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Last week, the General Assembly of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) formally adopted OIV-VITI Resolution 703-2024 “OIV Definitions and Recommendations on Old Vines and Old Vineyards in the Viticulture Sector”. Among the main initiatives are named: “Conference on old vines”, “Project on old vines”, “Register of old vines” and the Italian “Censimento Vecchie Vigne”. Details about the resolution and one of its initiatives – the “Register of old vines” were written on the website of Alder Yarrow, Wine Travel Awards nominee in Wine & Food Influencer/Expert Opinion and Author of the Year.

“As the person behind the current incarnation of The Old Vine Registry, I am extremely proud that this project will help raise awareness of old vines and their value in the wine industry,” says Alder Yarrow, american wine and restaurant blogger, the publisher of Vinography, one of the most highly rated wine blogs.

The adopted resolution was the result of a long discussion among OIV experts in the Viticulture Commission and was based on specific official consultations among OIV member states. We will remind that on November 4, 2022, at the OIV General Assembly in Mexico, the restoration of Ukraine’s membership in this authoritative international organization was officially announced.

Therefore, the OIV delegation agreed and adopted:

• An old grapevine is a single plant officially documented to be 35 years or older regardless of any other factors. In the case of grafted plants, the graft connection between rootstock and scion should have been undisturbed for at least 35 years;
• An old vineyard is a block of vineyard terrain, continuous and legally delimited, where at least 85% of the grapevines correspond to the previous definition.

The OIV has given a number of reasons why such a definition makes sense for the industry as a whole. These include:

• The environmental, social, and economic benefits of old grapevines and vineyards – especially concerning heritage, cultural, image and oenotourism aspects in meeting the sustainability objectives of the vitivinicultural sector;
• The heritage value of old grapevines and vineyards is important for the vitivinicultural sector, and they deserve recognition and protection for their study in terms of their genetic diversity, agronomic capacities, quality, sustainability, and traceability objectives;
• That a definition of old grapevines and old vineyards may be useful for the vitivinicultural sector in recognizing the value of products they deliver and enhancing communication about vineyards’ longevity;
• The relationship between old grapevines and the potential qualitative values of products resulting from them;
• That the definitions of old grapevine and old vineyard are useful not only as a supplementary tool to protect viticultural heritage territorial or to highlight current condition of vineyards but also to promote the plantation of new vineyards for the long term (i.e., planting vineyards to grow old);
• That the concept of old grapevine could become closely associated with a balanced interaction between root development, plant vigor, and impacts on wine quality, being necessary to clearly identify and quantify the characteristics, in addition to chronological age, that are associated with a grapevine considered to be old.

These key factors led to the creation of The Old Vine Registry.

Alder Yarrow’s website states that the main aim of the Register is to have a database of 10,000 vineyards by 2027 and to do this he wants to recruit volunteers, “we need more volunteer vineyard hunters who are willing to do some research to get more vineyards into the Register”.

Alder Yarrow asks anyone interested in helping with the research/finding/compiling of vineyard databases to contact him personally at oldvineregistry at gmail.com.

The Old Vine Registry also needs financial support. “The Old Vine Registry was created with a generous initial grant from Jackson Family Wines, but we need ongoing funding to make it happen. Today, it is important for us to improve the functionality of the website: expanding the search function; integration of vineyard maps; creation of a database of photographs of vineyards, etc. If you or someone you know is interested in contributing to the world’s largest and most authoritative database of old vineyards, please contact us,” writes Alder Yarrow.

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Source: vinography.com

Last week, the General Assembly of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) formally adopted OIV-VITI Resolution 703-2024 “OIV Definitions and Recommendations on Old Vines and Old Vineyards in the Viticulture Sector”. Among the main initiatives are named: “Conference on old vines”, “Project on old vines”, “Register of old vines” and the Italian “Censimento […]

The 2024 grape harvesting and processing season is over. Winemakers worldwide are summarizing the outcomes, often with mixed feelings: in many regions, spring was too late, summer and early autumn too cold and rainy, or excessively hot and dry, affecting both the volume and quality of the vintage. What was the 2024 season like for Ukrainian winemaking, and how did climatic and other challenges impact it? Victoria Makarova spoke with winemakers and winery owners from various corners of Ukraine to piece the story together.

Zakarpattia

Hennadiy Vachilya, Director of Viticulture at Chateau Chizay, shares: “This season in Zakarpattia was both a challenge and a success. We experienced a warm but humid spring, leading to hazards of grape diseases. This was followed by an extremely hot summer, with temperatures reaching 40°C, and the start of autumn remained unusually warm, up to 35°C. As a result, most grape varieties achieved very high sugar levels, with other conditions, such as acidity, showing good results.”

Due to the heat, viticultural procedures were carried out at night, starting after sunset and finishing by dawn. The harvesting began 2-3 weeks earlier than usual due to the accumulated heat. “The rapid vegetation growth required intense care and mobilization of all available resources,” explains Vachilya.

Despite the challenges, the season was exciting, and the harvest quality was excellent, with many varieties showing potential for long-ageing wines. Vachilya predicts 2024 could be considered a vintage year for high-quality wines.

Gennadiy Gutman, founder and owner of Chateau Chizay, reported a significant reduction in harvest volume for 2024 compared to 2023: “This season, we collected almost 25% less yield by volume than last year (1,050 tons versus 1,421 tons in 2023). However, the grape quality is exceptionally high. The weather allowed the grapes to ripen very well, with sugar levels being among the highest in recent years. I believe this season can be compared to the very successful 2017 and 2018, when we produced wines that are now considered collectible.”

The hot summer and warm autumn significantly influenced the timing of the harvest but also positively impacted the quality of the grapes. “Czersegi and Blaufränkisch performed exceptionally well. We conducted an early harvesting for sparkling wines, and the conditions were excellent,” says Gennadiy Gutman. “For the first time, we also carried out an early harvest of Pinot Noir, and it’s very promising. We’re keeping our plans for this wine under wraps for now and are eagerly awaiting the results.” According to the owner of Chateau Chizay, this year Traminer Rosé performed exceptionally well, achieving a sugar level of 26%. The winery plans to use it for a new vintage of their signature dessert wine, “Trojanda Karpat.” Red varieties also showed great potential. “The 2024 Pinot Noir is simply stunning,” shares Hennadiy Gutman. “During the harvest, some of the berries were already sun-dried, promising exceptionally high-quality wine with aging potential.” For the Pinot Noir harvest, the winery’s entire office team joined in to assist the vinergrowers. The last variety harvested this season was Cabernet Sauvignon. Although rains delayed the process, particularly on the slopes of the Mala Hora area (where tractors couldn’t access the vineyards due to muddy conditions), the grapes were ultimately harvested at peak ripeness, showing excellent promise according to Gennadiy Gutman.

Beyond the climate-specific challenges of individual regions, there are broader issues affecting nearly all businesses in Ukraine, and winemaking is no exception. Among the most widespread challenges are the steep rise in costs for essential materials, such as fuel and vineyard care products, and a labor shortage. Despite these difficulties, Zakarpattia offers reasons for optimism.

“The season was a bit nerve-wracking, but the result was worth it. Quality Ukrainian wine from Zakarpattia is here to stay! Good things are ahead!” assures Gennadiy Gutman.

Photo: Serhiy Hudak for Chateau Chizay

Odesa Region

Giorgi Iukuridze, co-founder of SHABO winery, shares that the 2024 season was challenging but very interesting.

Throughout the winter and spring, until late May, there were continuous rains, but summer turned out to be exceptionally sunny and hot. As a result, the grape harvest began earlier than usual, with almost all grapes collected by September 10.

“We have definitely felt the impact of climate change over the past five years,” comments Giorgi. “In our terroir, many grape varieties have started ripening almost simultaneously. This has halved the duration of the harvest season, requiring us to work twice as intensively during the harvest.”

Considering the specific weather conditions this year, SHABO harvested 3,000 tons of grapes — significantly less than in 2023, when they gathered 4,800 tons. Despite the lower yield, the winery owners are pleased with the outcome.

“The 2024 vintage is of exceptionally high quality, and we hope this will be a ‘great’ year,” says Iukuridze. “By the way, 2022 and 2023 also gave us excellent, high-quality vintages. It seems God is on our side.”

However, Giorgi Iukuridze sees the biggest challenge for SHABO not in climate change but in the shortage of labor and highly skilled specialists. According to him, this issue has been ongoing for several years and is not solely related to the war. Addressing this problem remains a key task for the winery’s owners moving forward.

Photo: SHABO winery

Southern Bessarabia

The 2024 season in this part of Odesa region was also challenging. “This year was extremely hot, and we started the harvesting almost 20 days earlier than planned — on August 12. Everything ripened almost simultaneously, and we had to prioritize our tasks. We picked the Pinot Gris just on time, with sugar levels already reaching their limits,” shares Kostyantyn Tintulov, co-owner of Villa Tinta winery.

According to his estimates, this year’s harvest volume is nearly 1.5 times lower than last year. Combined with other challenges such as increased tax burdens and labor shortages, this will raise the production cost of wine. However, the quality of this vintage is significantly higher than in 2023, aligning with the general trend.

Additionally, Villa Tinta is undergoing certain technological changes. “We have engaged consultants to improve preservation and enhance the quality of our wines. For example, our 2024 vintage white wines now have better preservation due to the use of sur lie technology (aging wine on yeast lees remaining after fermentation). We aim to create more complex, sophisticated, and stable white wines this year, with an excellent structure while maintaining freshness and a strong reflection of the terroir,” Kostyantyn shares his expectations.

Villa Tinta is renowned for its Odesa Black – a flagship Ukrainian red variety, which is also well-known beyond Ukraine.

This year, the harvest of Odesa Black at Villa Tinta amounted to 120 tons – almost three times less than in 2023. As for the quality of this variety’s harvest, 2024 is considered a success: “The grapes were picked on time and in excellent condition – sugar, tannins, and acidity are in perfect balance. The alcohol level is expected to be slightly lower than usual – we’ll see what is happening after fermentation is complete,” summarizes Kostyantyn Tintulov.

Photo: Villa Tinta – Vinhol Oksamitne

Mykolaiv region

Mykolaiv region, located in southern Ukraine on the Black Sea coast, experienced a challenging 2024 growing season due to unexpected spring frosts during the active vegetation period. These frosts caused significant damage, with many berries already formed on the clusters failing to survive. Svitlana Tsybak, CEO of Beykush Winery, noted that this year’s harvest is 15% smaller than in 2023 (when approximately 98 tons were harvested). The spring frosts had a more pronounced effect on red grape varieties than white ones, largely due to the location of the vineyards.

Yet the 2024 harvest in the Mykolaiv region has showcased exceptional quality, thanks to the very hot and sunny summer that allowed the grapes to ripen to ideal conditions. Svitlana observed that their wines, typically known for their high acidity, will have a slightly softer acidity this year, which she believes might appeal to consumers.

The harvest season, which typically lasts about two months — from late August to mid-October — was unusually short this year in the Mykolaiv region. At Beykush, all 17 grape varieties ripened almost simultaneously, allowing the entire harvest to be completed in just one month.

“Overall, I can say that despite all the challenges, we are satisfied with the quality of the 2024 vintage. Now it is up to our winemaking experts to make it work perfectly. We are expecting some very interesting blends from the 2024 vintage,” summarized Svitlana Tsybak, the director of Beykush Winery.

Photo: Arsen Fedosenko for Beykush Winery

Ternopil region

“Ternopil region’s 2024 harvest was perfect!!!” This enthusiastic response, complete with three exclamation points, came from Oksana Buyachok, co-owner of the craft winery Father’s Wine, when asked about the season.

For the winemakers and vinegrowers of the region, this year was just as challenging and interesting as it was for the rest of Ukraine, characterized by intense summer heat and an unusually early harvest. For instance, in 2024 Father’s Wine began harvesting on August 26, much earlier than in previous years.“This summer was very hot for us, as well as for most of our colleagues, but we had better rainfall than they did in the south,” Oksana commented. “There were minor diseases in the vineyards, but we managed to overcome them. In the end, we achieved ideal conditions across all varieties and are expecting excellent wines from this vintage!”

Regarding production volumes for 2024, Father’s Wine is maintaining the same levels as last year, with an estimated release of 55,000 bottles.

Photo: Father’s Wine

Kyiv Region

The craft winery Biologist operates vineyards near Kyiv, in the villages of Lisnyky and Bezradichy, as well as in Odesa region. According to co-owner and winemaker Ihor Petrenko, 2024 was a challenging year. “The main problem was the abnormal heat in July, which caused the harvest to start two weeks earlier than expected, leaving us unprepared,” Ihor explained. Another significant challenge was the simultaneous ripening of white and red grape varieties, particularly in Odesa region. In Ihor’s opinion, Odesa has become too hot for growing white grape varieties, which are unable to develop the desired acidity. As a result, Biologist may stop cultivating these varieties in the region in the future. Labor shortages, especially in southern Ukraine, further exacerbated the situation. The simultaneous ripening of white and red varieties meant they couldn’t harvest the Pinot Noir on time, leading to slight overripening.

Unlike the challenges in Odesa, the vineyards near Kyiv are thriving. The owners of Biologist plan to continue expanding their “land bank,” planting about half a hectare of new vineyards annually. The planting density is rather high — approximately 10,000 vines per hectare — due to the growing cost of land in the Kyiv region. Both viticulture and grape harvesting are done manually.

This year, the Biologist team processed over 65 tons of grapes, an 80% increase compared to the previous year. Winemaker Ihor Petrenko noted that increasing wine production is a strategic priority for the winery, as they are actively expanding their export.

In conclusion, the best thing to say would be that the strength, talent, hard work, and remarkable resilience of Ukrainian winemakers are truly impressive. Where others might see setbacks and challenges, Ukrainian vintners find new opportunities. Giving up or surrendering to difficulties is simply not an option for them. We are incredibly proud of them — passionate artists of wine who continue to revive and create winemaking traditions, shaping and developing Ukraine’s wine culture, and writing its modern wine history.

Photo: Biologist

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The 2024 grape harvesting and processing season is over. Winemakers worldwide are summarizing the outcomes, often with mixed feelings: in many regions, spring was too late, summer and early autumn too cold and rainy, or excessively hot and dry, affecting both the volume and quality of the vintage. What was the 2024 season like for Ukrainian […]

Respected wine critic, writer and nominee and winner of the Wine Travel Awards public vote in the Wine & Food Influencer/Expert opinion category – Tomasz Prange-Barczyński has recently published a book about unusual food and wine pairings on European routes.

Tomasz Prange-Barczyński is a journalist and wine critic who has been dealing with the topic of wine for a quarter of a century. He is the editor-in-chief of Ferment and the initiator, founder and editor-in-chief for many years of the bimonthly Magazyn Wino, which popularizes the culture of wine consumption in Poland. Mr. Tomas is also the author of the PIN do wina radio show and a translator of books on wine and judges famous international wine competitions. In 2023, in Krakow, during the ENOEXPO exhibition, where the presentation of wines and spirits of the Wine Travel Awards community participants took place, Mr. Tomasz presented the study “The present and the future of the Polish wine market. The best wine tourism places in Poland”. Mr. Tomasz is also a member of the talented and professional team of organizers of the Warsaw Wine Experience. At the 2023 exhibition in Warsaw, where Wine Travel Awards was the information partner of the event, Prange-Barczyński held a seminar “German Riesling and terroir” and presented an overview of the most famous Georgian wines.

“Riesling and tapas. About unusual combinations of food and wine on the routes of Europe” is not a cookbook, it is a journey with a story about the delights that the author felt in wineries, restaurants, taverns and bars during his travels. In his new work, Tomasz Prange-Barczyński outlines the varieties of wines with suggestions of the best culinary compositions.

The author takes the reader to different wine-producing countries. Tomasz Prange-Barczyński not only talks with enthusiasm about the tastes of different types of alcohol, but also about their combination with the peculiarities of local cuisines, which he tried: about the best sylvaners with asparagus, Venetian cicchetti with prosecco, a combination of baked octopus with pettanot and much more interesting and very tasty things. But wine and accompanying dishes are only part of this story, the book is filled with meetings with people, stories of places and local traditions. This book will not only awaken your hunger and thirst, but also inspire you to travel. In “Riesling and tapas. About unusual combinations of food and wine on the routes of Europe” included stories about Mr. Tomasz`s 24 wine and culinary travels.

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Photos: facebook.com/tomasz.prangebarczynski, lubimyczytac.pl, edugaleria.pl, spirits.com.pl

Respected wine critic, writer and nominee and winner of the Wine Travel Awards public vote in the Wine & Food Influencer/Expert opinion category – Tomasz Prange-Barczyński has recently published a book about unusual food and wine pairings on European routes. Tomasz Prange-Barczyński is a journalist and wine critic who has been dealing with the topic […]

The professional exhibition of wines and alcoholic beverages, Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024, took place in Kyiv at the end of October. The communication media group Drinks+ was the international information partner of the event.

This year, Wine&Spirits Ukraine was held alongside World Food Ukraine. According to the organizers’ estimates, over three days, more than 4,000 guests attended both events, with at least a third of them being professionals from the wine and alcohol industry.

“The main criterion for the exhibition’s success for me is the feedback from guests and participants, and this time it was very positive; the results exceeded our expectations!” comments the organizer of Wine&Spirits Ukraine, Victoria Agromakova. “Our most important task is to create a platform for effective communication between producers and buyers, finding new business partners, expanding the assortment for HoReCa and retail establishments, and promoting the development of Ukrainian winemaking and alcohol production. Based on the feedback, our team successfully achieved this goal.”

As part of Wine&Spirits Ukraine, an event by Wine Travel Awards was held – “A Holistic Approach: Paradoxes of Ukraine’s Import and Export,” where invited experts Robert Joseph and Richard Bampfield, both members of the WTA 2024-2025 jury, discussed global trends in the wine industry, the profitable connection between wine and tourism, and various advantages in different markets. After the exciting presentation by the well-known speakers, a tasting session was held, showcasing the best samples of drinks from the award community: wines from K’avshiri and Tenuta Manoylo, as well as vibrant liqueurs from Honey Badger. Additionally, all exhibition participants were treated to a surprise from the Drinks+ media group – at the media group’s stand and during the event, visitors had the opportunity to get acquainted with and receive the latest issue of the Drinks+ magazine.

Among the visitors to Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024, the number of representatives from regional retail and regional HoReCa from various parts of Ukraine significantly increased, which, according to the organizers, is a sign of very positive business processes. Interest in Ukrainian wines and other alcoholic products created by domestic producers has also been growing each year. This was confirmed by the Wine&Spirits Restaurant & Retail Awards for the best assortment of Ukrainian wines and spirits in retail and the restaurant sector, which took place as part of the exhibition.

Wine&Spirits Restaurant & Retail Awards 2024

This year, 30 applications were submitted for the award, and the esteemed jury selected 13 winners in various categories:

• Best Assortment of Ukrainian Wines and Alcohol in Retail:
  • Independent Retail
    Wine store “Vynny Krai” (Zhytomyr)
    Store “Vynolovy” (Lviv)
  • Specialized Retail
    Gastro-wine market chain “Winetime”
  • Regional Retail
    Hypermarket chain “TAM TAM” (Lutsk)
  • National Retail
    Supermarket chain Silpo
  • E-Commerce
    Everyday items market MAUDAU
• Best Assortment of Spirits:
  • ROZETKA
  • MAUDAU
• Best Selection of Ukrainian Wines and Spirits in Wine Lists:
  • Wine Bars
    Wine Bar “Artania” (Kyiv)
    Wine Bar ZWIN (Lviv)
  • Best Selection by Glass
    Wine Bar “Artania” (Kyiv)
  • Restaurants
    Restaurant MAREVO (Lviv)
  • Best Selection by Glass
    Restaurant MAREVO (Lviv)

“Both the geography of the applicants and the level of the assortment and wine lists presented impressed all the jury members,” says Victoria Agromakova. “Most participants work not only with well-known large producers but also with the most relevant and interesting Ukrainian craft. A lot of attention is paid by professionals in the wine and alcohol market to regional producers, but they also strive to create a representative picture of Ukrainian winemaking and the traditions of producing liqueurs, tinctures, whiskey, gin, vodka, and other alcoholic beverages. Once again, we are convinced: we have much to be proud of!”

Beer and Ciders at Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024

This year, a special section for beer and ciders was created at the exhibition, where around 10 participants from various parts of Ukraine presented their products. The segment of these beverages in Ukraine is rapidly developing, and the quality and variety of products from domestic producers continue to grow, so the organizers hope to expand this direction in future exhibitions.

News from Ukrainian Importers

New additions to the assortment were presented by import companies at Wine&Spirits Ukraine. Ukrainian imports have adapted to the current challenging conditions and continue to introduce domestic wine and spirits enthusiasts to the best global products. What has changed in the approach to forming import portfolios, and what challenges are importers facing? Vadym Gurov, head of the wine and spirits department at the WINETIME chain – winner of the Wine&Spirits Restaurant & Retail Awards 2024 – shared his thoughts on this issue: “The import structure has a clear trend toward more budget-friendly options, due to rising prices amid inflation and a significant increase in foreign currency exchange rates. As the cost of imported goods increases rapidly while income levels remain relatively unchanged, consumers are seeking more affordable products.”

Does the Expansion of Ukrainian Wines and Spirits Affect Import Volumes?

“With each year, demand for Ukrainian products grows, and this is a positive trend,” Vadym believes. “Today, Ukrainian production is supported by all industry professionals, whereas about 10 years ago, it was only the prerogative of a few enthusiasts. As for the sale of imported alcohol in Ukraine, it is unlikely that volumes will significantly decrease in the coming years. The main factor here is the price of imports, which is often more competitive compared to Ukrainian products. Nevertheless, based on WINETIME’s experience, I have to say that consumers are now willing to pay more for Ukrainian wine.”

International Contracts

Among the guests of Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024 were importers from Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, and Estonia, as well as a delegation of buyers from Norway, who signed several contracts with Ukrainian producers during the exhibition. The recognition of Ukrainian wines abroad and demand for them is steadily growing – especially in the Nordic markets. The arrival of such a large number of importers in Kyiv, despite the martial law situation, indicates that European consumers are eager to see our wines on the shelves of their stores.

Ukraine Wine&Spirits Awards Competition: Experience and Prospects

As part of the exhibition, the Ukraine Wine&Spirits Awards 2024 tasting competition took place. This year, it gathered 225 wines, ciders, tinctures, and other alcoholic beverages from all over Ukraine and abroad. A total of 204 samples were awarded prizes.

According to the feedback from the esteemed jury, in the past two years, not only the quantity but also the quality of the wines and alcoholic drinks participating in the competition has increased – especially regarding Ukrainian products. “Considering this experience and the dynamics of development, we plan to elevate the competition to a new, larger scale. From now on, this event will take place once a year, separately from the Wine&Spirits exhibition,” shares her plans Victoria Agromakova.

So, we are looking forward to the next Ukraine Wine&Spirits Awards competition in April 2025. The Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2025 exhibition will be held on October 28-30, 2025, at the Kyiv International Exhibition Center.

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The professional exhibition of wines and alcoholic beverages, Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2024, took place in Kyiv at the end of October. The communication media group Drinks+ was the international information partner of the event. This year, Wine&Spirits Ukraine was held alongside World Food Ukraine. According to the organizers’ estimates, over three days, more than 4,000 guests […]

In 2025, Vinexposium begins a new chapter in its history with Wine Paris-2025, which will take place on February 10-12.

2024 was a landmark year for Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris (as the exhibition was then called), the flagship international event of the wine and spirits industry surpassed all its previous achievements and confirmed its reputation as the epicenter for business and all industry stakeholders, gathering a record number of exhibitors (4,070 from 48 countries, +53% international participants compared to last year’s exhibition) and visitors (41,253 from 139 countries, +30% key buyers compared to last year’s event). The opening of the sixth Wine Paris is just over three months away, which means that organizers and exhibitors alike are gearing up and looking forward to this exciting event.

In 2024, Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards continued fruitful and active cooperation with Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris – the exhibition became a nominee of Wine Travel Awards in Enogastronomic Events / Event of the Year. As part of the partnership, the Wine Travel Awards Guide 2022-2023 was distributed at the event – a unique printed and digital catalog that unites members of the WTA community. In the summer of 2024, Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris announced a name change. Now the exhibition is called Wine Paris.

Involvement in the 2025 exhibition has already been confirmed by participants from various continents, including Henkell Freixenet, Gérard Bertrand, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Australian Wine, Uruguay Wine, Les Grands Chais de France, Jackson Family Wines.

Wine Paris is an opportunity to meet your partners and interact with potential French and international customers in Paris. Participation in the exhibition maximizes the chances to improve the brand and product recognition.

Over the years, the international appeal of the event is growing and Wine Paris-2025 will present even more offers, with a variety of origins, products, opportunities and content. The program of master classes, conferences, tastings, panels and battles will also be powerful. The Vinexpo Academy program will take you on an educational journey where you will learn about the trends, tastes and views that make up the world of wine and spirits.

The wide range of products and industry players represented in Paris, from small wineries to major international brands, is the essence of this inclusive event that covers all areas of the industry.

“Since 2020, the international reach of Wine Paris has become one of the pillars of its development. The exhibition lives up to its promises and confirms its role as a must-see event. Our duty is to support the industry in times of global challenges, namely geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, changing consumer patterns,” says Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.

More information on the official website.

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In 2025, Vinexposium begins a new chapter in its history with Wine Paris-2025, which will take place on February 10-12. 2024 was a landmark year for Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris (as the exhibition was then called), the flagship international event of the wine and spirits industry surpassed all its previous achievements and confirmed its […]

The Wine Travel Awards (WTA) invites wine tourism professionals to become part of its vibrant community for the 2024-2025 campaign.

By joining, you’ll gain access to a robust, 1.5-year global marketing campaign designed to elevate your visibility and connect you with an international audience of peers and enthusiasts. This marketing campaign includes representation at exhibitions, in media, and at events across various markets. Building on past successes, WTA continues to expand, uniting members from over 44 countries and celebrating contributions from both established brands and emerging names in the industry. This year, we plan to broaden our geographical reach, and we are already welcoming new nominees from diverse parts of the world – from Thailand to the Nordic countries, where winemaking is just beginning to develop.

Our esteemed panel has included industry luminaries such as Robert Joseph (UK), Felicity Carter (Australia), Per Karlsson (Sweden), Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki (Germany), Stephane Badet (France), Yang Shen (New Zealand), Paul Wagner (USA), Richard Bampfield MW (UK), Paul Robert Blom (Netherlands), Matthew Horkey (USA), Marinela Ardelean (Romania), and Filippo Magnani (Italy).

Previous campaigns have set high standards, forming partnerships with renowned wine labels like Asti DOCG, and spotlighting participants at major industry events such as ProWein, Wine Paris, Vinitaly and the London Wine Fair, alongside multiple local market activations. This year’s awards structure includes six distinct categories to honor the diverse talents within the wine tourism industry:

Business-Focused Categories:

• The Visiting Card of the Country
• Enogastronomic Events
• Education in Enotourism
• Wine Guide ¹

¹ Note: The ‘Wine Guide’ category is positioned under Business-Focused Categories because it welcomes both businesses, such as travel operators and wine tourism providers, as well as individual guides, reflecting its broad scope within the industry.

Personality-Focused Categories:

• Wine and Food Influencer
• Wine Ambassador

These categories cover a broad range of contributions, celebrating both businesses and individuals, and are crafted to recognize innovative leaders aligned with emerging trends in wine tourism. The WTA platform highlights influential personalities and brands, enhancing the global wine community’s rich and diverse tapestry. By participating in the Wine Travel Awards 2024-2025, you’ll broaden your global reach, boost your brand, and connect with a network dedicated to advancing excellence and innovation in wine tourism, as well as supporting the promotion, export, and distribution of wines and spirits.

Early Bird Registration Benefits

Early Bird Registration is open until December 31, 2024, and offers exclusive advantages:

• Reduced fees for an extended, high-impact marketing campaign¹
• An early promotional boost for maximum visibility
• Priority access to updates and WTA community events for networking and collaboration

¹ Note: The registration fee for one category is 380 euros. If you confirm two categories in the package, the cost of the second one will be 285 euros (-25%). Applying for three categories in a package, the third one costs 190 euros (-50%).

This is a unique opportunity for wine tourism professionals to leverage WTA’s expansive network and resources. Join the WTA community and embark on a journey that celebrates and elevates the global wine tourism industry.

Register now to take advantage of the Early Bird Registration benefits and begin your journey with the WTA, where wine and travel meet excellence.

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The Wine Travel Awards (WTA) invites wine tourism professionals to become part of its vibrant community for the 2024-2025 campaign. By joining, you’ll gain access to a robust, 1.5-year global marketing campaign designed to elevate your visibility and connect you with an international audience of peers and enthusiasts. This marketing campaign includes representation at exhibitions, in media, […]

Immerse yourself in the sensory exploration of the world of wine and spirits at the WTA signature event “Holistic Insights: Paradoxes in Ukraine’s Import & Export,” featuring a showcase of the Wine Travel Awards community’s finest wines. Scheduled for October 30th from 15:00 to 17:00 Ukrainian time at the Wine and Spirits Ukraine Fair, this event is a must-attend for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Delve into a diverse and exquisite collection of wines during a walk-around tasting, where attendees will have the opportunity to taste and discuss standout offerings from both Ukrainian and international vintners. Notably, the creations of Robert Joseph and Vladimer Kublashvili, including their 2022 K’avshiri White and 2022 K’avshiri Red wines, demonstrate a harmonious blend of ancient winemaking traditions and modern techniques from the vineyards of Kakheti and Imereti, exemplifying the innovation at the core of today’s wine production.

Also featured will be the distinguished Tenuta Manoylo, presenting several of their acclaimed wines: the Passerina (2021 Tenuta Manoylo, Passo del Borgo, Marche IGT Passerina), the award-winning Pecorino (2021 Tenuta Manoylo, Passo del Borgo, Marche DOC Falerio, Pecorino), and the robust Rosso Piceno (2022 Tenuta Manoylo, Passo del Borgo, Rosso Piceno DOC). Their Pecorino 2022 Falerio DOC, a Silver Medal winner at the 27th Japan Wine Challenge 2024, is particularly highlighted for its exceptional quality that continues to elevate the Marche region as a prime destination for wine tourism.

Furthermore, the event will feature unique spirits from Honey Badger, including Nalyvka Blackcurrant, Nalyvka Cherry, and Nalyvka Cornelian Cherry, offering a taste of traditional fruit-infused spirits that are rich in flavor and heritage.

While the tasting is a significant part of our event, the heart of it lies in the insights shared by our invited experts: Robert Joseph and Richard Bampfield. They will discuss evolving global wine trends, the profitable nexus between wine and tourism, and varying preferences across different markets. These discussions will provide a deeper understanding of the current dynamics in the wine industry and offer foresight into its future directions.

Additionally, guests of the event will also hear from top leaders in the Ukrainian wine industry about their experiences, presenting case studies that showcase the resilience and innovation of Ukrainian wine businesses despite challenges and obstacles, highlighting Ukraine’s growing recognition in the international wine community and the opportunities ahead.

This bilingual event, conducted in both English and Ukrainian, is also accessible via Zoom.

This gathering promises to not only enhance your palate but also expand your knowledge of the wine industry’s rich and varied landscape. Join us for a day of exploration and discovery, celebrating the passion, tradition, and innovation that define the vibrant world of wine.

⇒ Join our social networks ⇒ Optimistic D+ editors will take this as a compliment.

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Immerse yourself in the sensory exploration of the world of wine and spirits at the WTA signature event “Holistic Insights: Paradoxes in Ukraine’s Import & Export,” featuring a showcase of the Wine Travel Awards community’s finest wines. Scheduled for October 30th from 15:00 to 17:00 Ukrainian time at the Wine and Spirits Ukraine Fair, this event is […]

It’s always exciting to see wineries like Tenuta Manoylo not only uphold quality traditions but also innovate in viticulture and winemaking.

Their recent success at the 27th Japan Wine Challenge 2024, a highly respected competition known for shaping wine trends in Japan, is a testament to their dedication and expertise. Tenuta Manoylo’s Pecorino 2022 Falerio DOC won a Silver Medal, spotlighting the Pecorino grape – a varietal that deserves global recognition and highlights the rich viticultural heritage of Marche.

Tasting Notes on Tenuta Manoylo Pecorino 2022 Falerio DOC:

• Appearance: The wine showcases a vibrant lemon color with golden hints, indicative of careful vinification.
• Nose: The aroma is a rich mix of linden blossom, citrus, stone fruits, honeydew melon, and pear, enhanced by subtle mineral nuances.
• Palate: Dry yet smooth, it balances good acidity with flavors of white peach and orange peel, enriched by aromatic herbs and a long, fruity finish.

The Pecorino grape, primarily from Marche, is known for its robust, dry, and mineral-rich wines that age well. Tenuta Manoylo’s expertise has elevated this local variety to impressive heights. This accomplishment not only showcases the potential of Marche wines but also boosts the region’s appeal as a prime destination for wine tourism, inviting enthusiasts to explore its landscapes and wineries firsthand.

As wine communities evolve, awards like this highlight the importance of international competitions in promoting outstanding wines. Tenuta Manoylo’s work with Pecorino is setting the stage for wider appreciation of Marche’s indigenous grapes and its burgeoning wine tourism industry.

For those interested in this award-winning Pecorino or exploring the enchanting wine routes of Marche, visit Tenuta Manoylo’s website (https://tenutamanoylo.it/en/). It’s a must-try for those keen to experience the best of Marche’s wine offerings and the rich, cultural tapestry of its wine regions.

⇒ Join our social networks ⇒ Optimistic D+ editors will take this as a compliment.

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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uadrinks
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It’s always exciting to see wineries like Tenuta Manoylo not only uphold quality traditions but also innovate in viticulture and winemaking. Their recent success at the 27th Japan Wine Challenge 2024, a highly respected competition known for shaping wine trends in Japan, is a testament to their dedication and expertise. Tenuta Manoylo’s Pecorino 2022 Falerio DOC won a Silver Medal, […]

From October 14 to 18, 2024, France played host to the 45th World Congress of Vine and Wine in Dijon, a city now home to the new headquarters of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). As part of the centennial celebrations of the OIV, Ukraine proudly introduced the international community to its unique autochthonous grape variety, Odesa Black. Drinks+ media group served as the media partner for the Ukrainian delegation at the 45th World Congress of Vine and Wine in Dijon. The event featured a presentation and guided tasting of Ukraine’s flagship grape, Odesa Black, as well as a discussion on “The Global Influence of Climate Change on the wine-growing zones of Ukraine.”

Despite the ongoing hardships caused by the war, Ukraine’s wine industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth, carving out a prominent place in the global wine landscape.

Thanks to the country’s European integration efforts, the number of winemaking enterprises has surged by an impressive 65% in recent years. Showcasing these achievements on the world stage is vital, especially as Ukrainian wines continue to gain recognition through prestigious international awards, the establishment of new wineries, and the creation of the “Wines of Ukraine” brand.

The Ukrainian delegation made a strong impact at the Congress. On October 16, they took the stage to share Ukraine’s rich winemaking history, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities available in today’s global market. A highlight of the presentation was the guided tasting of Ukraine’s flagship grape, Odesa Black, which captivated the distinguished international audience.

Guests were first introduced to Ukraine’s wine scene with a glass of welcome wine, BIG WINES Big Art Telti-Kuruk 2023.

Volodymyr Pechko, head of Ukraine’s official delegation and chairman of the public association “UKRSADVYNPROM”, set the tone for the event. “Today, we invite you on a journey through Ukraine’s diverse geography, exploring the effects of global warming on our vineyards and the legislative and promotional strides we are making. Our goal is to bring Ukraine closer to the global winemaking family and the OIV community,” he remarked.

Nataliia Burlachenko, deputy head of “UKRSADVYNPROM” and CEO of BIG WINES, delivered an insightful presentation on “The Global Influence of Climate Change on the wine-growing zones of Ukraine.” Nataliia reported that Ukraine’s average annual air temperature rose from approximately 7°C in 1901-1910 to around 9.5°C in 2011-2019. Research on the evaluation and zoning of natural moisture conditions across the country shows that southern regions, including Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and the Crimea, have become drier over last 50 years. As a result, new wine-growing regions have emerged in areas such as Lviv, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, and Chernihiv.

Following this, she led a commented tasting of five wines from the Odesa Black variety, all carefully selected from top Ukrainian producers for this special event.

• Winery Mon Crafto 2023

Region: Zhytomyr region, Andrushivka town, Ukraine

Aroma: prunes, chocolate, notes of currants and blackberries

Taste: rich, tannic, multifaceted with a hint of dried fruit

Ageing: 6 months in oak barrels

Alcohol: 13%

• Gigi Wine 2022 – Gigineishvili Wine House

Region: Vinnytsia, Ukraine

Aroma: developed, with tones of ripe grapes, mulberry and notes of sweet red figs

Taste: rich, moderately tannic with tones of aging and dried fruit

Ageing: 12 months in oak barrels

Alcohol: 14,5%

• BIG WINES Big Art 2021

Region: Odesa region, Izmail district, Reni city, Ukraine

Aroma: smoked cherry, blackberry, black mulberry, white and black pepper, prunes in chocolate, dark chocolate, eucalyptus, light notes of currant

Taste: balanced, rich, with the velvet tannins in the duration of the aftertaste

Ageing: 12 months in French oak barrels

Alcohol: 13,8%

• Maryan Shevchenko Winery 2020

Region: Odesa region, Ukraine

Aroma: aging in a barrel is felt, notes of prunes, figs, spices (black and white pepper), smoked plum, light notes of vanilla

Taste: rounded, drinkable wine, with high tannins, dried plum, smoked plum, black berries. Good potential for bottle aging.

Ageing: 10 months in oak barrels

Alcohol: 13,5%

• “Taïrovske Soborne” 2021 – “V.Ye. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking» NAAS of Ukraine (dessert wine)

Region: Odesa region, village Tairove, Ukraine

Aroma: bright bouquet, dried cherry, prune, chocolate, fresh milk cream

Taste: full, high dessert, oiliness, dried cherry, prune, chocolate

Ageing: 12 months in oak barrels

Alcohol: 12%

Sugar: 21%

The Ukrainian delegation in Dijon is supported by Dr. Ricardo F. Nunez, thanks to whose efforts Ukraine was able to regain its place in the OIV, the owner of the international group of companies Vinos de La Luz and an investor in Ukrainian winemaking.

“Believe me I am very impressed of today. For me, as an investor, the most important thing today is to talk about the future of Ukraine. In this case, we, foreign investors, are only talking about the future. You have to be there before the victory to enjoy the victory and develop your own vineyards to be able to come everywhere. Today it is cheap, tomorrow it will be very expensive,” said Dr. Ricardo F. Nuñez, encouraging foreign businessmen to invest in Ukraine’s future.

Interest in Ukrainian wines is rapidly increasing. The tasting event was fully booked, with attendees eager to learn more about the country’s wine scene. Engaged and curious, the audience posed numerous questions throughout the session. Ukrainian wines garnered enthusiastic praise from international experts, further solidifying their reputation on the global stage.

Ignacio Sanchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV – Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (Belgium): “It was a superb wine tasting. It is always good to be able to travel through the wine to Ukraine. I am impressed by the evolution of the quality. Personally, even though I know that the global appreciation of sweet wines is decreasing, the dessert wine that you presented was superb. Just amazing! I think that the choice of Odesa Black as a flagship variety of Ukraine is quite successful and promising.”

Pascal Durand, President of PNAcademy, professor at l’Institut Agro Dijon (France), has visited several Ukrainian wine regions in the past and is familiar with some of the country’s wines. However, Odesa Black was a revelation for him during this tasting. Afterward, he remarked on the intriguing diversity of expressions from different wineries, regions, and winemaking approaches using the same grape variety: “The aromas are remarkably distinct. I’m not accustomed to tasting wines like these—fruity, powerful, with a rich, full-bodied texture. But I can absolutely see why it appeals to many. Odesa Black offers exciting potential for food pairings.”

Julie Hesketh-Laird, Chief Executive of FIVS, an international federation that works for the overall sustainability of the global alcohol beverage sector, shared her impressions: “I was so excited to hear about Ukrainian wine today that I am really only just learning about. We tried some amazing samples today. It is great to taste something promising, putting Ukraine on the map, bringing Ukraine to the international organisations and wine communities where you belong.”

As Ukraine continues to showcase its winemaking potential on the global stage, the success of Odesa Black at the 45th World Congress of Vine and Wine marks an important milestone. With growing international interest and recognition, Ukrainian wines are proving that even in the face of challenges, innovation and tradition can thrive. The world is beginning to take notice, and Ukraine is firmly establishing its place in the future of global winemaking.

⇒ Join our social networks ⇒ Optimistic D+ editors will take this as a compliment.

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From October 14 to 18, 2024, France played host to the 45th World Congress of Vine and Wine in Dijon, a city now home to the new headquarters of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). As part of the centennial celebrations of the OIV, Ukraine proudly introduced the international community to its unique […]

The Wine Travel Awards* is excited to announce a signature event at the Wine and Spirits Ukraine Fair, the leading professional event for wine, spirits, beer, and low-alcohol drinks in Eastern Europe. This pivotal gathering will occur at the International Exhibition Center in Kyiv on October 30th, from 15:00 to 17:00 Ukrainian time in the Masterclass Zone.

Esteemed Master of Wine Richard Bampfield and renowned wine critic Robert Joseph, both jurors for the WTA 2024-2025 edition, will lead a comprehensive panel discussion titled “Holistic Insights: Paradoxes in Ukraine’s Import & Export” Supported by a moderators, Richard will explore his interest in the broader aspects of the wine industry in Ukraine, focusing on sustainable practices and essential strategies for local producers, while Robert will discuss ways to enhance competitiveness in the international market.The session will also examine practical case studies of successful export and import projects, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of the Ukrainian wine industry.

Additionally, the event will feature a walk-around tasting of outstanding wines, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the quality and diversity of Ukrainian and international wines firsthand.

We invite industry professionals to register and participate in this landmark event as we explore the evolving landscape of Ukrainian wine, marking a pivotal moment in the global wine industry! Please register here. The event will be held both online and offline. 

For more information, registration details, or to engage with the discussion and ask questions to Richard and Robert, please contact us via winetravelawards@gmail.com. 

* The Wine Travel Awards (WTA), launched by Drinks+ Communication Media Group, is part of one of Eastern Europe’s most renowned and established media organizations, founded in 1993 in Ukraine and operating on an international scale. Specializing in the promotion of the wine and food industries, Drinks+ publishes leading media outlets in wine, gastronomy, and tourism. Its flagship publications, Drinks+ Magazine and the website www.drinks.ua, offer comprehensive global coverage in both English and Ukrainian.

*The Wine and Spirits Ukraine Fair serves as a key platform for global producers to connect with distributors, retailers, and representatives from the restaurant industry. It showcases the full spectrum of wine production technology and offers excellent opportunities for networking and business development.

The Wine Travel Awards* is excited to announce a signature event at the Wine and Spirits Ukraine Fair, the leading professional event for wine, spirits, beer, and low-alcohol drinks in Eastern Europe. This pivotal gathering will occur at the International Exhibition Center in Kyiv on October 30th, from 15:00 to 17:00 Ukrainian time in the […]