine business and marketing at various international platforms. He is an author for Meininger’s Wine Business International magazine, Wine Intelligence, and others, analyzing trends and consumer behavior in the wine industry.
Winner: #58 BKWine Tours
Per Karlsson and Britt Karlsson are a talented couple of wine enthusiasts who have made a significant impact on the world of wine and tourism. Together, in 2004, they founded BKWine AB, a company specializing in wine tours, which has since become one of the leading global operators. BKWine organizes high-quality wine and gastronomic tours to the most beautiful wine regions of the world. Each year, the company offers around 30 wine travel experiences. Britt and Per have written twelve books about wine, with their latest book dedicated to sustainability and organic products in wine.
Judge: Stéphane Badet (France). A lecturer at the University of Bordeaux. Appointed by the French Ministry of Agriculture as a specialist in economic indicators and agroecology within the ministry. He has extensive experience as an expert and consultant in various viticulture programs worldwide.
Winner: #151 Chan Jun Park
Chang Jun Park is the world’s most renowned Korean wine expert. He has been actively involved in various aspects of the wine industry for over 20 years. He is the director of the OIV Asia Wine Trophy, the initiator and director of the International Wine Conference, a program held in collaboration with the Asia Wine Trophy, and the director of the Institute for Wines from Eastern Europe. He is also the vice president of the Korean Sommelier Association, a wine writer and author of books (“Wine is…”, “Moldova Wine”), a publisher, and a lecturer at Kyunghee University in Seoul. He represents Korea and serves as an advisor to the French company Break Events and judges at various international wine competitions. His seminar on the South Korean wine market has received high recognition both in the country and internationally.
Judge: Stéphane Badet (France).
Winner: #131 Allison Levine
Allison Levin is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. Before launching Please The Palate, Allison worked at The Tasting Panel Magazine/Blue Lifestyle, managing the marketing and events department. Always passionate about wine and committed to turning her passion into a career, she began her journey at LearnAboutWine, where she managed a wine education startup, organizing classes and private events throughout Los Angeles. As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world. She has lived and worked in Italy, Spain, and Mexico. She has received numerous awards, including being named one of the “USA TODAY 10 Best Experts” by the Reader’s Choice Awards and “101 Best Wine Writers of 2020” by Corking Wines, among others.
Judge: Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki (Greece, Germany).
Winner: #139 Andrei Cibotaru
Andrei Chibotaru is the founder and author of the blog www.finewine.md, which is written in Romanian and provides information about Moldova’s leading wines presented in various corners of the world. Chibotaru is a journalist with over 15 years of experience, including in television journalism and online media. He is a wine expert and sommelier, accepted into ASI. He is a regular judge at the Berliner Wein Trophy, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, International Wine Contest Bucharest, Eurasia Wine & Spirits Competition, and more. He was awarded the titles of “Best Blogger of 2016” by VIP Magazine and “Best Wine Journalist of 2016” by the Wine of Moldova organization.
Also, two Drinks+ Editor’s Choice Awards from the Communications Media Group Drinks+ were presented to the winners of the public vote:
The Association of Winemakers #181 Wines of the Silver Land (Ukraine, Zakarpattia), which is currently being registered as a geographical indication, won the Region of the Year nomination.
The globally renowned center for enological culture and wine tourism, #24 World of Wine (Portugal), became the winner in the Cultural Mission category in the Education in Enotourism nomination.
In addition, the Wine Travel Awards jury traditionally presents a special Judge’s Choice Award. This year, the recipients are:
#184 Fongyee Walker
Fongyee Walker was the first to earn the MW degree on mainland China. She founded the company Dragon Phoenix to focus on wine education. Mrs. Walker teaches at all levels of WSET, both for professionals and wine enthusiasts. She has also worked at Tsinghua University and Cambridge University. With an impressive track record of teaching over 100,000 students, Fongyee continues to help new generations of wine lovers in China appreciate wine not only for its prestige but also for its true complexity and taste.
#81 Château Angelus
The legendary Château Angelus, managed by the de Boüard de Laforest family, embodies the excellence of Bordeaux. Committed to ecological sustainability, the estate has received HVE certification and has opened a new type of enterprise – Carillon d’Angelus, a modern winery that adheres to strict environmental standards. The owners of the château also run a Michelin-starred restaurant and a farm specializing in organic products.
#146 Tenute SalvaTerra
Tenute SalvaTerra is located in one of the most prestigious wine regions – the Valpolicella Classico area. Tenute SalvaTerra spans 600 hectares of vineyards in the Veneto region, extending from Lake Garda. SalvaTerra has eight estates: Tenuta di Prun, Tenuta Villa Giona, Tenuta di Mezzane, Tenuta di Cazzano di Tramigna, Tenuta di Montorio, Tenuta di San Martino Buon Albergo, Tenuta di Oliosi, and Tenuta di Vescovana. Tenute SalvaTerra was founded by the Furia brothers and is a winemaking project managed not only by the heirs of the Furia family business but also by a group of entrepreneurial investors involved in winemaking and the hospitality industry.
#109 Azienda Agricola San Salvatore 1988
The Azienda Agricola San Salvatore 1988 winery, owned by Giuseppe Pagano, is a true flagship of Cilento when it comes to biodynamic wine. Even in some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, the viticulture here is more innovative and thoughtful. The vineyard fertilizers are produced through the maintenance of a buffalo herd, the winery operates with its own solar panel system, and the estate’s consultant is winemaking pioneer Riccardo Cotarella. The wines of Azienda Agricola San Salvatore 1988 have won hundreds of awards, including 93 points from Robert Parker for Corleto IGP Paestum Bio 2022. Giuseppe Pagano and his winery were awarded the Parker’s Green Emblem in 2023 (at the time, only 11 wineries in the world held this distinction).
#206 South Africa
Wine tourism in South Africa is as diverse and captivating as its landscapes. With 23 unique wine routes, stretching from the historic wine lands of Cape Winelands to coastal and inland regions, visitors are offered a multitude of experiences. In South Africa, wine tourism is not just about enjoying fine wines; it is an invitation to experience the country’s natural beauty, cultural wealth, and the stories woven into each vineyard and bottle. Each route offers a distinctive combination of world-class wines, scenic views, and warm hospitality. Visitors can enjoy picnics in the vineyards, guided tours, and exciting tastings, along with more adventurous forms of active recreation.
#57 WildChina Travel
Founded in 2000, WildChina is an award-winning company focused on sustainable development, specializing in creating personalized journeys across every corner of China. “We believe in the power of travel to transform, inspire, and bring people together, tirelessly working to perfect every detail for our guests,” says the company. It is this dedication, experience, and passion for exploring China that makes WildChina Travel a leader in the industry.
#204 Locoporvino – André & Karla
André and Carla, the duo behind Locoporvino, are passionate content creators about wine and travel from Brazil and Guatemala, now living in Georgia. In love with wine tourism and having traveled to over 100 countries, they have dedicated themselves to sharing stories about the most fascinating wine regions of the world, often working directly on vineyards. Their journey began in the culinary world, starting as chefs at Disneyland, then working on a cruise ship in Hawaii and at a remote hotel in Alaska. The transition to winemaking was a natural development, combining their hospitality experience with a deep respect for viticulture.
The bright highlight of this year’s awards will be the ceremony honoring the WTA winners in London. We would like to remind everyone that the focus of the Wine Travel Awards project is not only on victory and recognition: the true value lies in building friendly connections and creative collaborations. This is exactly why we organize our events.
We invite all those involved, as well as wine lovers, to join us on May 20 at Olympia London (Gallery Suite) from 10:30 to 12:30 for the Wine Travel Awards 2024-2025 Awards Ceremony.
And in the fall, we will kick off the 5th, anniversary edition of the awards. Join the community of progressive, active, and talented nominees of the Wine Travel Awards!
⇒ Join our social networks ⇒ Optimistic D+ editors will take this as a compliment.
⇒ Every like is taken as a toast!
17.03.2025
