Gastronomy and Wine Portal

Together with Coralie Haller, Marianna Sigala co-edited a new book devoted to new managerial approaches and cases in wine tourism – Technology Advances and Innovation in Wine Tourism. It combines theory and practice with research findings of tech advances on wine tourism, enriches knowledge and practice on wine tourism by including case studies related to new tech, […]

The first state visit of King Charles III to France, scheduled for 27 and 28 March, has been postponed to this summer.

This visit is expected in France as a sign of warming relations with Europe after Brexit. As the result of social outcry against pension reform in France, the Élysée decided in the end to cancel the invitation for the sake of the interests and safety of both parties.

We hope that the previously announced program will be implemented later. It was Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Cru Classé de Graves, which was chosen by the monarch.

Invited by Emmanuel Macron, Charles III has decided to include a detour via the Gironde during his official trip. The last visit to Bordeaux of Charles III dates back to May 9, 1977 for the opening of the exhibition “British Painting from Gainsborough to Bacon”. The Prince of Wales then took the opportunity to make a stopover at Château Latour in Pauillac.

This year, the King decided to visit the Smith Haut Lafitte estate, nominated for the Wine Travel Awards. The property of Florence and Daniel Cathiard was chosen for the meeting of the monarch opposite two other castles, which also stood in a row.

“It’s a huge honor for us,” enthuses Florence Cathiard. “Beyond the privilege of receiving the King of England, we receive a historical figure who is one of my icons. I have always appreciated his personality, his commitments, his love of nature. I had briefly had the opportunity to meet him several years ago, through common relations, after his last polo match”.

The first state visit of King Charles III to France, scheduled for 27 and 28 March, has been postponed to this summer. This visit is expected in France as a sign of warming relations with Europe after Brexit. As the result of social outcry against pension reform in France, the Élysée decided in the end to […]

Ukraine, an amazingly beautiful land demonstrating natural and cultural diversity, the land of industrious, open-hearted and talented people, is going through its darkest time now, due to the full-scale russian aggression since February 2022. Despite the war, life goes on here, Ukrainians continue to grow grapes and produce wonderful wines that have already been recognized internationally. Ukrainian people are doing all they can for their Victory, hoping to welcome guests from all over the world very soon.

SHABO Family Winery, founded in 2003, is a family business of the Iukuridze family. The winery has the most up-to-date production facilities, and a Wine Culture Center with bicentennial Swiss cellars, modern art collection, and several tasting halls. SHABO’s own vineyards covering 1200 hectares are located in a unique terroir of Shabo village, Odesa region, between the Black Sea and the Dniester estuary. They have the largest plantations (more than 40 ha) of Telti-Kuruk, a unique Ukrainian indigenous grape variety.

Villa Tinta (Winehall Oksamytne) is a family estate winery founded in 1998, located in the village of Oksamytne, Bolgrad district, Odesa region. Their own 500 hectares of vineyards grow in the unique and picturesque spot of Danubian Bessarabia, washed by the River Karakurt and Lake of Yalpug.

46 Parallel Wine Group is a young and successful winemaking company that has won more than 70 awards in domestic and international tasting competitions, Mondial de Bruxelles, Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada, and London Wine Competition.The company’s slogan is “Proudly Ukrainian!”, and they do have a lot to be proud of!

Beykush is a family winery located in Mykolaiv region. Their vineyards are growing on the Beykush peninsula, washed by the Berezan estuary and Beykush Bay. Their winemakers are well-known for their successful experimenting with blends. Beykush wines have gained the highest awards in domestic and international competitions. Just before the war, Beykush finished the construction of a new winery building, a little masterpiece of contemporary architecture.

Stakhovsky Wines is a craft family winery founded by the Ukrainian tennis legend, Serhiy Stakhovsky, who decided to engage in winemaking in 2015. He rented a plot of 20 hectares in Transcarpathia, one of Ukraine’s most famous wine regions, turning it into one of the most beautiful vineyards in Transcarpathia. The winery has a big tasting hall where tourists can taste elegant and powerful wines by Stakhovsky.

Vitaliy Kovach, the founder of Kovach Sommelier School, is a member of Italian Sommelier Association and one of the most famous sommeliers of Ukraine. His expertise, profound knowledge and passion for wines, as well as his irresistible charisma, contribute to the success of his Sommelier School.

Ukrainian Bessarabia’s Wine and Taste Route, a unique wine and gastronomy region located in the south of Ukraine, has a length of about 800 kilometers and unites 27 participants, including winemakers and farmers. Traveling this route is the best way to get acquainted with the culinary specialties and wines of Bessarabia.

The Black Sea Craft Winemakers’ Association was established in 2021 in order to coordinate and develop Ukrainian winemaking industry, as well as to enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian wines internationally, and to promote the brand of Wines of Ukraine. In times of war, the Association also focuses on helping to rebuild destroyed wineries and on demining the vineyards liberated from russian occupation. Currently, the Association includes 72 wine manufacturers.

Tanya Olevska is a wine and food influencer, blogger, and journalist, member of the Association of Sommeliers of Ukraine, Founder of wine and gastronomic tours “Friends Wine Travel”, founder of blind wines tasting project “Kyiv Wine Cup”, and brand ambassador for the Kyiv-based restaurant “Hlek – Modern Kyiv Cuisine”. Tanya lives in the United Kingdom at the moment, working for the London Wine Fair. But her heart and soul belong to Ukraine, and, of course, to the amazing Ukrainian wines!

Yurii Kovryzhenko is a famous Ukrainian chef, a graduate of many well-know cuisine schools, such as Ecole Ritz Escoffier, Ferrandi Paris, Basque Culinary Center. His unique molecular borsch astounded the Michelin Guide. Yurii is the Ambassador of Ukrainian cuisine worldwide, promoting national gastronomy at official events, international forums and competitions, and cooking for top officials and the political elite.

Ukraine, an amazingly beautiful land demonstrating natural and cultural diversity, the land of industrious, open-hearted and talented people, is going through its darkest time now, due to the full-scale russian aggression since February 2022. Despite the war, life goes on here, Ukrainians continue to grow grapes and produce wonderful wines that have already been recognized […]

Reimagine wine in the most authentic way, pairing age-old traditions with modern winemaking practices in the highlands of Armenia.

Discover the bottled history – Armenia

Nestled between the mountains of the South Caucasus, Armenia is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Armenia has a long history of winemaking traditions. And our spirit of experimentation now drives us forward. That’s what Armenian Winemaking artists do to revive forgotten varieties, to create new wines, and tell new stories. Despite being one of the oldest winemakers in the world, we are dedicated to innovation and creativity, and challenging winemaking traditions to showcase the potential of Armenian indigenous grape varieties.

We devotedly protect our more than 6-millenia-old traditions in viticulture and winemaking. The sound scientific data, the discovery of Areni-1 cave complex, many millennia-old wine-presses, jars and karases (Armenian clay vessels), charred remnants of grape seeds and many other pieces of evidence prove that Armenia has an ancient and rich heritage of winemaking and viticulture. In the case of Areni-1, we can claim that it’s the world’s oldest and most complete wine production facility. And more is still waiting to be discovered.

In the current era of developments, we invite you to experience the renaissance of Armenian wine. After a long-lasting supremacy of brandy production, wine production has been booming in Armenia in the last 10 years. We see the establishment of modern and traditional wineries; local and international interest in investments; the combination of modern technology and historical traditions; enthusiastic and dedicated efforts of young winemakers jointly with their experienced friends.

 Armenia – the sacred land of wine

Steeped in history and tradition that dates back thousands of years, Armenian viticulture has rich unique traits thanks to its history and terroir. Despite the relatively small territory, the country has a very diverse range of natural conditions.

There are several wine routes to take in order to have hands-on experience making wine and tasting the outstanding wines made by local producers. Armenian wines are world-class because of their history and terroir, particularly a very diverse range of natural conditions, volcanic soil, high-altitude vineyards, and indigenous grape varieties, as well as abundance of sunny days.

The climate varies drastically from one region to the next. Summers are generally hot and dry; meanwhile some locations can be humid. Winters are cold and may reach below 0°C. The altitudes are quite high due to the country being essentially a boiling pot of mountains. Thanks to the altitudinal zonation, wine regions host diverse ecosystems. Spanning through 400-1,750 meters above sea level, high-elevation vineyards are among the highest in the northern hemisphere. Another key feature is the soil either of limestone or volcanic origin, which lends definite flavors to the grapes, and eventually gives the wines an incredibly unique taste. All these unique traits combined result in a diverse and special selection of more than 350 grape varieties. And that is why Armenian wines consistently win honors! The Wine Travel Awards are not an exception: 11 Armenian wine projects and initiatives became leaders at the public vote stage, 4 of them were selected as winners by the professional WTA Jury Committee during the first edition.

The quality of Armenia’s top wines today – whether white or red, rosé or bubbly – is frequently stellar. Five regions of Armenia offer favorable conditions for growing grapes and making wines. Each area ensures a distinctive taste of wines based on the location of vineyards and various indigenous and local grape varieties.

Ararat is the sunniest region in Armenia and ensures favorable conditions for growing Mskhali, Milagh, Karmrahyut, and Garan Dmak grape varieties. Here, there are plenty of activities to do: winery visits, bird watching at Khosrov forest state reserve, paragliding and hot air ballooning.

Vayots Dzor region, the birthplace of the Armenian red grape variety – Sev Areni is the gem of local wine-making art. Coming in October, you will have a full eno-gastronomic experience thanks to Areni Wine Fest.

Armavir region ensures the majority of white grape production in Armenia. Here Garan Dmak, Mskhali and Kangun white grape varieties turn into alluring wines for dozens of winemakers and wineries. Haghtanak, on the other hand, is a red grape variety and wines from Haghtanak have a long aging potential, expressed aromas of dark berries and peppery notes. The must-see in the region is the Cathedral and Churches of St. Etchmiadzin that is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. If you come in May, you have a wonderful opportunity to taste delicious Armenian tolma at the Tolma Festival.

Tavush region, the greenest area of Armenia, plays a significant role in wine-making. Banants and Lalvari grape varieties from the Tavush region are a unique addition to the local wine-making.

Aragatsotn region is home to dozens of modern wineries also hosting guests to tour and taste local wine. Here is situated the Wine History Museum of Armenia.

Armenia – your next magnificent enogastronomic destination

First and foremost, what makes Armenia an extraordinary and unique tourism destination is its warm hospitality. Open-hearted Armenians are always ready to dress a table for guests, friends and relatives to turn any and all occasions into a celebration. There are no strangers here – just a family you have not met yet. And tourists can feel this vibe all across Armenia.

The gastronomic culture is very rich in Armenia featuring some of the oldest European dishes and the oldest in the South Caucasus region. A bowl of spas, a creamy soup based on fermented Armenian yogurt, is a delicious starter for your experience. Tolma, grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, Kofta, (Armenian meatballs), and Chi Kofte (Armenian Steak Tartare) and a variety of Armenian cheeses are definitely on the top of the to-taste list. Something else Armenians are remarkably good at preparing is Khorovats (juicy and tender grilled meats) and Basturma (dried spiced meat). Khorovats, a succulent and tender grilled beef, and Basturma (dried spiced meat) are two other dishes that Armenians are very skilled at making. And of course, what would a table be without a glass of Armenian wine?

Wine Street аnd Armenian festival culture

Besides visiting local wineries, you should visit a wine street named after Saryan and wine festivals like the Yerevan Wine Days to try local wine. Each year several central streets in Yerevan host tourists and locals alike with positive emotions, music, colorful lights, and laughter. During these 3 days, more than 35,000 locals and tourists have a chance to taste Armenian wines along with tasty bites. Join the special festival of Yerevan Wine Days on June 2-4, 2023.

Wine and gastro yards in Armenia

Tradition doesn’t make things old, backward or boring. Centuries made us (wine) younger, more vibrant, interesting. The perfect transition between history and modern life. We speak about impressions of happiness, of life in general that transcends time, nationality, location remaining forever relevant, forever human at its heart, and always “young”.

The GastroYards are local households offering enogastronomic experiences as agrotourism initiatives. Engage in the delicious routines of Armenian families by picking grapes, tasting wine, cheese, dried fruits or tea, going hiking, or just singing and dancing in Armenian. You can also take masterclasses with the locals and truly immerse yourself into the local traditional experience. You can bake lavash, make sujukh, learn carpet weaving, or make cross stones just to name a few.

Sharing the common mission to promote Armenia as an enogastronomic tourism destination

Preserving over 6,100-year-old Armenian winemaking traditions, Armenia’s rich culture and historical heritage are nowadays combined with excellent opportunities for development of viticulture and winemaking, climatic conditions, rich diversity of grape varieties, modern technologies and scientific potential, strengthening the basis of sustainable development of the sector.

Photos are provided by the Tourism Committee of Armenia and the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia

Reimagine wine in the most authentic way, pairing age-old traditions with modern winemaking practices in the highlands of Armenia. Discover the bottled history – Armenia Nestled between the mountains of the South Caucasus, Armenia is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Armenia has a long history of winemaking traditions. And our spirit of experimentation […]

Talented desperadoes in the development of the RCS taste innovations have joined the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 community.

Ron Colon’s story started in 2018 with two befriended colleagues, Thurman Wise and Pepijn Janssens. With a combined experience of over 20 years working in the spirits industry, Wise and Janssens spent their time traveling around the world introducing brands to emerging markets. In 2018 this job took them on a 22-day, 16-country barhop across Latin America, and it was during this trip that El Salvador (“Sivar” in slang) – the smallest country in Central America captured their attention. This trip sparked an obsession to create a product that could showcase the honest, rich and colourful “Sivar”.

A story that started with two, very soon became a task-team of six. The unique creative talent of Chris Rehberger and his Berlin-based team at Double Standards managed to visualize the true essence of El Salvador. Andres Trigueros and his family at Jags Heads Coffee gave the privilege to collaborate with one of the most dynamic coffee farms in El Salvador. Felicity Gransden joined to offer her unique talent in flavour innovations, and last but not least, Tobias Jegenstam was brought onto the team to bring his wizz-skills in social media, and so the RCS team was born.

The Ron Colon products

The exclusive Blended Ron Colón Salvadoreño RumRye is created by mixing high quality rum and whiskey in a ratio of 50/50. Showcasing both spirits side-by-side to create a new category, flavour experience and legacy. After RUMRYE the Team moved on to RUMZCAL bridging categories and creating a unique flavour combination aiding bartenders and consumers to new split-base in one bottle. They have brought together the original dark aged rum with an authentic taste of Mexico – Mezcal! RUMZCAL 99 marries a 66 % Ron Colón Dark Aged Rum together with a 33% Mezcal finished at a 99 proof. The Lopez Real distillery, which is a 4th generation family business, processes the Maguay Espadin from Oaxaca.

About Ron Colón Salvadoreño Red Banana Oleo Rum

Bridging worlds has always been the goal of the team; they did it by uniting the finest rum and coffee from El Salvador. Now we’re ready to innovate rum once again. This unique flavored rum was inspired by red banana trees that provide shade for coffee cherries at the Jags Head Coffee Farms in El Salvador. When Ron Colón’s drink ambassador crafted a cocktail with their Dark Aged Rum, banana oleo saccharum, chocolate, and bitters, they set out to replicate the drink. The sweet bananas are somewhere between a plantain and yellow banana, with a touch of berry-like sweetness. While the idea for this expression started during the pandemic, when the Ron Colón team had a virtual drinking session, it wasn’t until their drink ambassador Steph DiCamillo created a cocktail with Ron Colón Salvadoreño Dark Aged Rum, banana oleo saccharum, chocolate, and tiki bitters. This prompted the company to create their own version, the Red Banana Oleo Flavored Rum.

Talented desperadoes in the development of the RCS taste innovations have joined the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 community. Ron Colon’s story started in 2018 with two befriended colleagues, Thurman Wise and Pepijn Janssens. With a combined experience of over 20 years working in the spirits industry, Wise and Janssens spent their time traveling around the […]

We sincerely congratulate the new Wine Travel Awards nominee from Georgia. Askaneli Winery produces its wines on historic lands that are considered to be the cradle of the world winemaking.

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The history of the company began in the small village of Askana in the Guria region, where the winemaker Antimoz Chkhaidze, one of the founding ancestors, was engaged in the production of wine, selling it not only in Georgia, but also abroad. In the cellar, which he built himself, the wine was stored in traditional kvevri, the oldest of which dates back to 1880. Tradition of this beautiful family was revived by brothers Chkhaidze. The founder of the company Gocha Chkhaidze has been working for years to revitalize Georgian viticulture, preserve and recover unique grape varieties. The company owns hundreds of hectars of vineyards, two winemaking facilities in Kakheti and Tbilisi and one fruit distillery in Guria. In addition to producing more than 60 denominations of wine, the company produces aged brandy, chacha and brut. “Askaneli” is one of the largest organizations in Georgia, which is in the top three winemaking company ratings of wine production and vine farming. In addition to activities related to the production of wine, the company makes a significant contribution to the rescue and preservation of the culture of growing indigenous grape varieties and increasing the level of prestige of Georgian winemaking in general.

Askaneli Winery & Distillery: numerous awards and the export vector

The high quality of Askaneli Winery & Distillery products supplied to such countries as China, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Finland, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and others is confirmed by numerous awards received at various international exhibitions. Over the 20 years of its existence, Askaneli has grown from a small family business into one of the most successful wine trading companies in Georgia. Today, AWD has three powerful factories in different parts of Georgia, one of them, the newest one, is in Kakheti, where a 90-room hotel in a futuristic architectural style with a panoramic platform will soon open at the winery, which can be accessed directly from the factory floor. 

The progressive approach to winemaking

A lot has changed in the company and most importantly – the very approach to winemaking, its philosophy. Today Askaneli Winery & Distillery is a smart solutions company. They work thoughtfully, starting with the vines: they lowered the height of the bushes in some areas to get the maximum amount of nutrients from the soil for the plant, carried out a “green harvest” to improve the quality of the grapes, and recently made an experimental planting “meter by meter” – and they are waiting for interesting results. 

They switched to almost full organic. “Someone has to be the first on this path forward,” – Askaneli owner Gocha Chkhaidze talks about the latest decision. Askaneli winemakers have always been known for their perfectionism. If you invite a consultant to set up the process, then Michel Rolland. And today, despite the experience and achievements, the winery uses the services of a group of experienced Liburnian oenologists Oenoteam, working exclusively with Bordeaux chateaus of the first echelon. The task of today is to make elegant premium wines with a Georgian character that will become a new word on the world stage.

Part of the AWD vineyards are still located on the same land where the owner’s great-grandfather grew grapes. But today the company owns vineyards in different zones of the country: in addition to 22 hectares in Guria (where Chkhaveri vines still grow), the largest one in the prestigious Kindzmarauli zone (Kakheti) with an area of 400 hectares. Moreover, over the past 5 years, the area under the vines belonging to Askaneli Winery & Distillery has increased 4 times. And the volume of production increased 10 times, up to 14 million bottles. Totally for today the AWD owns 456 hectares of vineyards.

A new generation of wines of the company has unique qualities, combining the national profile and refined modern style. Among the top autochthonous lines, it is important like to highlight the wines of Gocha’s Collection: Prima (Chardonnay and Rkatsiteli), Muza Qvevri (Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Kisi, Krakhuna and Mtsvivani), as well as Saperavi Reserva.

We sincerely congratulate the new Wine Travel Awards nominee from Georgia. Askaneli Winery produces its wines on historic lands that are considered to be the cradle of the world winemaking. The history of the company began in the small village of Askana in the Guria region, where the winemaker Antimoz Chkhaidze, one of the founding […]

The Wine Travel Awards and the London Wine Fair, our exhibition partner, are continuing the wonderful collaboration in this new upcoming season!

At the end of February, the WTA representative was invited to the London Wine Fair 2023 Launch Party were the Wine Buyers Awards 2023 shortlists were announced.

The Wine Buyers Awards – a competition designed to identify and reward excellence in wine buying, across all sectors. The Awards provide recognition for the UK’s best professional wine buyers across the spectrum of the trade.

The Wine Buyers Awards 2023 have a rigorous evaluation process overseen by Chris Losh, a renowned industry expert who has served as the editor of Imbibe, founded Sommelier Wine Awards, edited Wine International, and been a finalist for the Louis Roederer Feature Writer of the Year. Accompanying him will be a select group of accomplished and seasoned judges from the industry, including former senior group buyers.

Rising Star Category Shortlist – Hatch Mansfield & Dine Out Magazine

• Jake Biggs
• Imogen Bowen-Davies
• Zoltan Kopacsi

Online Category Shortlist – Askaneli Brothers

• Matthew Horsley
• Matt Smith

Independent Merchant Shortlist – The Wine Merchant

• Elizabeth Coombes
• Peter Wood
• Chris Goldman DipWSET
• Phil Innes
• Kasia Konys-Pieszko DipWSET
• Nicolas Rezzouk

On-Trade Category Shortlist – Enotria Winecellars Ltd (T/A Enotria&Coe) The Buyer

• Vincenzo Arnese
• Phill Morgan
• Alexander Pitt
• Alexios Stasinopoulos
• Andrew Chudley
• Freddie Cobb
• Andrew Maidment
• Charlie Young – Vinoteca

Pub Category Shortlist – Pub & Bar Magazine

• Edmund Inkin
• Alistair Morgan
• Roberta Neave

Supermarket/ Multiples Category Shortlist – Felix Solis & The Drinks Business

• Anastasia Duncanson
• Samantha Glanfield

Join for the Wine Buyers Awards ceremony at the London Wine Fair at 1 pm on 16th May.

We would also like to remind that as a part of the London Wine Fair, the WTA team will host a distinctive event in May 2023. The gathering will showcase the WTA nominees, sponsors, and jury members, and include a grand wine tasting. The event is scheduled for Wednesday 17th May from 10 am to 12 pm and will take place in the Industry Briefing Room at Olympia London, LWF.

Interested in joining us as a partner or a sponsor at the event or / and the WTA stand? Please feel free to contact us at partnership@winetravelawards.com.

The Wine Travel Awards and the London Wine Fair, our exhibition partner, are continuing the wonderful collaboration in this new upcoming season! At the end of February, the WTA representative was invited to the London Wine Fair 2023 Launch Party were the Wine Buyers Awards 2023 shortlists were announced. The Wine Buyers Awards – a competition designed to identify and reward excellence […]

Wine Travel Week which is currently running in Porto, Portugal, is a new international event dedicated to the promotion of wine tourism. It’s an interactive and innovative wine tourism event, bringing together professionals and key players from all over the world.

Veronika Busel, WTA representative in Portugal, visiting this event, had a wonderful opportunity to meet up with the Voting Winner of WTA first edition and this year’s nominee in the Top Guide category, Miguel Leal.

His company, ML Private Tours, creates unique travel experiences for wine lovers who are seeking for the best of what Portugal has to offer, particularly in regards to the best wine and gastronomy. Miguel specializes in the famous wine regions located in the north of Portugal, mainly Porto, Douro, Vinho Verde, Dão and Bairrada, but he can also offer premium tours to the neighboring wine regions in Portugal and Spain. We admire our winner and nominee’s professional achievements and wish him to be a great success in this year’s voting. Boa sorte – good luck, Miguel!

Portugal is treating its wine tourism very seriously, considering it as one of the important sectors of the country’s wine industry. The WTA team supports this approach, and is ready and happy to promote the wineries, winemakers and wine professionals of Portugal further on. After all, this is what Wine Travel Awards is about: a good product combined with good marketing!

Wine Travel Week which is currently running in Porto, Portugal, is a new international event dedicated to the promotion of wine tourism. It’s an interactive and innovative wine tourism event, bringing together professionals and key players from all over the world. Veronika Busel, WTA representative in Portugal, visiting this event, had a wonderful opportunity to […]

In the second edition of the Wine Travel Awards, we are very pleased to continue cooperating with the Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti.

This year, Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti will join the WTA special event as The Sponsor of a Welcome Drink in the framework of the London Wine Fair, WTA exhibition partner. The Consortium will provide welcome wine for invited guests of the event – sommeliers, press, buyers as well as prosperous names of businesses and personalities in the wine tourism industry. Our team will present the WTA nominees, sponsors, jury members and will do a grand wine tasting.

Date: Wednesday 17 May, from 10 am to 12 pm

Location: Industry Briefing Room at Olympia London, LWF.

There will also be an opportunity to taste the most famous Italian sparkling wines at the Award’s personal stand at the international exhibition London Wine Fair and feel the unique tastes inherent to the local soils of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti.

Moreover, the WTA community was replenished with 20 absolutely unique nominees – wineries, wine brands, wine routes, personalities and events – who all together create the great story of the Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti.

Their personal stories will be showcased at the WTA Guide Special Edition and in different nominations of the WTA 2022-2023.

To discover more the areas of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti, situated in Piedmont, in the northwest of Italy, only a few kilometers from the foothills of the Alps, the shores of the Mediterranean and the flatlands of the Po valley, you are more than welcome to get familiar with their actors: Torelli, 1st italian BIO with Moscato d’Asti wine, Teresa Soria, one of the few, if not the only one, that produces Moscato d’Asti Vendemmia Tardiva, Michele Chiarlo, Marenco (since 1925), Mongioia, producing Moscato d’Asti in Anfora, Matteo Soria, Cuvage, the best aromatic sparkling wine in the world, Casa Gancia, the first Italian sparkling wine, Martini & Rossi, 150 years of Aperitivo history, Arione, the only one that produce Extra Dry version BIO (organic), Giorgio Facchinetti, the king of mixology with ASTI DOCG cocktails, Daniele Eberle, agronomist and enologist dedicated to Asti DOCG, Accademia Maestri Pasticceri Italiani, sweet and savory creations, perfect union with Asti wines, Cinzia Benzi “Bollicine nel mondo” a project and the first app dedicated to the sparkling universe, Federico Quaranta and Tinto, italian radio program called “Decanter”, TrEno LMR, running via the vineyards of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero, the UNESCO heritage, located in Lower Piedmont, Canelli and the Underground Cathedrals (under Contratto, Bosca, Coppo, Gancia wineries), Relais Villa Prato, heritage villa in the heart of Monferrato, Ristorante Madonna della Neve (since 1957), Moscato Wine Route, 19 km Mango – Camo – Mango ring trail.

In the second edition of the Wine Travel Awards, we are very pleased to continue cooperating with the Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti. This year, Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti will join the WTA special event as The Sponsor of a Welcome Drink in the framework of the London Wine Fair, WTA exhibition partner. The Consortium will provide welcome […]

The Wine Travel Awards is delighted to introduce the brand ambassador of the Consortium of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti DOCG – Giorgio Facchinetti – to our readers.

Spring is the time for changes, the time for experiments and new cocktails on the base of the star Italian sparkling wine. The modern and attractive face of the famous Consortium of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti DOCG brand, Giorgio Facchinetti, is nominated for the Ambassador of the Year category, the Ambassador nomination,  at the Wine Travel Awards.

“My goal is to position Piedmont bubbles in the world of mixology, to give life to original and innovative creations,” says Giorgio about co-authorship with Asti.

Giorgio Facchinetti opens the most creative nuances of Asti DOCG that are exalted in surprising cocktails perfect for every occasion.

The versatility and natural characteristics of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti are presented at the new and contemporary drinks made by Asti’s talented barman. In his professional hands, the Piedmont’s bubblies adored worldwide become the perfect ingredients for new and sophisticated mixes.

The WTA is inviting to get nominated for the Ambassador nomination and try to win the Gérard Basset Prize “Ambassador of the Year” (1,000 euros or an educational course in the equivalent).

You can vote for Giorgio Facchinetti at the public voting stage of the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 which starts on March 1.

The registration deadline is approaching: nominees have an opportunity to register by midnight on 27 February.

Become part of the WTA community, start using all the award’s marketing tools and get up to 50% off any WTA event throughout the year!

This year, the Consorzio Asti DOCG will join the WTA special event as The Sponsor of a Welcome Drink in the framework of the London Wine Fair, WTA exhibition partner. See you on Wednesday 17 May, from 10 am to 12 pm. Location: Industry Briefing Room at Olympia London, LWF.

The Wine Travel Awards is delighted to introduce the brand ambassador of the Consortium of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti DOCG – Giorgio Facchinetti – to our readers. Spring is the time for changes, the time for experiments and new cocktails on the base of the star Italian sparkling wine. The modern and attractive face […]