Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, Agiorgitiko and Lefkada are impossible to find on the shelves of Burgundian wine shops and supermarkets. Many wine enthusiasts and experts are not familiar with those varieties what makes the first tasting even more intimate and special. Oleksandra Hryhorieva, Drinks+ correspondent in Burgundy, shared her experience with our readers. 

Burgundians pride themselves on their high-quality wine (which, admittedly, has its merits), but it’s quite difficult to find a good selection of wines from neighboring counties such as Italy or Spain or sometimes even from other French wine regions, not to mention more distant lands. If one wants to discover the wines of the world and hone their tasting skills while living in Burgundy, perhaps the opportunities brought or highlighted by Covid can come in handy – e-tastings, online seminars or workshops, online research and wine delivery. At least, this is what I resort to, as it is not always possible to travel.

During my recent online market research, I got captivated by Cyprus, its boutique wineries and native grape varieties which constitute about 90% of the Cypriot vineyard. Cyprus, situated closer to Asia than its European counterparts, is situated in the Levant region. Historically, the Levant was a focal point of civilization for thousands of years, but with the arrival of the Ottomans, Cyprus saw a decline in its connection with wine, almost fading away. However, in recent times, the narrative of the region has taken a positive turn. The presence of ancient native grape varieties, viticulture at high altitudes, and innovative winemaking practices now play a role in producing wines with distinct personalities, telling a remarkable story.

In his article “The Rise of Cypriot Wine”, Demetri Walters MW gives a nice appellation overview. The Cypriot Wine Products Council follows European Union regulations in establishing the country’s wine appellation system. There are seven Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) and four Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs). The PGIs represent the major wine-producing regions of Cyprus: Lefkosia (Nicosia), Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka (Larnaca), and Pafos (Paphos). To qualify for the PGI, wines must contain at least 85% grapes from the specified geographical indication. The vines must be a minimum of four years old, and yields are restricted to 55 to 70 hectoliters per hectare, depending on the grape variety. Red wines must have a minimum alcohol content of 11% ABV, while whites must have 10% ABV.

The seven PDOs include Commandaria, Krasochoria Lemesou, Krasochoria Lemesou-Afames, Krasochoria Lemesou-Laona, Laona-Akama, Vouni Panayia-Ampelitis, and Pitsilia. Each PDO has stringent elevation criteria ranging from 400 to 1,400 meters (1,300 to 4,600 feet). Vines must be at least five years old, and yields are capped at 36 to 45 hectoliters per hectare, depending on the variety. The minimum alcohol content for reds is 12% ABV, and for whites, it is 11% ABV.

I came across The ‘Anama Concept, a boutique winery located in the middle of a dense pine forest in Lythrodontas, a 30-minute drive from Nicosia or Larnaca. I had the opportunity to speak via video with Lefteris Mohianakis, Oenologist, Managing Director, and Kristina Apostolou, Creative Director, who kindly showed me around the place and talked about their approach to wine production. This was probably my first virtual visit to a winery.

Cyprus boasts a distinctive geological feature with an extensive range of soils, even within the same plot of land. Another unique aspect is the absence of valleys on the island, replaced by numerous slopes with varied orientations. In light of this, rather than confining their vineyards to a single terroir near the winery, The ‘Anama Concept have undertaken the initiative to rent and acquire older vineyards spread across the island. The cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of these vineyards are meticulously carried out by hand, emphasizing quality control from the outset and providing personalized attention to each vineyard. The owners’ commitment extends to minimizing the use of chemicals and to following the nature-driven and sustainable approach. All products are strictly limited in quantity (approx. 1,000 bottles per label), allowing them to retain a high & fine quality as well as authenticity in each and every wine & spirit, as well as vintage, they produce.

Once I got my wines delivered, I decided to hold a small tasting to discover the indigenous grape varieties together with Richard Fussner, former international sommelier and now director of the Château du Clos de Vougeot, and Jeff Burrows, who holds the WSET Diploma and writes an award-winning wine blog, Food Wine Click!

The first thing we noticed is the fact that the wines have a marked extract and texture for rather low alcohol by volume (ABV). White and reds are interesting and can decently represent Cyprus and find its wine consumers abroad.

‘Anama Head In The Skies 2021, Xynisteri White Dry, Vegan, 11% vol

OH: Pale yellow color with golden sheen. The first nose is fruity and zesty; the second nose evolves to white peaches, ripe green apples, lemons, fresh pears, and apricots, followed by charming floral notes. Fresh, good intensity, appealing body with medium plus finish. Wine of very good quality.

‘Anama Head In The Skies 2021, Xynisteri-Maratheftiko Rosé Dry, Vegan, 11% vol

JB: Medium pink-orange color. Medium intensity nose with strawberry and watermelon aromas. Medium acidity, soft mouth with low intensity and complexity; soft but short finish. Good quality. Anonymous rosé.

‘Anama Oak Fermented 2021, Maratheftiko-Agiorgitiko Rosé Dry, fermented in French and American old barriques, Vegan, 12% vol

RF: Deep pink color reminiscent of Bordeaux Clairet. Fruity nose with an oak influence. Soft texture. It lacks freshness and maturation. Slightly bitter finish. It may be difficult to find an occasion for this wine and to pair it. Unusual for a Western European consumer.

‘Anama Maratheftiko – Oak Matured 2021 (Red dry)

Aged in used French and American barriques for 16 months, Vegan, 13% vol

JB: Deep ruby. Pronounced intensity. Oaky pine, dill, blueberry; wild, animal hints. Medium acidity, high tannins, medium body. Medium-to-long finish. Fruit still hiding under the oak. Good today but with age will develop better.

RF: Nice color extract. Nose: wild red fruit, animal, spice. Intense mouth with black fruit and smoky notes. Pleasant aroma persistence. Good potential for aging.

‘Anama Lefkada – Oak Matured 2021 (Red dry)

24 months in French and American used oak barriques, Vegan, 13,5% vol

OH: Deep purple. Intense ripe red fruit (plump, cherry) aromas, berries and spices (pepper, cloves), coconut. Intensive tannins, well-structured medium body, fresh with medium acidity and quite long finish. Suitable for aging. This wine has a character, ambitious.

‘Anama Vintage 2013

A ripe, sweet wine produced from sun-raisined grapes, following a natural vinification protocol. The 100+ year-old vines of the indigenous varieties Mavro & Xinisteri, situated along the slopes of Zoopigi (1,100+m altitude), are cultivated solely by hands & tools.

Release date: March 2019
Total Production: 1,678 numbered bottles
Oak Barrel Aging Period: 5 years
Further Aging Potential in bottle: 40 years+
Alcohol: 14% vol

Photos: Lefteris Mohianakis, Kristina Apostolou, The ‘Anama Concept‘s Visual Journals

Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, Agiorgitiko and Lefkada are impossible to find on the shelves of Burgundian wine shops and supermarkets. Many wine enthusiasts and experts are not familiar with those varieties what makes the first tasting even more intimate and special. Oleksandra Hryhorieva, Drinks+ correspondent in Burgundy, shared her experience with our readers.  Burgundians pride themselves on […]

ProWein, the renowned wine expo in Düsseldorf, presents an array of tastings and events tailored for wine professionals. Among them is the esteemed yet intimate affair, The Wine Travel Awards Tasting Around the Sustainable World, called Weinland. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 2 p.m., this event promises a genuine voyage. Experience firsthand the true essence of a journey – an exploration of diverse corners within the world of wine. Through a meticulously curated selection of truly exceptional beverages, each imbued with the unique characteristics of its birthplace, discover the rich tapestry of the wine world.

The theoretical “aperitif” of the tasting will be a brilliant performance of Prof. Dr. Gergely Szolnoki from Geisenheim University, the WTA jury for the third year in a row, who will address: where does sustainable wine tourism start and where does it end; which concrete measures contribute most effectively to the sustainable development of the wine tourism sector; and what are the main drivers and barriers to the implementation of sustainable wine tourism. The conclusions and specific recommendations, set out in the presentation, are based on study the guidelines and best practice of more than 1,500 wineries in 42 countries – the main drivers of sustainable wine tourism.

In the framework of the event Wine Travel Awards presents the Wine Tasting showcasing six Community Members of the project. These wineries, hailing from various countries worldwide, embody established models of business and production.

Tenuta Manoylo

Let’s kick off with Italy. Join us as Tenuta Manoylo from the renowned yet undiscovered Marche region, a gem cherished by wine critics and enthusiasts alike, introduces its latest white wine. Noteworthy is its recent accolade: a silver medal at the esteemed MUNDUS VINI 2024 spring session, marking its debut on the international stage with one of the highest honors.

Tenuta Manoylo’s wines were created to showcase the products of a land 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.

Passo Del Borgo Falerio DOC Pecorino 2021, Silver MUNDUS VINI 2024

• APPEARANCE: It presents a beautiful straw yellow colour with golden reflections and delicate greenish nuances.
• NOSE: Deep and ample bouquet with an elegant structure. Intense notes of white flowers and ripe fruit, accompanied by light hints of vanilla and balsamic vinegar.
• PALATE: Remarkably structured with marked herbaceous scents. Exhibits good acidity, full-bodied, sapid, and pleasantly mineral, with a persistent finish.
• PAIRINGS: Perfectly complements fish dishes and excellent with seafood risotto.
• Grape: 100% Pecorino
• Alcohol Content: 13.50%
• Yield per Hectare: Approximately 70 quintals of grapes
• Training System: Counter espalier
• Pruning System: Guyot
• Plant Density: 4,000 vines per hectare
• Age of the Vineyard: 6 years
• Production Area: Moresco municipalities
• Average Altitude: 100-200 meters above sea level
• Type of Soil: Medium texture, tending towards clayey
• Harvest: End of August, beginning of September. Handpicked and immediately transported to the cellar for processing.
• Vinification Technique: Soft pressing followed by an immediate lowering of the temperature. Fermentation in steel tanks at a controlled temperature, between 12 and 15 °C.
• Ageing: Matured first in steel, then partly in cement tanks and 20% in wooden tonneaux. Bottled no earlier than a year, refined in the bottle.

Jidvei, authenticity from the heart of Transylvania

Our next stop takes us to Rumuia, where we’ll explore the vineyards of Weinland. Join us as we unveil two distinguished wines from one of Romania’s most captivating historical regions to our event attendees. In the feudal era, the vineyards in the heart of Transylvania were called Weinland – the Land of Wine, a land of fairy-tale castles and fortified Saxon churches.

Jidvei became the first wine producer in Romania to be included in the TOP 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World 2023 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

75 Years of Tradition

Jidvei is a family story woven with history, passion, craftsmanship, and technology. We promote the charm of Romania and a culture of constant innovation, a vision that is uniquely ours but for all wine lovers. It has been 75 years since Jidvei wines have showcased the unique terroir of the heart of Transylvania, and we cannot stop here because tradition demands a future. And we build the future, each of us, through work and enthusiasm.

Jidvei became the first wine producer in Romania to be included in the TOP 100 Premium Wine and Spirits Brands of the World 2023 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, alongside the most prestigious and appreciated global brands. The selection included approximately 1000 companies from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Ireland, etc. For a family business that values the Transylvanian spirit and Romania’s viticultural reputation, this is a source of pride.

Jidvei, the largest producer of wines with Protected Designation of Origin in Romania

Jidvei owns the largest vineyard plantation in Romania and Europe, 2,500 hectares, with a unique owner. 2,500 hectares mean an extremely diverse ecosystem and a distinct terroir, and these characteristics are reflected in the variety of wines produced by Jidvei, from still wines to sparkling wines, brandies, and musts.

With over 70 labels in the portfolio, we produce wines grouped generically into two categories: wines with Geographical Indication – Transylvanian Hills (1958) and wines with the Protected Designation of Origin Jidvei.

And the over 1000 medals obtained at the most important national and international competitions are evidence of our commitment to excellence and continuity.

Sustainability

Built from the beginning as a legacy for future generations, Jidvei is an integrated company where sustainable economic development and responsible production are important priorities. In 2005, we established the first private vineyard school in Romania, where the nursery is the place where viticultural planting material with high biological value is produced, in the quantity necessary for new plantations. The grapes used for our wines come exclusively from our own vineyards, which translates into authenticity and constant quality.

Additionally, Jidvei is committed to continuously improving production processes, reducing carbon emissions, and preserving natural resources. The main objectives consist of environmentally friendly strategies: social responsibility regarding the importance of sustainable agriculture; restoring natural balance by supporting diversity and limiting chemical intervention; managing by-products from viticulture (70% of woody material is shredded and used as natural fertilizer and a source of humus, while 30% is used as an energy source); sustainable water management (reducing the amount of water used in phytosanitary treatments); adapting the viticultural sector to climate change (establishing plantations with varieties resistant to climatic stress).

Regarding the vineyard, we like to say that nothing is wasted. It’s an approach we apply in how we use state-of-the-art technologies – not only for performance but also as a sustainable process, which is part of a set of essential values: respect for the vine and the land, respect for people and the communities in which we operate.

Mysterium Rosé Brut Vintage 2021

For over 60 years, at Jidvei we have been producing sparkling wines using the traditional method. These wines undergo fermentation, clarification, and are delivered in the same bottle where the second fermentation takes place, giving them their characteristic effervescence. Producing sparkling wines requires a lengthy period, and the operations performed during this time – bottling, fermentation, riddling, disgorging – are carried out manually.

The skill and imagination of the winemakers, combined with the gentle passage of time, find expression in the velvety texture, the fine and persistent effervescence, the balance between the specific acidity of the Târnave Vineyard terroir, the floral notes, and the fruity character of the Mysterium Rosé Brut Vintage 2021 sparkling wine.

Mysterium Rosé Brut Vintage 2021, a sparkling wine with a light salmon-pink color, with an exceptionally fine, intense, and persistent effervescence, obtained using the traditional method from Pinot Noir grapes vinified rosé. The delicate olfactory intensity combines primary notes of red fruits, especially cherries and strawberries, with subtle notes of pastry and brioche typical of the time spent on fine lees. The high acidity is perfectly balanced by the level of sugars and the generous creamy texture. The delicate flavors of strawberry tart and the subtle hints of raspberry and May cherries make Mysterium Rosé Brut 2021 a remarkable sparkling wine.

Technical information:

• Harvest year: 2021
• Alcohol: 12%
• Taste profile: Brut
• Sugar level: 8 g/L
• Total acidity: 6.7 g/L
• Harvest: manual

Winemaking process:

• Fermentation – in the presence of selected yeasts, fermentation temperature is 10-12°C
• Fermentation process duration is 25-30 days
• Maturation – minimum 36 months, on fine lees

Tasting note:

• Appearance, color: light salmon-pink
• Aroma: red fruits, cherries and strawberries, subtle notes of pastry and brioche
• Taste: creamy texture, high acidity, strawberry tart, raspberry and cherries

Eiswein Jidvei 2018 

This wine embodies golden excellence in every aspect. Eiswein Jidvei 2018 is an emblematic wine for Jidvei, a wine perfected by time, both in the vineyard and in the bottle, where the generosity of nature from the Târnave Valley combines with efforts to create memorable wines.

When frost descends upon the hills of Târnave, the vineyards here are not barren. Grapes from the Traminer Roz variety are harvested after the freezing nights at the beginning of winter to produce a precious dessert wine, Eiswein – Ice Wine. Enduring the wise cold of Transylvanian winters, they dehydrate and gather much more sweetness and a deep richness of aromas.

For the 2018 Eiswein Jidvei, grapes from the parcels kept near the Tăuni winery were handpicked on December 2, 2018. The harvest was carried out quickly, under strict temperature conditions, below -7°C, to prevent the water remaining in the berries from thawing. Thus, healthy and frozen grapes reached the winery in the shortest time possible, where they were immediately pressed.

Eiswein Jidvei 2018 is a masterpiece in the art of winemaking, which nature only allows us to fully appreciate in certain years, those special years in which we write amazing stories with and about wine. Eiswein Jidvei 2018 is the result of a special harvest and the expression of an exceptional viticultural year. A consistent wine with shades of ripened honey, a wine that stands out with its golden to bright amber color and notes of yellow watermelon, mango, apricots, and quince. Recommended as a dessert wine, Eiswein Jidvei is intended for special moments or occasions.

Technical information:

• Harvest year: 2018
• Alcohol: 11.05%
• Taste profile: sweet
• Residual sugars: 184 g/L
• Total acidity: 5.92 g/L
• Volume: 0.375 L
• Harvest: manual

Winemaking process:

• Skin maceration, 6 – 8 hours
• Fermentation: in the presence of selected yeasts, at temperatures of 18°C – 20°C
• Maturation: in stainless steel tanks, minimum 6 months, on fine yeast sediment
• Bottling: after 6 months from the end of alcoholic fermentation

Tasting note:

• Appearance, color: clear, golden to bright amber
• Aroma: apricots, quince, honey
• Taste: yellow watermelon, mango, apricots, quince, ripened honey

Careful vineyard management, gentle processing of the grapes, longer wine maturation, and aging in the bottle are equally important to create an expressive dessert wine like Eiswein Jidvei 2018, which delights with aromas of ripe fruits, honey, beeswax, and delicate notes of roses, almonds, and ginger.

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Shumi Winery and Estate

Shumi Winery and Estate, a part of Shumi Estate, Tsinandali, Georgia, – another stop The Wine Travel Awards Tasting Around the Sustainable World. It comes from the places where it all began. After all, Shumi Winery is located in Georgia, the cradle of winemaking.

Shumi Winery and Estate is rooted in deep Georgian wine traditions. We thrive to be a connecting point between the past, with 8,000 years of winemaking history, and the future of Georgia and winemaking. We believe that tradition and modernity should go hand in hand, allowing us to stand strong on our roots while looking far in the future with creativity in mind.  Since 1997, we have thrived on creating each year the best and purest expression of our terroirs using traditional Georgian winemaking methods blended with modern techniques.

Today we are one of the leading Georgian wineries, with 200 hectares of vineyards, a modern winery using together in harmony stainless steel, oak, and qvevris, the Georgian traditional winemaking vessels.

We also have a museum safeguarding some of the artifacts we found while building our winery and an award-winning tourist complex.

Salome Single Vineyard 2013

Terroir

The terroir “Salome” is located in the historical place «Didkure», in Napareuli PDO, which in the past belonged to the kings of Georgia and Prince Alexander Chavchavadze.

This 1.9 ha of Saperavi is composed of 25 YO vines, at a density of 2650 vines/ha, with a maximum production of 30HL/ha.

The vineyard is located on southern , diluvial, rich in minerals slope of the Caucasus Mountains, on the left bank of the Alazani River, at an altitude of 450 m above sea level, and is surrounded by wildlife.

Managed in biodynamic, all operations are done by hand, including canopy management, green harvesting and harvest.

Vintage 2013

Vinification

• After reception of the grapes at the winery, a selection is made.
• Bunches are partly destemmed, before alcoholic fermentation starts in Vicard Foudre, specially created out of 250 YO oak, with medium toast.
• Fermentation proceeds at 23-28C, with pigeage.
• 12 days maceration, before malolactic fermentation.
• MLF and ageing are done in 225L Vicard new oak barrels, medium toast. The wine will develop in these barrels for 11 months.

Assemblage

• 100% Saperavi

Tasting notes (wine tasted December 2023)

Deep purple colour with brick rim. Aromas of confied red and black cherries, with blckberry jam undertones. The wine is full bodied, well balanced, with flavors of evolved balck and red fruits leather, forest floor, with ripe, fully integrated tannins, well balanced by the acidity, leading to a long lasting finish.

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RUTA

This remarkable beverage, blending national characteristics with a progressive technological approach, hails from Ukraine, a nation currently facing the challenges of military conflict. Due to the military conflict, we do not yet invite guests to this extremely beautiful country. But we offer to get acquainted with the strong character of Ukrainians, which is conveyed in this spirit.

In November 2023, RUTA took part in the famous international competition in the UK – CRAFT SPIRITS AWARDS, which took place in London. At this competition, RUTA became one of the winners and received a gold medal.

RUTA balm

RUTA is a craft herbal balm created from 96 of the best botanicals collected from different parts of our beautiful Ukraine.  Many of these plants have long been known for their magical properties that give strength and protection. Some of them are endemic. The balm is made by alcohol maceration of berries, flowers, herbs, roots and spices. This is followed by a blending process with the addition of prepared water, high-quality alcohol and sugar syrup. Alc – 36%vol. The balm does not contain any colouring or flavouring agents.

The balm is not a medicine, but rather a delicious alcoholic beverage with a very complex and pleasant aroma and flavour profile. It is a classic digestive. It is not cold-filtered to preserve all the shades of flavours and aromas that nature gives us. RUTA is a bitter liqueur.

RUTA has a Ukrainian character. It is soft, rounded, and fragrant. At the same time, it is strong and has an extraordinary power to invigorate the body and soul. The floral composition is well balanced and creates a complex aroma with notes of berries, herbs, spices and citrus. The taste combines spicy, spicy and sweet-bitter tones. RUTA is also an excellent base for cocktails of varying complexity.

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And the last point of the trip is Portugal and its personification: Taylor’s Historical Edition Tawny Port III

Taylor’s Historical Edition Tawny Port III

This special Reserve Tawny Port is created through a blend of red wine grapes grown in the Douro Valley in Portugal and has been aged in small oak barrels.

This unique port wine is presented in a historic bottle dating back to the 18th century and delivered in a beautifully crafted wooden box.

This blend is carefully composed of carefully selected Port wines from Taylor’s impressive selection of oak-aged Tawny wines and has a unique character with the familiar fullness and aftertaste that Taylor’s is known for.

The port displays a deep, brick-red color with a reddish tinge and a ripe, complex aroma that contains gentle nuances of plums, figs, marzipan and toffee. It also offers an elegant touch of cigar box, cedar and leather, which gives the fragrance an exotic touch. The taste is intense and refined, with a seductive fullness, softness and roundness as well as notes of fruitcake and fresh plums. These flavors are followed by subtle, well-integrated tannins and a long, pleasant aftertaste.

Taylor’s remains independent and focuses on quality and innovation. Their wines are known to age for decades and have received high praise from reviewers such as Robert Parker. Taylor’s is particularly known for their vintage ports, which they produce in declared vintages, and for their old tawny ports, which they occasionally bottle in special editions, such as the Very Very Old Tawny Port for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.

Cheers and very welcome to the WTA event at Prowein!

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 2 p.m.

 

ProWein, the renowned wine expo in Düsseldorf, presents an array of tastings and events tailored for wine professionals. Among them is the esteemed yet intimate affair, The Wine Travel Awards Tasting Around the Sustainable World, called Weinland. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 2 p.m., this event promises a genuine voyage. Experience firsthand the […]

Distinguished wine enthusiasts, we are delighted to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated voting stage for the 2023–2024 Wine Travel Awards. With 16 captivating categories covering the full spectrum of wine tourism excellence, this is your opportunity to actively participate and elevate outstanding professionals in our industry. 

Public Voting Is Open!

Public voting is now open from March 1st through April 1st, 2024. During this period, we sincerely encourage you to visit the WTA website, thoroughly review the impressive nominee profiles, and cast your votes for those you deem most deserving of recognition.

The competition is sure to be fierce, so rally support from fellow wine lovers in your community and make your voices heard. Share why certain nominees inspire you and compel you to vote for their success.

Judging Excellence

Then from April 1st, our esteemed judging committee, consisting of 12 highly qualified professionals, will undertake the honorable yet difficult task of selecting one supreme winner in each category. Winners will be announced in May and formally honored at the glamorous WTA ceremony in London this June.

Categories & Nominations

Below you can find the short descriptions for all WTA categories and nominations. We hope that it will make your choice easier!

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. This category include the following nominations:

• Region of the year

This nomination presents consortiums, wine offices, and tourism programs worldwide. You can discover initiatives showcasing lesser-known wine-producing countries, highlighting their unique locations, renowned wines, historical sites, and cultural treasures.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

• Must Visit

Here you can explore individual objects or destinations located on tourist routes, and which are the enogastronomic attractions of the region.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

• Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country

This nomination is devoted to the brands (beverages and food) produced in the country of origin from 100% local raw materials. Brands are distinguished by a high level of quality, active marketing strategy, as well as national and international distribution.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

• Progressive Approach

Here you are welcome to look at the entities that have actual evidence of compliance with international principles of sustainable development, environmental friendliness and other features of progressive approaches.

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• Art & History Object

This nomination presents facilities that have a status of an art object or facilities that can confirm the fact that their architecture belongs to a sample of art or history.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

Ambassador

Ambassadors are persons representing wines, regions, enogastronomic routes, brands; associations, consortia, national wine bureaus, tourist offices, and tour operators. This category include the following nominations:

• Creative Strategy

This nomination is devoted to the entities who have the status of the ambassador of wine / a region / a road of wine and taste. Their activities are characterized by a special creative approach, creative solutions, and original views.

Visit the nomination  Choose the favorite and vote!

• Ambassador of the Year

Nominees in this category are ambassadors for wine, regions, or wine routes, showing dedication to enogastronomic associations. Recognized for over a year as promoters, their activities are confirmed by official sources, endorsements, and media. This category applauds entities with a distinctive and creative ambassadorial approach.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

Wine & Food Influencer

Journalists, professional media, bloggers, photographers and videographers. This category include the following nominations:

• The Brightest Journey

Here you can discover authors whose creative work includes a report from an enogastronomic tour or a report from a trip to an interesting region, a specific object of the wine road, etc.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

• Author of the Year

This nomination is dedicated to the authors of literary works (a guidebook, a reference book, etc.) or a series of publications in any mass media on enogastronomic topics.

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• Expert Opinion

Here you can take a look at the authors whose publications demonstrate in-depth knowledge in the field of enogastronomy and / or the peculiarities of a region.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

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. This category include the following nominations:

• Cultural Mission

The nomination aims to identify educational institutions and programs with a special cultural mission (revival of traditions, promotion of advanced technologies, etc.).

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

• Unique Program

This nomination involves an original educational or tour program, special tasting organizations and tours.

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Wine Guide

Guides, guides-representatives of wine regions, tour operators, etc. This category include the following nominations:

• Top Guide

This nomination presents individuals with three years of experience, outstanding professional achievements, and knowledge in the field of enogastronomy.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

• Travel Operator of the Year

Here you can find guides or travel companies that have independently developed enogastronomic tours along a unique route in their portfolio.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

Enogastronomic Events

Festivals, wine days and local products days, exhibitions, promotion programs. This category include the following nominations:

• Event of the Year

The nomination aims to identify important events (Days of wines, local products, festivals, gastronomic summits, online symposia), which took place during the year before the current year of the award.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

• Magnet of the Region

The nomination helps to support the organizers of professional events (enogastronomic festivals, exhibitions, tastings, and auctions) aimed at promoting local and international producers of craft drinks and local specialties.

Visit the nomination Choose the favorite and vote!

This is not merely a competition though. It is a celebration of the incredible passion, skill, and camaraderie found in wine tourism that we cherish being a part of. We thank you for engaging with WTA and for helping to shine a light on those elevating our industry. During voting and beyond, please stay connected with us by subscribing to WTA updates. Share your perspectives, discover new insights, and let’s revel in this magical world of wine together.

Now is the time. Scout talent, speak up through votes, and shape the future of wine tourism and the WTA. Join us on this exciting journey!

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Distinguished wine enthusiasts, we are delighted to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated voting stage for the 2023–2024 Wine Travel Awards. With 16 captivating categories covering the full spectrum of wine tourism excellence, this is your opportunity to actively participate and elevate outstanding professionals in our industry.  Public Voting Is Open! Public voting is now open from March […]

Every year, the Wine Travel Awards is replenished with more and more interesting nominees; our community is expanding geographically and professionally, and some nominees surprise us with completely unique products. This season, the nominee with such a unique production is Azienda Agricola Arrighi, whose owner – seignior Antonio Arrighi, is called Multitalented Wine Entrepreneur.

In 2019, the world heard about Nesos – “underwater wine”, the recipe of which dates back to ancient times and is almost 2.5 thousand years old: before aging the wine in amphorae, grapes are immersed for a certain time in sea water, and then laid out to wither on the sun. The first release of Nesos was just 40 bottles, and the excitement surrounding the presentation was so great that only half of the two hundred journalists could get to the press conference.

Today Nesos can be tasted at seignior Antonio Arrighi‘s wineries by pre-booked visit or at special events in which Azienda Agricola Arrighi participates.

On March 2 and 3, such an event will be the 22nd Eccellenza di Toscana exhibition, dedicated to the tasting of the best wines of Tuscany and organized by AIS Toscana. This will be held at Stazione Leopolda in Florence. The Nesos Azienda Agricola Arrighi tasting will take place on March 3. There is no doubt that at the Antonio Arrighi counter, as always, there is going to be a long line of people wishing to try the one-of-a-kind wine.

The presence of the grapes in salt water creates a marine note in the “nose” and the taste of ripe fruit in the “body”, and a large amount of mineral residues after maceration in clay vessels makes it less acidic.

Every year, the Wine Travel Awards is replenished with more and more interesting nominees; our community is expanding geographically and professionally, and some nominees surprise us with completely unique products. This season, the nominee with such a unique production is Azienda Agricola Arrighi, whose owner – seignior Antonio Arrighi, is called Multitalented Wine Entrepreneur. In […]

The Wine Travel Awards and the London Wine Fair, our exhibition partner and the winner of the WTA in the Event of the Year category, are continuing the wonderful collaboration in this upcoming season!

The London Wine Fair, the UK’s largest and most loved wine trade show, will take place on May 20-22, 2024 at the Olympia London, bringing together over 10,000 professionals of this industry. This year, the exhibition will offer a lot of new features and content, once again confirming and emphasizing its importance for industry professionals.

Organizers of the London Wine Fair have now announced the shortlist for the Wine Buyers Awards 2024, highlighting the largest ever list of the UK’s top professional wine buyers across all trades.

“We received hundreds of brilliant entries from across the UK, which presented our judges with the particularly challenging task of shortlisting the most outstanding wine buyers. We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Wine Buyers Awards 2024,” comment the organizers of the event.

The winners of the Wine Buyers Awards 2024 will be announced on the central stage of the London Wine Fair on May 21 at 2 p.m.

To participate in the London Wine Fair, you can register here.

More information here.

Photos: The London Wine Fair

The Wine Travel Awards and the London Wine Fair, our exhibition partner and the winner of the WTA in the Event of the Year category, are continuing the wonderful collaboration in this upcoming season! The London Wine Fair, the UK’s largest and most loved wine trade show, will take place on May 20-22, 2024 at the Olympia […]

MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2024 — the 34th Grand International Wine Award — has once again gathered more than 250 international experts, winemakers, journalists and influencers in order to evaluate the best wines from all around the globe. We are glad to acknowledge that there were four Ukrainian members of the Jury in both panels, three of them representing Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards.

And we are even happier to congratulate Ukrainian winemakers who won awards in this prestigious international competition. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our medalists!

SHABO Family Winery (Odesa region), the WTA nominee and voting winner, is grounded on more than 2,000-year-old winemaking traditions. It was founded in 2003, evolving from the oldest Ukrainian wine factory located in the village of Shabo to one of the best Ukrainian wineries producing still and sparkling wines, as well as brandy and grape vodka. The company owns 1200 ha of exquisite vineyards, growing top-notch European and international varieties, as well as the unique indigenous grape Telti-Kuruk, of which they have the only self-rooted plots in Ukraine.

 MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2024 awards for SHABO:

🌟SHABO Limited Edition Muscat Ottonel nat. semisweet 2021 — gold (91 points)

🌟SHABO Reserve Cabernet 2022 — gold (91 points)

🌟SHABO Grande Reserve Cabernet-Merlot 2022 gold (90 points)

🌟SHABO Limited Edition Cabernet-Merlot (Kakheti technology / aged in qvevri) 2022 — silver (89 points)

🌟2022 Shabo Grande Reserve Cabernet-Merlot 2022  —  Best of Show Ukraine.

The result is amazing, but not at all unexpected! Our sincere congratulations to the SHABO team!

Chateau Chizay (Zakarpattia), founded in 1995, stands at the spot where an old winery of the 17th century was once located, in the middle of a winemaking valley named Chizay. Chateau Chizay owns 272 hectares of the most beautiful and well-kept vineyards, as well as a modern wine making complex consisting of an up-to-date winery, a wine-tasting hall, a museum of wine history, a nice restaurant and a mini hotel. 

MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2024 awards for CHATEAU CHIZAY:

🌟Troyanda Karpat 2021 white dessert wine, aged 24 months — gold (91 points)

🌟Troyanda Karpat red dessert wine (new release) — silver (88 points).

The legendary Troyanda Karpat is one of the signature wines for Chateau Chizay, and the medals are well-deserved, our compliments and congratulations to the Chizay team!

Odesos is a young winery located in the city of Odesa, the heart of the wine region of Ukraine, standing out as the country’s first urban winery. The winemakers of Odesos are experimenting with special technologies, such as alternative wine ageing. They work with European grape varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. 

MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2024 award for ODESOS WINERY:

🌟Odesos Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021— gold (90 points).

Congratulations and the best wishes to the talented and inspired Odesos team!

The award-winning Ukrainian wineries will participate in ProWein 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany on March 10-12, 2024.

If you wish to taste the amazing Ukrainian wines please visit the Wines of Ukraine national stand.

• March 10-12, 2024.
• Messe Düsseldorf, Stockumer Kirchstraße 61, 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany.
• Wines of Ukraine: 13H52

MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2024 — the 34th Grand International Wine Award — has once again gathered more than 250 international experts, winemakers, journalists and influencers in order to evaluate the best wines from all around the globe. We are glad to acknowledge that there were four Ukrainian members of the Jury in both panels, […]

41,253 visitors from 137 countries, 4,070 exhibitors from 48 countries, and more than 100 events, seminars, tastings and conferences. These are the results achieved by the main Vinexposium exhibition, which reflects political and economic trends in the wine and spirits industry – Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris.

In 2024, Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards continues fruitful and active cooperation with Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris. And we are glad to remind you once again that Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris has become a nominee of Wine Travel Awards in Enogastronomic Events / Event of the Year.

As part of the partnership between Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris and the Wine Travel Awards, the Wine Travel Awards Guide 2022-2023 was distributed at the exhibition, a unique printed and digital catalog that brings together members of the WTA community for the second award season. The guide will also be on the Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris website. The WTA Guide is a real navigator in the fascinating world of wine and wine tourism for professionals and wine lovers.

From February 12 to 14, 2024, Paris opened a window to the world of wines and spirits more widely than ever before – Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris reached new heights, exceeding all expectations of the organizers.

41,253 visitors from 137 countries, 4,070 exhibitors from 48 countries, and more than 100 events, seminars, tastings and conferences with the entire international wine and spirits industry.

On the first day of the event (February 12), the Vinexpo Challenge took place – a traditional blind tasting organized by the International Association of Sommeliers (ASI) and Vinexposium. Raimonds Tomsons (Latvia), the best sommelier of the world 2023 and Valeria Gamper (Argentina), the best sommelier of North and South America 2022, participated.

And the very next day – February 13, in contrast to the Vinexpo Challenge, where deep knowledge and skills were demonstrated live by the best sommeliers, artificial intelligence surprised visitors with its skills. AI is currently revolutionizing many industries – the bar and liquor industry is no exception. From developing new recipes to optimizing operations, marketing and customer engagement, the potential of AI can bring efficiency to every stage of the alcoholic beverage creation process. Through a selection of case studies, visitors had the opportunity to learn exactly how to incorporate these technological advances into their toolkit to design, create, develop, analyze, optimize and promote the bars, cocktails and spirits of the future.

La Nouvelle Vague – an exclusive platform designed for young producers in the wine industry with less than 5 years of experience – attracted huge interest from visitors. Exhibitors of La Nouvelle Vague were given individual space to present their debut wines in ideal conditions to an audience of qualified distributors. The aim of La Nouvelle Vague is to give young producers just starting their journey a decisive boost at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris and allow them to develop their distribution network in France and abroad.

In an expanded format (1500 m2), with more than 140 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beer and cider exhibitors, Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris presented Be Spirits, a platform dedicated to spirits, beer, cider and mixology of the future. Innovative events and concepts were also presented, which will help decipher new market trends, discover products that destroy stereotypes and are able to unite producers, distributors, bartenders and experts, for the sake of building the business of the future.

Among the new Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris directions:

• NO/LOW – as a response to the rapid development of the non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks market. About twenty international brands were presented: non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, including exquisite tinctures, functional beverages (non-alcoholic beverages containing minerals, vitamins, amino acids, probiotics, etc.), etc.;
• BEERS & CIDERS is the main novelty of this year’s exhibition, the zone of beer and cider, the consumption of which has grown rapidly in recent years.

INFINITE BAR impressed visitors with its scale – in the largest temporary cocktail bar in France (40 meters long) twenty world famous cocktail bars worked, including three guest bars from London, Barcelona and Madrid. Bartenders and mixologists collaborated for three days to offer visitors their first-class mixes.

CRAFT PAVILION offered a line of inspiring authentic brands from young talented makers.

The educational program of Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris deserves special attention. Speakeasy room became a place for lively reports, panel discussions and master classes conducted by international industry experts.

Since 2022, Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, like all Vinexposium events, has committed to achieving an important and ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2023, Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris became the first Vinexposium event to measure and take action to reduce carbon emissions based on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) performance indicators aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. A team of professionals has defined indicators that allow us to measure, adjust and track the consequences of our actions over time. Their monitoring is carried out using the Climeet resource developed by Green Evénements. Detailed indicators and results can be found here. After the event, exhibitors and visitors, service providers and partners were consulted to jointly carry out the first carbon audit of Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris.

More information on the website.

41,253 visitors from 137 countries, 4,070 exhibitors from 48 countries, and more than 100 events, seminars, tastings and conferences. These are the results achieved by the main Vinexposium exhibition, which reflects political and economic trends in the wine and spirits industry – Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris. In 2024, Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards continues […]

On March 20-22, a session of different types of rosé wines will be held in the city of Split as part of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

The rosé wine session is open to all types of rosé wines (still, sparkling, semi-sparkling and fortified). The purpose of the event is to satisfy market demands and the growing consumer interest in rosé wine. The competition provides award-winning producers with promotion and marketing tools from the moment the wine goes on sale.

The event will take place on March 20-22 in the city of Split (Croatia). The deadline for registration is February 26, 2024.

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Rosé will feature more than 1,200 rosé wines from around the world. 60 experts from 22 countries will evaluate the presented samples. The results will be published on March 28, 2024.

Important dates:

• Closing date for registration 26/02/2024
• Deadline for sending samples 26/02/2024
• Competition dates from 20 to 22/03/2024
• Results 28/03/2024

IMPORTANT INFO: on the request of Wines of Ukraine, the CMB organizers are offering Ukrainian participants a 20% discount for submitting their samples, valid for all tasting sessions in 2024. For further details and promo code, please contact Wines of Ukraine team at info@ukr.wine.

On March 20-22, a session of different types of rosé wines will be held in the city of Split as part of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. The rosé wine session is open to all types of rosé wines (still, sparkling, semi-sparkling and fortified). The purpose of the event is to satisfy market demands and […]

The Regional Editor-in-Chief at the WTA Guide and Drinks+ Magazine, Brand Ambassador of Vinos de La Luz international group of companies Nataliia Burlachenko specifically for Drinks+, conducted an interview during her stay in Spain with the leaders of the most well-known association of winemakers – Mr. Enrique Pascual García, president of the regulatory council of Ribera del Duero DO, and Mr. Miguel Sanz Cabrejas, general director of Ribera del Duero DO. The conversation revolved around the successful experience that has enabled the Ribera del Duero brand to hold a worthy position in Spain’s top 100 brands ranking today.

How is it the situation at the moment with Ribera del Duero in general?

Enrique Pascual García: The situation is very good. We are currently growing, positioning ourselves not only in volume but also in terms of quality which is essencial. So at the moment we have obtained very interesting outcomes. All the DO is facing this moment of growth also because  its image and reputation of quality is changing. We are not just interested in growing the volume of our sales.

What are you doing that is making you grow like this?

E.P.G: In terms of quality measures, in viticulture but also at the wineries we are making sure that we are delivering that same quality. This system that is being implemented is helping us since the beginning with high principles. This is how we distinguish ourselves from the other because we have been focusing on that especifically. In this market, there are only two ways to distinguish yourself. Either by price or by quality. The wines and its production have been growing intensively on quality. I know the production almost since the beginning of it so I faced its evolution and lived very close to it. I can tell you that because of that, we have been given the possibility to growth our business. Nowadays we are the only ones to deliver this kind of quality in the region.

What do the producers that are out of the DO say about this?

E.P.G: All the people that are inside the region is part of the DO. There is only one project that is out of it but because of the kind of wine they produce. The ones from outside that want to be integrated can not do that.

Are you going to make any new changes in terms of law and legislation?

E.P.G: At the moment we are working on a project about new varietals that may be included into the region because of the climate changes, allowing us to keep producing the wines we currently make. They have to be varietals that will improve with time. Tempranillo will still be tempranillo but we have to consider these factors to protect us from the future changes. We are also trying to bring back some varietals that we can regulate. All of this is very complicated, especially if we wouldn’t have the association that is helping us developing the project.

It’s true that Malbec was very hard to work with because it used to be very sensitive to this kind of climate and region, very hard to achieve the intended colour etc. Do you work with the OIV? Because they produce and provide a lot of rules and recommendations about varietals and they study very deeply this topic.

E.P.G: For us the OIV is in the international contexto which, for us, is not that relevant. So all the recommendations they provide are more the matter of the national level organisations or the governmental ones.

How is the situation about Albillo? Do you tend to plant  more this white varietal? Why did you choose this grape? Is it to create a competition with Rueda?

E.P.G: What we intended to do was to create a different line. We see no advantage on competing with anyone. We are a team. Our goal is to define our viticulture heritage. The whites of Ribera del Duero have the goal to not be sold young, so they usually have barrel aging and they have similarities with wines from Burgundy. They are not so similar to the rest of whites from Spain in terms of style, more complex. The ideal is to position them in Europe with 5/8 years old. We have to learn, this is something new for us too. And now it has been planted more and more. Nowadays, to keep the profile of the Roses, they use Albillo. With the demand that we are facing, the viticultures are delivering by planting it more. Although it is in fact more expensive than Tempranillo. The Claret wine has always been a mix between white and red with no percentages, it was made naturally without that kind of control. There was no measure, we just mixed it until we reach our final goal. The result is very good. It has aromas of white wine but with the complexity of  red. All of the first red wines from Ribera del Duero had white grapes in it. From 1982 to 1990 the red and the white started being separated and the process finished in 1990. We have modified the conditions allowing to pour up to 25% of white in red.

We did it to be crossed with other varietals. Last year, 200.000 bottles were sold. When they are released, in less than one month they are sold out.

How was the impact of covid for the producersp Also how influences the war in Ukraine? Did you notice any sort of negative impact on sales?

E.P.G: Covid was not like we thought it would be for the business. It wasn’t very significant impact and we recovered from it very quickly. Overall, we didn’t face any problem regarding the war in Ukraine, Undirectly, it affects us on a level because of the world inflation. The energy increase was more impactful.

What about in terms of Enotourism? Is there negative effect that impacted you?

E.P.G: In terms of Wine tourism the effects were very strong but we are recovering very well and we faced a growth in terms of quality tourism which is something that we are looking for.

And the quality that you are achieveing is not only in terms of wine but also in terms of services, Hospitality, Location of the route because it is a very strategic point from Madrid, France. There are a lot of things to see and taste and a lot of diversity in general.

E.P.G: The business of wine is now positioned together with tourism and finally it is open. Logically it is very hard to fight against the coastal tourism and rural tourism, which is our scope but weare  developing and offering quality and well directed to succeed. The wine tourism has an advantage. It was born because people fell in love with a certain wine and they want to see how it is made and what’s the story behind it. And that’s what we are transmitting to people and it’s our main factor of attraction and allow us to grow, especially in consumers who are willing to pay more and more. Our signature is: If we are capable to offer a wine with such quality, the service has to deliver that same quality because that’s what people will be hoping for.

Which are the duties of the board? To regulate or to develop the DO?

Miguel Sanz Cabrejas: It has 2 roles. At the moment we are certifying and we also make the legislation because we need to make sure the quality is being delivered. We are present in 11 markets which represent 76% of Ribera del Duero exports. The goal is to reach these 3 things: • The wineries export increase • Increase the price of the product, generating value • Generate brand awareness.Most of the wineries in Ribera del Duero are very small and without many resources. We never use generic wines to represent us. The wine is worth more because it is better. Everything is connected to the quality. Personally I don’t come from the wine world. I am the first director of a DO that never had experience in wine, only in the food industry in the enterprise level. This is the philosophy here too. We have our goals to reach and negotiate our  plans. We created one international comission of promotion in which 6 wineries are participating and these ones are the ones that export to the 11 markets. So, when we plan a market strategy, they know that same market and they can cooperate between each other.

The producers and vine growers are part of it?

M.S.C: The administration includes 5 vine growers and 5 wineries. And they all have the same power. We do study the market properly and then discuss and take the necessary measures to apply to all. If you have the perfect product but you don’t know how to sell it there is no point.

The producers and vine growers are happy about all the work that has been developed?

M.S.C: All the decisions that are made are common to all, there are no votes. They are all very happy. We exist to recommend not to create different opinions.

How’s the reputation of Ribera del Duero inside the country?

M.S.C: It is excellent. At the moment it is considered a top wine in Spain with quality. In 2021, there was a list of 100 spanish brands that deliver trust the consumer. There were only 2 wine regions: Rioja and Ribera del Duero (out of 101 in all Spain) and Vega Sicilia that is Ribera del Duero is also in this list. In terms of notority, you could see that in covid period because the market was closed and when the sales increased online, the consumer understood that Ribera del Duero had a higher price but it was better at satisfying its needs because while the sector was falling, we had better sales because of the brand awareness created. The young generations had a very good perception of what we did and target that we reached. They understood our essence. They are looking for a different profiles which we offer. The kind of style that still has the quality and the fruityness.

Why is Ribera evolving much faster than Rioja?

E.P.G: Ribera del Duero had so much success in Spain already that you didn’t need to export it. From the 310 wineries we have, 120 export regularly. 40 are in charge of almost 80% of the total exports. So, after covid everything changed. The national market was closed, we had to open globaly in order to save the business. There were few wineries that were selling only in hotels. And now they are in the international context. Another very important element is that, 8 years ago when I first joined DO I went to US for a business trip and I asked the local businesses why do you only have few Ribera wines? And they would answer like “ why would we if they all taste the same? ”. After that, there was a revolution on the wineries level individually because they understood what the market wanted and started to make different wines and giving it a different profile. So now, that diversity is what made the region grow. Now, in the US, if they want to show the diversity of Ribera they need to have 5 or more wines to really represent it. Also, not all the world has the monetary capacity to export outside Spain. Ribera is a very recent region that exists now for 40 years so also there was still no capacity to look to the outside market as the main goal. The way that one winery creates to open the market, facilitates to the other ones and that is the kind of cooperation we are looking for. The big ones help the small ones and the small ones reinforce the big ones. Nowadays the buyer knows what he is looking for when we are selling Ribera del Duero, we do not really need to prove its reputation.

The Regional Editor-in-Chief at the WTA Guide and Drinks+ Magazine, Brand Ambassador of Vinos de La Luz international group of companies Nataliia Burlachenko specifically for Drinks+, conducted an interview during her stay in Spain with the leaders of the most well-known association of winemakers – Mr. Enrique Pascual García, president of the regulatory council of […]

In 2024, the renowned ProWein trade fair for wine and spirits will once again welcome thousands of global wine professionals to Dusseldorf from March 10 to 12.

The collaborative partnership between the Wine Travel Awards, an innovative annual global project in the field of wine tourism initiated by Communication Media Group Drinks+, and one of the primary exhibitions, persists with continued success.

This year in collaboration with ProWein the Wine Travel Awards Team will gather the professionals in the global wine and spirits market to take place at the ProWein forum event: The Wine Travel Awards Tasting Around the Sustainable World.

• FORUM is located in hall 13, booth F100.
• Date: Tuesday, 12.03.2024
• 14.00 — 15.00

In the framework of the event Wine Travel Awards presents the Wine Tasting showcasing six Community Members of the project. These producers, hailing from various countries worldwide, embody established models of business and production.

In addition, attendees of the event will have the opportunity to savor the results of progressive practices, and the theoretical “aperitif” of the tasting will be a brilliant performance of Prof. Dr. Gergely Szolnoki* from Geisenheim University, the WTA jury for the third year in a row, who will address: where does sustainable wine tourism start and where does it end; which concrete measures contribute most effectively to the sustainable development of the wine tourism sector; and what are the main drivers and barriers to the implementation of sustainable wine tourism. The conclusions and specific recommendations, set out in the presentation, are based on study the guidelines and best practice of more than 1,500 wineries in 42 countries – the main drivers of sustainable wine tourism.

Moreover, at the ProWein international trade press stand, the Wine Travel Awards (WTA) Guide 2022—2023* — the final catalogue of the WTA community members of the second WTA season, a unique print and digital edition is going to be presented and distributed.

The WTA Guide aims to showcase the most dynamic and inventive wine and spirit businesses, brands, personalities, and projects participating in the second edition of the Wine Travel Awards. Beyond the printed version, the WTA Guide will be featured on the Digital Trade Press Stand — an online platform by Messe Düsseldorf, enhancing its visibility through integration with the ProWein Web Portal.

For more details, contact us via partnership@winetravelawards.com

*Communication Media Group Drinks+ has been operating within the Eastern and Southern Europe markets since 1993, and have been successfully working as a media partner with the ProWine exhibition for 15 years.

*Gergely Szolnoki, Professor of Market Research at Geisenheim University (Germany) and honorary professor of Wine and Beverage Management & Marketing at the University of West Attica (Athens/Greece). His research fields cover consumer behaviour, communication and social media, organic wines, market analysis and wine tourism. In addition to his scientific activities, Gergely is a delegated expert in the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in the fields of wine economics and statistics.

In 2024, the renowned ProWein trade fair for wine and spirits will once again welcome thousands of global wine professionals to Dusseldorf from March 10 to 12. The collaborative partnership between the Wine Travel Awards, an innovative annual global project in the field of wine tourism initiated by Communication Media Group Drinks+, and one of the […]