Gastronomy and Wine Portal

Winner of the Wine Travel Award 2023-2024 in the Wine Guide/Top Guide, Miguel Leal, founder and CEO of ML Private Tours, received an award from the Prémio Nacional de Enoturismo for his services in the field of wine tourism.

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Miguel’s connection with the world of wine dates back to his childhood in a small family winery run by his grandfather and father. In 2011, Miguel decided to pursue a career in the world of wine, starting ML Private Tours.

Miguel Leal’s company specializes in creating unique travel experiences for clients seeking the best of what Portugal has to offer in the world of wine and gastronomy.

In 2023-2024, Miguel Leal won the Wine Travel Award as the Best Guide. And now, at the third Prémio Nacional de Enoturismo, he received an award for merit in the field of wine tourism.

Winner of the Wine Travel Award 2023-2024 in the Wine Guide/Top Guide, Miguel Leal, founder and CEO of ML Private Tours, received an award from the Prémio Nacional de Enoturismo for his services in the field of wine tourism. Miguel’s connection with the world of wine dates back to his childhood in a small family […]

2020 Château Angélus Grand Vin Blanc Vin de Pays de l’Atlantique is a blend of four varieties – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon. “Blending four unlikely bedfellows has resulted in a wine that is far greater than the sum of its parts.” says leading wine writer Raymond Blake of this first vintage of 2020.

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Château Angélus, Wine Travel Awards nominee and winner, one of the largest and most prestigious estates in Saint-Emilion, hardly needs an introduction to Bordeaux lovers, and indeed to anyone who understands wine. Château Angélus is synonymous with impeccable quality and success. And Château Angélus regularly appears in the movies, it played the leading role in three James Bond films, in the iconic film about the life of Edith Piaf, and others.

“However, until now its popularity has been based solely on the quality of red wines,” writes Raymond Blake in his research.

Château Angelus wines have a deep red color, an elegant aroma filled with floral and berry tones, dominated by the shades of coffee and plums. And here is the 2020 Château Angélus Grand Vin Blanc Vin de Pays de l’Atlantique, a unique white wine (only 2,000 bottles per year), and as the château says “it will never reach a wide audience, the wine is only available for receptions at the estate”.

“For the production of Château Angélus Grand Vin Blanc, we keep only the best grapes from a very small plot. The result is a micro-cuvee, which is produced in the amount of 2,000 bottles per year. We reserve this rare wine for the receptions held at the estate with our most loyal customers, as well as for the Angélus dinners organized with our partners,” the château owners say.

Grand Vin Blanc wine is made from Chardonnay (40%), Chenin Blanc (20%), Sauvignon Blanc (20%), Semillon (20%). 13% ABV.

Raymond Blake writes that “trying to dissect the aroma and flavor of this wine, to determine the contribution each grape variety makes, is largely a futile exercise. A tasting might attribute the Chardonnay to the base, the Chenin gives a bit of minerality, the Sauvignon – freshness, and the Semillon delivers a light shine. The shape of the bottle and the elegant label, which attracts attention with its simplicity, rather than bright decorations, create an attractive and winning combination.”

The aroma is pure fruit and fresh flowers. The beautiful depth of taste turns into a crystal clear and long aftertaste. “Balanced and precise wine.”

2020 Château Angélus Grand Vin Blanc Vin de Pays de l’Atlantique is a blend of four varieties – Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon. “Blending four unlikely bedfellows has resulted in a wine that is far greater than the sum of its parts.” says leading wine writer Raymond Blake of this first vintage of 2020. […]

Coolness in the heat – the nominee of the Wine Travel Awards 2023-2024 has presented a new summer cocktail – RUTA TONIC.

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Some time ago TM RUTA together with OTB Studio organized an all-Ukrainian cocktail competition using RUTA balm – Ruta Cocktail Challenge 2024. With incredible creativity, the participants demonstrated that local drinks are tasty, cool and fashionable.

And now RUTA offers summer in a glass, a cocktail that promises to become a favorite of all those who prefer a natural product, local drinks and simplicity of execution. Summer cocktails should be light and juicy, which is exactly what RUTA TONIC is.

For its preparation, you will need 45 ml of craft RUTA balm, 120 ml of dry tonic and a slice of lemon. Everything is very simple! This is the best summer cocktail.

Coolness in the heat – the nominee of the Wine Travel Awards 2023-2024 has presented a new summer cocktail – RUTA TONIC. Some time ago TM RUTA together with OTB Studio organized an all-Ukrainian cocktail competition using RUTA balm – Ruta Cocktail Challenge 2024. With incredible creativity, the participants demonstrated that local drinks are tasty, […]

At the most prestigious wine competition Decanter-2024 and at one of the most significant and influential “traveler” wine competitions in the world, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles-2024, wines from the Greek winery Semeli Estate received gold medals.

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Founded in 1979, with deep roots in age-old winemaking traditions and an eye to the future, Wine Travel Awards nominee Semeli Estate produces wines of exceptional quality. In order to ensure the best possible quality of grapes, Semeli winegrowers are currently in the process of transitioning from traditional to regenerative viticulture.

Hard work and love for one’s work usually bear fruit – currently, one of Semeli Estate’s excellent wines – Semeli Estate Mantinia 2023 was awarded gold medals at the Decanter-2024 and at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles-2024 competitions.

Semeli Estate Mantinia 2023 is a wine with a complex nose with typical Moschofilero aromas of nutmeg, zest, rose, papaya, mango, peach, pear. The taste is full, balanced, with good acidity and a sense of citrus aftertaste. The wine is recommended to be served with risotto, pasta with white sauce, dishes with lemon sauce, roasted pork with greens.

Also, at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles-2024, the winery received gold for Semeli Nemea Grande Reserve 2019 and Semeli Spondee 2021, as well as silver for Semeli Nemea Reserve 2021 and Semeli Thea Mantinia 2022.

“We are very happy and immensely proud of this prestigious recognition, we celebrate the outstanding quality of our wine!” – the winemakers comment on their victory.

Semeli offers its guests a variety of options for wine tasting, production tours, and grape picking. Wine tourism programs are available each day from Monday to Sunday, except Tuesday.

We congratulate the team of winemakers on such a well-deserved victory and wish them many more prestigious awards to add to the treasury of their success.

Photo: concoursmondial.com

At the most prestigious wine competition Decanter-2024 and at one of the most significant and influential “traveler” wine competitions in the world, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles-2024, wines from the Greek winery Semeli Estate received gold medals. Founded in 1979, with deep roots in age-old winemaking traditions and an eye to the future, Wine Travel Awards […]

A highlight in the international wine calendar was the tasting held in honor of the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony at the prestigious London Wine Fair. The event attracted distinguished guests, including sommeliers, distributors, association heads, MWs, and wine tourism operators from the USA, China, New Zealand, Great Britain, and other European countries.

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Wines from six countries were featured in the celebratory tasting, including star locations of wine tourism in Georgia, the castles of Moldova and Romania, a model winery in Great Britain, and one of the leaders in winemaking from New Zealand. The youngest participant was the Italian winery Tenuta Manoylo from the Marche region, which debuted on the world stage this year. It has already earned the nickname “star of the region” by winning top awards at the prestigious international competition Mundus Vini and, just a few days ago, securing a gold medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Mexico.

To analyze this young brand, D+ reviewers requested the main speaker of our event, Robert Joseph, to comment on the wines of Tenuta Manoylo, the winner of this Wine Travel Awards 2023-2024 edition in the Progressive Approach category.

Despite the impromptu nature of the discussion, Robert Joseph examined the style and quality of the three wines presented at the Wine Travel Awards with his characteristic professional meticulousness.

2021 Tenuta Manoylo, Passo del Borgo, Marche IGT Passerina (€81- 6 bottles)

• Appearance:  Straw, with hints of green.
• Nose: Lovely fresh nose with lemon, lime, grapefruit and angelica root as well as a hint of wild thyme and sage.
• Palate: the citric promise carries through, though with lime coming to the fore. The herbs are there too, with some very attractive stony, salty character.  Medium-bodied and bone dry, but the acidity is wrapped in attractive rich texture and a very long finish. Very attractive food wine.

2021 Tenuta Manoylo, Passo del Borgo, Marche DOC Falerio (€113 – 6 bottles)

• Appearance: Straw –slightly deeper in hue than the Passerina. But still hints of green.
• Nose: Ripe lemon and lemon curd /preserved lemons on the nose plus some floral notes and peach and saline character.
• Palate: Lemony and bright but with some green olive fleshiness and definite mineral notes. This is richer and rounder than the Passerina and tastes as though it has seen some wood. The finish is rich and long and, again evocative of those preserved lemons.

2021 Tenuta Manoylo, Passo del Borgo, Marche IGT Sangiovese (€170 – 6 bottles)

• Appearance: Mid red colour with rim showing the beginning of maturity.
• Nose: Attractive nose of plum and cherry, ripe strawberry, with some sandalwood and vanilla.
• Palate: Τhe same fruits are there, with the ripe strawberry very apparent along with pepper and herbs – oregano – and some well-integrated oak. The tannins are ripe and with characteristic Sangiovese dryness.   I am curious to see how this will age and how the fruit and alcohol will hang together.

General impression

I was especially impressed by both whites and, in particular, the Passerina which is a very well made, characterful wine which deserves to do well in restaurants everywhere, but especially those specialising in fish and seafood.

The Pecorino is also very good. I was interested to see that it is aged in tonneau. I thought I detected a hint of newer oak and would not have minded a very slight bit more.

Based on the website prices, I thought the Passerina very fairly priced – at a premium level.

This is a business and brand that appears to be going / has gone through some changes. The shaped ‘front’ label design is clever and stylish.

To summarize Robert Joseph’s comments, Tenuta Manoylo has successfully passed another authoritative quality test. Receiving a high rating from a specialist of this level is another road sign for professional clients and wine lovers.

A highlight in the international wine calendar was the tasting held in honor of the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony at the prestigious London Wine Fair. The event attracted distinguished guests, including sommeliers, distributors, association heads, MWs, and wine tourism operators from the USA, China, New Zealand, Great Britain, and other European countries. Wines from six […]

On June 29, the Vivanco Museum, one of the biggest icons of wine culture in the world, will celebrate its anniversary. Everyone is invited to join the celebration.

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Vivanco Museum, a nominee and winner of the Wine Travel Awards public vote, is celebrating its anniversary and offers a unique opportunity to discover the winery and the museum, considered by UNESCO to be the best in the world, for free.

This place was created to educate, educate, share and interact with wine as an element of civilization. And for 20 years now, the wine museum in Briones has been opening a universe of wine sensations to visitors through the winery, the museum, the tasting courses and the restaurant, in a privileged setting, surrounded by vineyards.

“I wanted to create a space that everyone could visit and understand the close and special relationship between wine and man,” says Sen. Santiago Vivanco, author and founder of Vivanco.

Santiago Vivanco says that his passion for wine passed to him from his father, who was an oenologist and also collected everything related to wine. “For me, wine has always been about more than just aroma, taste and texture. Much more than vineyards and lands. I’ve always been interested in the human side of wine and the 8,000-year history it shares with man.”

The museum occupies an area of 4000 m2, including 5 permanent exhibition halls and a hall for temporary exhibitions. In addition to the demonstration of the tools of the trade and the description of the history of winemaking, Vivanco also presents works of art that illustrate the inspiration of artists by wine, it houses works by Pablo Picasso, Joaquín Sorolla, Joan Miró, Juan Gris. It is difficult to find a better example where winemaking and art go hand in hand so harmoniously.

At Vivanco, you can learn about the origin of wine, about grape soils in every part of the world, about the origin and development of Rioja, what phylloxera is, how vineyards are cultivated and much more. In the Garden of Bacchus you will find more than 220 varieties of grapes from all over the world. After a spiritual meal, visitors can discover the gastronomy of La Rioja in the panoramic restaurant of fine cuisine.

So June 29, Briones, Nacional 232.

Come to a free open day.

Vivanco Museum is 20 years old!

On June 29, the Vivanco Museum, one of the biggest icons of wine culture in the world, will celebrate its anniversary. Everyone is invited to join the celebration. Vivanco Museum, a nominee and winner of the Wine Travel Awards public vote, is celebrating its anniversary and offers a unique opportunity to discover the winery and […]

For the third year running, the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony and Public Voting awards celebration took place alongside the renowned London Wine Fair, solidifying the enduring collaboration between Drinks+ Communication Media Group and this prestigious event.

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This occasion was infused with an air of exhilaration and unity, a true testament to the Wine Travel Awards’ mission of fostering a warm and inclusive community. Familiar faces reunited, while new connections blossomed, all bonded by their shared passion for the wonders of wine travel. It was a delightful atmosphere of friendship and celebration.

Angelo Peretti, the esteemed winner of the Author of the Year category, eloquently captured the spirit of the event: I am happy, overjoyed. Robert Joseph, one of the world’s leading international wine critics and analysts, has just presented me with the author of the year award in the wine and food influencer category at the Wine Travel Awards at the London Wine Fair for my book Spiritual Exercises for Wine Drinkers (Ampelos Editions). Thank you, thank you, thank you! <…> It was a great honor to receive the ‘author of the year’ award, to have the chance to listen to Robert Joseph’s enlightening speech and taste the splendid selection of wines offered during the event.

Truly, the Wine Travel Awards represent a close-knit community of individuals united by their fascination with the diverse world of wine travel and exploration.

The Wine Travel Awards 2023-2024 ceremony was one of the most exciting international events at the London Trade Fair. Even the location testified to the status of the event — the WTA winners were gathered in the Gallery Suite, where the jury of this year’s most high-profile event in the entire wine world, the London Court of Justice, had just met.

And it was in this representative hall that our hosts, Anna Petunina, WTA Senior Manager, a communication specialist at Drinks+ Communication Media Group, and Tanya Olevskaya, the Friends Wine Travel CEO, and the winner of last season’s WTA, started the ceremony.

All of our events contain at least two options in one — being gorgeous and useful. Therefore, this time, the award ceremony was preceded by an informative lecture. We are proud that the main speaker of the Wine Travel Awards 2023–2024 was the incredible Robert Joseph, whom our entire female team adores!

Robert Joseph is a distinguished member of the WTA jury, editorial consultant, and columnist for Meininger’s Wine Business International, whose expertise and insights have proven invaluable throughout this journey.

He spoke on the topic Wine Tourism: Benefits and Challenges about the growing industry of wine tourism, focusing on the positive impacts it brings as well as the difficulties it faces. Mr Joseph’s humour and brilliant analyses, original conclusions and recommendations were a real gift for the distinguished audience, including MVs and representatives of the most powerful UK distribution networks, influencers from around the world, winemakers from the USA, Australia, Argentina, and EU countries.

At the same time, Robert Joseph and the Wine Travel Awards team prepared special gifts for our award winners. This year’s unique gifts included certificates for Robert Joseph’s highly anticipated book, Wine Thinking, for each winner — a rare opportunity to delve into this work ahead of its official summer release! The ceremony began with a presentation of each winner and the presentation of the trophy. It is worth noting that this year the largest number of winners came to London to receive their diplomas and awards in person.

We are grateful to everyone who was with us that day: Angelo Peretti, Marinela Ardelean, Daria Kholodilina, Cloudy Bay’s representative Astrid de Jong, SHUMI Winery’s Commercial Director Salome Lomsadze, Miguel Leal, Oleksandra Polishuk (from Vitaliy Kovach), Allison Levine, and Dr. Elizabeth Smith.

And again Angelo Peretti shared his feeling about meeting with friends and colleagues: I met American wine writer Allison Levine during a press tour of US journalists in Italy, a country she knows quite well (and also speaks Italian fluently). I was delighted to find her at the Wine Travel Awards at the London Wine Fair in London. Here we are in the photograph together, she with the diploma of winner of the popular vote in the ‘expert opinion’ category, me with the trophy of winner in the ‘author of the year’ category. Well done, Allison, bravo!

Finally, we appreciated that guests from Tenuta Manoylo (Italy) — Illia Manoylo and Helen Dzekunova — had the ooportunity to be with us at the WTA Ceremony. Also, we were very glad that the WildChina Travel’s (China) representative Kendra Tombolato attended the WTA event. In addition, João Vasconcelos, UK Sales Manager at Fladgate Partnership, visited the WTA Ceremony to get the WOW (Portugal) awards. The prizes for the Imeretian Wine Association and the Kabistoni Wine School, the nominee from Imeretia, were accepted by Ana Tbileli. We were very pleased to meet Jidvei‘s representatives Sabina Stroe-Bibescu and Costi Dragan.

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to convey the atmosphere of friendliness that the WTA community in London demonstrated, but it was evidenced by the pleasant impromptu interactions that took place throughout the event.

Needless to say, Robert Joseph took the initiative to help our moderators during the awards ceremony and even agreed to take a photo with each of our winners, which some of them gratefully shared on their networks.

The last iteration of the WTA showed that the Wine Travel Awards is gaining an international reputation, as evidenced by the presence of diplomatic delegations at the ceremony.

The ceremony witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with nominees and winners gracing the event from far and wide, including esteemed representatives from the embassies of Armenia — His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United Kingdom, Varuzhan Nersesyan, and the Armenian delegation. Also we were very proud to see His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to London, Mr. Ruslan Bolbocean. And Ms. Laura Banealite, First Secretary for Economic Cooperation of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in London.

An interesting fact: distinguished guests, first of all, His Excellencies the Ambassadors of Armenia and Moldova, attended the ceremony to personally receive the trophy for winning the Enogastronomic Events nomination on behalf of their countries. The National Wine Day of Moldova won the Magnet of the Region category, and Yerevan Gastronomic Days won the second category — Event of the Year.

The fact that the ambassadorial delegations headed by His Excellencies the Ambassadors of Armenia and Moldova expressed a desire and found time to carry out this mission speaks of the state’s respect for its citizens. It also shows that the state understands the importance of enogastronomic tourism for the development of the country’s winemaking as a promising economic sector.

One of the winners of the Public Voting in the Top Guide category is Anna Alekseyeva from Italy. Anna is actively engaged in organising enogastronomic tours and excursions in Verona and the Lake Garda area. We are thankful to Anna’s representative, Maria Podlesnova, for visiting the award ceremony.

Our team was very glad to see Meguel Leal — the winner in the category Top Guide (nomination — Wine Guide).

This year, two nominees — SHUMI Winery and Marinela Ardelean — were awarded by Grand Prix of Wine Travel Awards: for exceptional achievement and dedication in advancing the art of viniculture and crafting unforgettable wine tourism experiences. It was the initiative of Dr. Ricardo F. Nunez.

Our sincere appreciation also goes to WTA judge Nina Basset and the Gérard Basset Foundation for providing the memoir book by Gérard Basset, complete with Nina Basset’s autograph, as the esteemed Ambassador of the Year award.

The grand finale of this extraordinary day was a unique tasting experience, featuring an array of exceptional wines from participating wineries:

Tenuta Manoylo (Italy)

1. Passo del Borgo Marche IGT Passerina
2. Falerio DOC Pecorino
3. Marche IGT Sangiovese

Jidvei Winery (România)

1. PINOT NOIR ROSU, 2019 red
2. GRIGORESCU FETEASCA REGALA, 2023, SGR white
3. OWNER’S CHOICE ANA, SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 white
4. OWNER’S CHOICE MARIA, PINOT GRIS, 2022, white
5. Sparkling Wine, Jidvei, the traditional method, Extrabrut White, DOC-CMD JIDVEI white

Chateau Purcari (Wine of Moldova)

1. Château Purcari Negru de Purcari 2020
2. Château Purcari Rara Neagra 2022
3. Château Purcari Viorica de Purcari 2022

Chateau Vartely (Moldova)

1. Château Vartely Dealu Nucului Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
2. Château Vartely Dealu Nucului Feteasca Regala & Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Radacini (Moldova)

1. Radacini Pinot Grigio
2. Radacini Metier Brut Alb

Apriori Wine (Moldova)

1. Apriori Wine Maestro Limited Edition Secret Blend Bottle Reserve 2022
2. Apriori Wine Maestro Cuvee Blanc Alb Brut

SHUMI Estate (Georgia)

1. Shumi Kakhuri Mtsvane
2. Shumi Mukuzani
3. Sumi Iberiuli Khikhvi
4. Shumi Iberiuli Saperavi

Gramophone Winery (Romania)

1. VIRTUOZ FETEASCA REGALA — DRY 2021
2. VIRTUOZ FETEASCA NEAGRA — OFF DRY 2021
3. GRAMOFON WINE SAUVIGNON BLANC — DRY 2020
4. GRAMOFON WINE CUVEE — MERLOT/FETEASCA NEAGRA/5. CABERNET SAUVIGNON — DRY 2022

Cloudy Bay (New Zealand)

1. Pelorus NV Methode Traditionelle
2. Sauvignon Blanc 2023
3. Te Wahi Pinot Noir 2019

Le Grand Noir (France)

1. Le Grand Noir Chardonnay
2. Le Grand Noir GSM Red Blend

K’AVSHIRI (Georgia)

1. K’AVSHIRI White 2022
2. K’AVSHIRI Assemblage Red

Shaloshvili’s Wine Cellar (Georgia)

1. Kisi Mtsvane White Dry 2021
2. Rkatsiteli Oak Barrel Aged White Dry 2017
3. Saperavi Oak Barrel Aged Red Dry 2018
4. Saperavi QVEVRI 2020

Stay tuned for dedicated articles exploring the captivating stories behind each of these esteemed participating wineries and their enchanting wine destinations. We are preparing a separate article about the wineries that presented their wines at this festive tasting for wine lovers and enogastronomic travellers.

For the third year running, the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony and Public Voting awards celebration took place alongside the renowned London Wine Fair, solidifying the enduring collaboration between Drinks+ Communication Media Group and this prestigious event. This occasion was infused with an air of exhilaration and unity, a true testament to the Wine Travel Awards’ mission of fostering a […]

Traditionally, the awarding ceremony of the winners of the WTA is accompanied by a round tasting of the wines of our nominees. And at the same time it becomes a round-the-world journey through wine routes. And this year the THIRD Edition of WTA Ceremony at the London Wine Fair 2024 promises an exciting lineup of participants, including renowned wineries, emerging brands, and industry experts.

A sophisticated tasting session of wines and WTA winners’ celebration featuring wines from esteemed members of the WTA community from Italy, Romania, New Zealand, Georgia, France, Moldova…

So, let’s get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony with an awesome agenda!

Join us on May 21 at Gallery Suit, London Wine Fair, Olympia, London from 10:30 to 12:30.

If you would like to be a part of WTA Ceremony in London this year please use this form to contact us for the badge to the exhibition

Or contact personally:

Telephone: +38067 4474578 (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) Email: winetravelawards@gmail.com

The Ceremony will start from a keynote address on Wine Tourism: Benefits and Challenges by Robert Joseph, a respected member of the WTA jury, distinguished author in the domain of wine and wine tourism, and a pioneering figure in the wine industry.

Next, after the actual Wine Travel Awards Ceremony, we will start for an exciting experience – the Walk Around Tasting.

Introducing the Participants:

This medieval castle, meticulously restored just last year, invites guests to embark on extraordinary adventures. It boasts breathtaking landscapes, culinary delights in the refined ambiance of its local restaurant, relaxation in a designer hotel, horseback riding, leisurely strolls, and, most importantly, the opportunity to taste an incredibly diverse selection of high-class wines! Jidvei wines (Romania), a distinguished winemaking enterprise, annually processes over 25 million kg of grapes. Since 1999, Jidvei has blended modern techniques with tradition, earning over 500 medals in prestigious international competitions. With four wineries boasting top-tier facilities and 6100 acres of vineyard, Jidvei crafts quality wines reflecting the essence of its terroir.

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

Owner’s Choice – Ana Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Jidvei DOC

Owner’s Choice – Maria Pinot Gris 2022, Jidvei DOC

Grigorescu – Fetească Regală 2023, Jidvei DOC

Traditional Method sparkling wine – Jidvei Extra Brut, Jidvei DOC

Jidvei Pinot Noir 2019 – DOC Târnave – Jidvei

Our new WTA participant Gramofon Wines (Romania) − nestled in the renowned Dealu Mare region of Romania, resides near Urlati, surrounded by picturesque vineyards. Since 2009, the vineyard underwent replanting with grapes spaced 2.2m apart, allowing meticulous care. The brand aims to convey wine’s harmony naturally, using organic methods and employing intricate techniques to enhance flavors for exceptional results. These winemakers strive to combine wine with music – and harmony sounds in every sample, you will see for yourself!

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

VIRTUOZ FETEASCA REGALA – DRY 2021

VIRTUOZ FETEASCA NEAGRA – OFF DRY 2021

GRAMOFON WINE SAUVIGNON BLANC – DRY 2020

GRAMOFON WINE CUVEE – MERLOT/FETEASCA NEAGRA/CABERNET SAUVIGNON – DRY 2022

Shumi Winery (Georgia) – one of the best producers of Georgian wines. Set in the magnificent Alazan Valley, the location is nothing short of the eighth wonder of the world — come and see for yourself! Shumi products are famous for their quality, they have earned more than 600 highest awards at prestigious international competitions, including prizes and medals that no other company in the history of Georgia has ever received.  Shumi was recognized as the BEST PRODUCER OF GEORGIA at one of the most prestigious competitions in the world – MUNDUS VINI Grand International Award!

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

Kakhuri Mtsvane Shumi

Khikhvi Iberiuli

Mukuzani Shumi

Saperavi Iberiuli

Zigu – (a legendary drink that combines the flavours of grape juice, wine, chacha and wine brandy, and the aroma is enriched with the scents of highland herbs)

Tenuta Manoylo (Italy) – a new star in Marche’s crown. Literally the “Discovery of the year” for us was the Italian Tenuta Manoylo, which has just taken its first steps on the world stage. And here is a resounding victory – the two highest awards: Grand Gold – 2021 Marche IGT Sangiovese; Silver – 2021 Falerio DOC Pecorino. Moreover, Tenuta Manyolo was granted by Mundus Vini the Best of Show Marche for its excellent wine 2021 Marche IGT Sangiovese. Tenuta Manoylo’s wines were created to showcase the products of a terroir that, since the times of Picenum and Ancient Rome, has been devoted to the production of fine wines and oils, famous throughout the Mediterranean and Europe. Today, by combining innovative technologies with ancient winemaking traditions, Tenuta Manoylo’s wines offer those who savour them the unique taste of these places suspended in time.

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

Passo del Borgo Marche IGT Passerina (from an ancient and traditional Marche grape variety).

Falerio DOC Pecorino (autochthonous variety from the Marche region).

Marche IGT Sangiovese

 

Shaloshvili Cellar (Georgia) – it is not just a winery, it is an oasis of relaxation in the hotel of the same name, located among emerald vineyards. Since 1998, Shaloshvili Cellar crafts elegant whites and complex reds, now integrating modern technology since their 2013 inception. With a passion for Georgian culture, they offer full tourist experiences at their onsite hotel. Producing 150,000 bottles yearly from 16 organic hectares.

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

Kisi Mtsvane White Dry 2021

Rkatsiteli Oak Barrel Aged White Dry 2017

Saperavi Oak Barrel Aged Red Dry 2018

Saperavi QVEVRI 2020

We introduce the next participant, slightly, holding our breath – like school children talking about their guru))). After all, Le Grand Noir (France) comes from ancient Southern French landscapes with a huge diversity of soils, altitudes and microclimates and was created on the initiative of WTA judge Robert Joseph. With a focus on quality and innovation, Le Grand Noir produces a diverse range of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, each reflecting the unique terroir of the region. Established in the early 21st century, the winery has quickly gained recognition for its dedication to producing wines of outstanding character and complexity.

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

Le Grand Noir Chardonnay

Le Grand Noir GSM Red Blend

This also presents a unique opportunity for curious wine enthusiasts to discover a new creation by Robert Joseph. K’AVSHIRI (Georgia) – traces back to 1988 when wine critic Robert Joseph explored Georgia’s rich culture and wines. In 2018, he partnered with Vladimer Kublashvili of Winery Khareba, envisioning unique blends using indigenous grapes and qvevri fermentation. After years of experimentation, they crafted distinctive wines, including the White 2022 and a limited Red Assemblage, released in Spring 2024.

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

K’AVSHIRI White 2022

K’AVSHIRI Assemblage Red

The next wine we present, Cloudy Bay, is our pride. We introduce it with due reverence, all the way from its distant origins – New Zealand. The winery was founded in 1985 by David Hohnen and Kevin Judd. Their first Sauvignon Blanc received international recognition and put New Zealand wine on the map. Cloudy Bay joined Veuve Clicquot in 1990 and in 2003 became part of the LVMH family. Today, this outstanding winery is not only an exceptional location for wine tourism, but under the leadership of the famous top manager Yang Shen, it produces wines that are deservedly included in the top league of fan wine.

 

And the collective participant of the WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting is Wine of Moldova, which, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development, presents the best wines of the country at our celebration!

 

Cheers! Welcome to the Ceremony!

 

Traditionally, the awarding ceremony of the winners of the WTA is accompanied by a round tasting of the wines of our nominees. And at the same time it becomes a round-the-world journey through wine routes. And this year the THIRD Edition of WTA Ceremony at the London Wine Fair 2024 promises an exciting lineup of […]

As of May 1st, the main voting phase for the Wine Travel Award 2023–2024 has come to a close.

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We are excited to unveil the Award winners and offer our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved! Moving forward, our journey continues with the WTA Ceremony in London. It will summarize the results of the 2023–2024 campaign, where the winners of both the public vote and the professional jury will be determined.

SAVE THE DATE!

• May 21, 10:30 am — 12:30 pm
• Gallery Suit, London Wine Fair

We invite you to the ceremony! Use this form to get your badge to the London Wine Fair.

Take the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the nominees, chosen by Wine Travel Awards professional jury:

Ambassador

Persons representing wines, regions, enogastronomic routes, brands; associations, consortia, national wine bureaus, tourist offices, and tour operators.

Creative Strategy

Award winner: The Imeretian Wine Association 

Judge: Felicity Carter

The Imeretian Wine Association, formed in 2022, swiftly showcased Imereti’s wines globally in its first year. With around 70 member wineries, it actively promoted the region through international events. A wine laboratory project, meeting global standards, is underway in Baghdati. Led by enthusiasts like Keti Jurkhadze, the association aims to elevate Imereti’s wines to global recognition.

Ambassador of the Year

Award winner: Sonal Holland 

Judge: Nina Basset

Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine, is a pioneering figure in the country’s wine industry. She founded Vine2Wine, a leading wine retail chain, and the SoHo Wine Club, offering bespoke experiences. As a certified wine educator, she established the Sonal Holland Wine Academy. Sonal is celebrated internationally as a broadcaster, writer, and judge in the beverage industry. Her influence extends globally, making her a sought-after consultant and brand ambassador.

Wine & Food Influencer

Journalists, professional media, bloggers, photographers and videographers.

Author of the Year

Award winner: Angelo Peretti 

Judge: Robert Joseph

Angelo Peretti, a prominent Italian journalist and wine writer based in Veneto, is hailed as the wine ambassador of the region. He is the editor of InternetGourmet.it and has authored several books on Italian wines, including Spiritual exercises for wine drinkers, which explores the philosophical aspects of wine consumption. Peretti’s book has received acclaim, winning prestigious literary prizes and praise from notable publications like La Repubblica. Through his work, Peretti aims to elevate wine drinking to a meditative art, intertwining oenological expertise with literature, art, and philosophy.

Expert Opinion

Award winner: Marinela Ardelean 

Judge: Dr. Ricardo Nunez

Marinela Ardelean, with an executive MBA and PhD in Marketing, is revolutionizing Romanian wines. Inspired by Italian culture, she penned an acclaimed book pairing Romanian wines with Italian cuisine. Her global influence has earned her prestigious titles and leadership roles in wine education. Marinela’s integrity and creativity set new standards in a male-dominated industry, evident in her collaborations and achievements. She aims to elevate Romanian wines globally through initiatives like the RO-Wine festival and extensive research.

The Brightest Journey

Award winner: Daria Kholodilina

Judge: Per Karlsson

Daria Kholodilina, a wine tourism specialist in Georgia, promotes Georgian wines through blogging and online events. With a background in marketing and a passion for wine, she co-authored a guidebook to Georgia’s wine regions. Daria advocates for exploring lesser-known wine regions beyond Kakheti, highlighting their unique terroirs and varieties. She aims to make Georgian wine regions more accessible and appreciated globally.

Education in Enotourism

Wine museums, wine institutes, tasting rooms, including those located on the premises of the wineries, academies of enogastronomy, wine schools participating in tourist projects, organizers of tours to exhibitions, etc.

Cultural Mission

Award winner: World of Wine (WOW)

Judge: Yang Shen

WOW, situated on the south bank of River Douro, is a unique cultural district boasting six permanent museums and a range of dining options. Founded by Adrian Bridge, it offers fantastic views of Porto city’s skyline and waterfront, attracting a diverse audience. The Wine Experience Museum within WOW aims to demystify wine, offering an interactive journey from grape to bottle. Other museums, like the Pink Palace and Planet Cork, offer immersive experiences exploring various aspects of culture and history.

Unique Program

Award winner: Shumi Wine School

Judge: Nina Basset

SHUMI WINERY pioneered enotourism in Georgia, boasting a unique tourist complex and a comprehensive wine school. The winery’s facilities include an Ampelographic Collection for scientific research and a wine school offering free education programs. With a focus on both commercial activities and charity, SHUMI Wine School provides students with a thorough understanding of viticulture, winemaking, and wine tourism. Through collaborations with international experts and universities, SHUMI is actively contributing to the education and development of the wine industry in Georgia.

Wine Guide

Guides, guides-representatives of wine regions, tour operators, etc.

Top Guide

Award winner: Miguel Leal

Judge: Florence Cathiard

Miguel’s lifelong connection to the wine world began on his family’s vineyard in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region. In 2011, he founded ML Private Tours to share Portugal’s wine and gastronomy with visitors. Specializing in the north, Miguel offers premium tours to various wine regions in Portugal and Spain, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and diverse range of wines. Portugal’s ancient winemaking traditions and unique grape varieties make it a top destination for wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Travel Operator of the Year

Award winner: Wine Paths

Judge: Florence Cathiard

Wine Paths offers luxury wine and spirits travel experiences across 15 countries, featuring top estates, accommodations, and dining options. Founded by CEO Stephane Tillement, backed by a wealth of experience in the luxury travel industry, Wine Paths provides bespoke, customizable programs through local travel experts. With exclusive partnerships, unique access to private properties, and recognition from top travel publications, Wine Paths is a leader in high-end wine tourism globally.

Enogastronomic Events

Festivals, wine days and local products days, exhibitions, promotion programs.

Magnet of the Region

Award winner: The National Wine Day of Moldova

Judge: Javier de las Muelas

The National Wine Day of Moldova is a celebration showcasing the country’s wine culture and heritage, held annually during the first weekend of October. Visitors can enjoy tastings, master classes, and expert meetings, learning about wine assessment, history, and production. The event features hundreds of wines from over 60 producers, along with traditional crafts, music performances, and culinary delights, offering a rich cultural experience for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike. Additionally, attendees can explore wine destinations through guided tours, discovering Moldova’s diverse wine regions and oenological adventures.

Event of the Year

Award winner: Yerevan Gastronomic Days

Judge: Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki

EventToura has elevated Armenia’s wine tourism with initiatives like Yerevan Gastronomic Days, aiming to boost the country’s global position in enogastronomy. Led by founders Nune Manukyan and Mary Badalyan, the agency has positioned Armenia as a top tourist destination through event tourism, attracting international attention. The Yerevan Gastronomic Days now include masterclasses, discussions on food pairing and sustainability, and participation from global wine and culinary experts, enriching the cultural experience and promoting wine tourism in Armenia.

The Visiting Card of the Country

Destinations, wineries, national brands, establishments with a wine program: hotels, local food restaurants, bars, museums of wines and specialties, tasting rooms.

Region of the year

Award winner: Austria

Judge: Tim Hanni MW

Austria’s vibrant wine scene, spanning over 46,515 hectares, reflects its rich 2,000-year-old tradition. With medieval villages and baroque monasteries, Austria offers a unique tourism experience year-round. From spring cellar visits to summer bike tours and autumnal thermal spring visits, each season brings its delights. Vienna, with over 700 hectares of vineyards, stands as a unique wine-growing capital, boasting charming Heurigen wine taverns. Throughout the year, Austria welcomes visitors to explore its fascinating world of wines, blending tradition with modern practices.

© Austrian Wine / WSNA

Art & History Object

Award winner: Château Angelus

Judge: Stéphane Badet

Château Angelus, managed by the de Boüard de Laforest family, epitomizes Bordeaux’s excellence, focusing on its unique terroir and Cabernet Franc varietal. The estate’s history dates back to its classification as a Premiers Grand Cru Classe A in 1954. Symbolized by its bell, Angelus reflects centuries of tradition, with Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal leading its exclusivity into the future. Committed to ecological sustainability, the estate received HVE certification and unveiled Carillon d’Angelus, a state-of-the-art winery adhering to strict environmental standards.

Progressive Approach

Award winner: Tenuta Manoylo

Judge: Tim Hanni MW

Tenuta Manoylo, nestled in the Marche region’s picturesque landscape, embraces a slower, more meaningful approach to winemaking. Celebrating the land’s unique attributes, including clay from local vulcanelli, the estate produces wines that reflect the region’s ancient winemaking traditions. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Tenuta Manoylo offers timeless wines that capture the essence of the region’s terroir.

Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country

Award winner: Cloudy Bay 

Judge: Ester Garcia Adrados

Cloudy Bay is dedicated to quality winemaking, with a focus on protecting their home, as evidenced by their involvement in Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Founded in 1985, the winery has gained international recognition for its Sauvignon Blanc and now produces a range of wines including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visitors are welcomed to Marlborough and Central Otago to experience Cloudy Bay’s vineyards and enjoy tastings amidst stunning landscapes.

Must Visit

Award winner: SHUMI Winery 

Judge: Ester Garcia Adrados

Georgia, known as the cradle of viticulture and winemaking, boasts an 8,000-year-old tradition that includes the oldest cultivated vine pips and Qvevri winemaking methods. SHUMI Winery, located in the heart of Georgian winemaking in Tsinandali, has a 25-year history of reviving these ancient traditions, backed by its vast collection of over 2,000 grape varieties. Beyond winemaking, SHUMI offers a unique tourist complex with a wine museum, Georgian ethnographic pavilion, and diverse gastronomic experiences, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Also, the jury decided to get two special awards this year:

The Judge’s Choice Award was received by:

Deschidem Vinul Românesc

• Nomination: Ambassador
• Category: Creative Strategy
• Judge: Felicity Carter

Deschidem Vinul Românesc promotes Romanian wines globally, aiding local wineries in gaining retail access. With over 240 wines from 70 wineries, it expands annually, showcasing exclusive varieties at Carrefour. The program’s tastings, including events in Times Square and Milan Wine Week, elevate Romanian wines on the international stage.

Vitaliy Kovach Sommelier School

• Nomination: Education in Enotourism
• Category: Unique Program
• Judge: Nina Basset

The Vitaliy Kovach Sommelier School is an innovative online educational project aiming to provide stress relief and promote wine appreciation. Founded by Vitaliy Kovach, a renowned wine expert, the school offers training worldwide and boasts graduates working in various prestigious positions across the globe. It provides an opportunity for enthusiasts to delve into the world of wine, understand its nuances, and embrace the culture of winemaking and consumption.

Kabistoni Wine School

• Nomination: Education in Enotourism
• Category: Unique Program
• Judge: Nina Basset

Keti Jurkhadze’s journey from wine enthusiast to scholar and founder of the Kabistoni Wine School reflects her passion for Georgian wine culture and her dedication to its promotion. With extensive experience as a wine judge, professor, and director, she has played a significant role in elevating the profile of Georgian wines internationally. Through her innovative educational initiatives, including the Kabistoni Wine School, she has empowered wine lovers and entrepreneurs to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of viticulture and winemaking.

The Wine School. World of Wine (WOW)

• Nomination: Education in Enotourism
• Category: Unique Program
• Judge: Nina Basset

WOW’s Wine School offers a unique educational experience, combining wine studies with travel to Portugal, one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Led by Adrian Bridge, the school aims to demystify wine for enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and professionals alike, offering a wide range of courses and certifications tailored to different levels of expertise. Located within the expansive cultural and tourist hub of WOW, the school is part of a larger initiative to celebrate Portugal’s culture, history, and main industries, including wine.

Britt Karlsson & Per Karlsson

• Nomination: Wine & Food Influencer
• Category: Author of the Year
• Judge: Robert Joseph

The Wine for the Future by Britt Karlsson and Per Karlsson addresses the pressing issues of sustainability, organic farming, and climate change in the wine industry. Their comprehensive book, originally published in Swedish, explores the challenges faced by wine producers in adopting environmentally friendly practices and adapting to climate change. Through insightful discussions on topics such as sustainable viticulture, organic farming, and the impact of climate change on wine production, the authors provide valuable insights for both industry professionals and wine enthusiasts.

The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne

• Nomination: Education in Enotourism
• Category: Cultural Mission
• Judge: Yang Shen

The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, conceived by the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) in 2010, aims to promote the rich history and wine culture of Bourgogne through innovative museography and tasting workshops. Divided into three sites in Chablis, Beaune, and Mâcon, the Cité serves as a network representing Bourgogne’s wine-growing regions. It offers visitors a sensory experience, including a visit to the Cave aux Arômes to refine their sense of smell, making it a unique destination for wine enthusiasts.

Winery Khareba 

• Nomination: The Visiting Card of the Country
• Category: Must Visit
• Judge: Ester Garcia Adrados

Winery Khareba focuses on preserving unique wine varieties through traditional winemaking methods, owning over 1500 hectares of vineyards across Georgia. With a diverse range of premium wines, including Qvevri wines and sparkling wine, Khareba Winery has won numerous awards at international competitions. The iconic Kvareli Wine Cave offers a unique experience, with its extensive tunnels providing an ideal environment for wine storage and aging, attracting visitors from around the world.

Anna Alekseyeva

• Nomination: Wine Guide
• Category: Top Guide
• Judge: Florence Cathiard

Anna Alekseyeva’s journey from Kyiv to Verona led to the founding of Vivavino Wine Shop, a family-run enoteca known for its paper-made design and selection of wines from local vineyards. With a background in international wine expertise and dining etiquette, Anna is a certified sommelier and founder of Italy’s first Academy of Wine Etiquette. She shares her passion through consultancy services, training programs, and enogastronomic tours, promoting Italian culture and cuisine in Verona and beyond.

Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory

• Nomination: The Visiting Card of the Country
• Category: Progressive Approach
• Judge: Tim Hanni MW

Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory, established in 1951, represents Tavush and Armenia with its unique brandies, wines, and canned products, embracing new equipment and technologies while preserving the timeless tradition of grape and wine making. Under new ownership since 2005, the factory has expanded its product range, renovated its facilities, and invested in vineyards and expertise, offering tours of its vineyards and cellar for visitors to experience Armenian wines firsthand.

Piemont and Consorzio Asti DOCG

• Nomination: The Visiting Card of the Country
• Category: Region of the year
• Judge: Tim Hanni MW

The land of Asti DOCG, with its noble hills and lush vineyards, is celebrated for its unique terroir, representing a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato are a testament to the enduring relationship between nature and human craftsmanship. Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti, two iconic wines originating from Moscato Bianco grapes, epitomize the region’s winemaking excellence, offering delightful aromas and flavors that capture the essence of Piedmont.

Charitable Gastro Dinners

• Nomination: Enogastronomic Events
• Category: Event of the Year
• Judge: Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki

The Association of Culinary Chefs of Ukraine, along with chefs from several European countries, organizes charity gastro dinners to support Ukraine, raising over $434,198 and essential supplies. These events feature national cuisine dishes with an author’s interpretation, accompanied by auctions offering unique items, like boxing gloves signed by Vitaliy Klitschko and memorabilia from prominent figures. The organizers invite partners to join this noble mission, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine and democracy worldwide.

Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas. The bar. Madrid

• Nomination: The Visiting Card of the Country
• Category: Art & History Object
• Judge: Stéphane Badet

Renowned bartender Javier de las Muelas recreated Dry Martini in Madrid, maintaining its classic martini bar ambiance with brass, crystal, velvet, and leather décor, adorned with artworks from his personal collection. The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, including classics like Dry Martini alongside innovative creations such as the Wasabi Mule and exotic options like the Mezcaltini and Bamboo. Guests can also indulge in a unique experience with cocktails like La pipa and The Fugu, served in an exotic carnivorous plant, paired with a selection of five types of caviar and specially crafted cocktails.

Finally, two nominees — SHUMI Winery and Marinela Ardelean — were awarded by Grand Prix of Wine Travel Awards: for exceptional achievement and dedication in advancing the art of viniculture and crafting unforgettable wine tourism experiences.

However, it is worth remembering that the emphasis is not solely on prizes and accolades. What holds true value is the act of participating and fostering meaningful connections.

Congratulations from the WTA team!

As of May 1st, the main voting phase for the Wine Travel Award 2023–2024 has come to a close. We are excited to unveil the Award winners and offer our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved! Moving forward, our journey continues with the WTA Ceremony in London. It will summarize the results of the 2023–2024 campaign, where […]

Prepare for an exceptional event at the forthcoming Wine Travel Awards Ceremony! Scheduled for May 21st at Olympia, London, immediately following the London Open announcement, the ceremony will commence promptly at 10:30 and conclude at 12:30.  In 2024, the fruitful collaboration between Wine Travel Awards & Drinks+ with the London Wine Fair successfully continues. And […]