Gastronomy and Wine Portal

After many years of work, the Public Union “Vinegrowers and Winemakers of Transcarpathia” has officially received the Geographical Indication (GI) – “Zakarpattia / Vyno Zakarpattia”, and the corresponding certificate of the state model.

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The Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation reports that the Geographical indication “Zakarpattia / Vyno Zakarpattia” can be assigned to white, rosé and red wines produced in the southwestern part of the Transcarpathian region, where the Pannonian plain ends and passes into the slopes Carpathian Mountains of Transcarpathian region. We are talking about the lands of Berehiv, Uzhgorod, Khust and Mukachiv districts.”

Wineries that have a license and are members of the “Vinegrowers and Winemakers of Transcarpathia” will be able to use this name. Currently, these are: Chateu Chizay and, as a wine expert Olga Toiichkina just informed the editors of D+, winemakers Oleksandr Shatalov (Kohanovska Winery), Milan Berynets (Terroir Farm), Andriy Fechora and Christian Sass (Sass K. Winery) have joined literally today. Mrs. Olga commented on this event: “Our volunteer team worked for five years and finally today, after many years of work, the “Vinegrowers and Winemakers of Transcarpathia” has officially received the geographical indication “Zakarpattia / Vyno Zakarpattia” and the corresponding state certificate.

The process of formation of geographical indications on the territory of Ukraine continues, opening to us magical corners of our country, terroirs and names of winemakers. We would like to remind you that the Association of Grape Growers, Winemakers and Distillers of Transcarpathia is currently working on the design of another, incredibly interesting GI – Wines of the Silver Land.

Therefore, the certificate for the “Zakarpattia/Vyno Zakarpattia” is only the first step on the way to this exciting process. “This is a step towards the recognition and preservation of the unique wine-making heritage of our region,” Viktor Mykyta, head of Transcarpathian Regional State Administration, wrote on his social media page. Mr. Gennadiy Gutman, founder of the “Vinegrowers and Winemakers of Transcarpathia” and owner of the exemplary Ukrainian farm Chateau Chizay, shared further plans: “Now is a new stage: practical work on implementation will continue. We are already developing clear rules for granting the right to label the wines of Zakarpattia producers with a geographical indication. French and Hungarian colleagues were asked for a detailed methodology in order to use the best practices. Of course, these will be only legal producers. Our team intends to provide winemakers with the most detailed and understandable “road map” for obtaining the right to use a geographical indication. Absolutely transparent. We are pleased that immediately after receiving the geographical indication, five “small” producers wrote an application to join our Public Union. We invite everyone! We are doing a common thing for the region and the wines of Transcarpathia. We unite Transcarpathians!”

The corresponding certificate of the state model was handed over to Gennady Gutman. A delegation headed by Bohdan Paduchak, first deputy director of the state organization “Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovations” arrived at the Regional State Administration to present the certificate.

Source: ukrpatent.org, nta.ua
Photo: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040194801912, Serhii Hudak for Chateau Chizay

After many years of work, the Public Union “Vinegrowers and Winemakers of Transcarpathia” has officially received the Geographical Indication (GI) – “Zakarpattia / Vyno Zakarpattia”, and the corresponding certificate of the state model. The Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation reports that the Geographical indication “Zakarpattia / Vyno Zakarpattia” can be assigned to […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tenuta Manoylo (Italy)

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

Jidvei Winery (România)

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

Chateau Purcari (Wine of Moldova)

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

Chateau Vartely (Moldova)

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

Radacini (Moldova)

1. Radacini Pinot Grigio
2. Radacini Metier Brut Alb

Apriori Wine (Moldova)

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

SHUMI Estate (Georgia)

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

Gramophone Winery (Romania)

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

Cloudy Bay (New Zealand)

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

Le Grand Noir (France)

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

K’AVSHIRI (Georgia)

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

Shaloshvili’s Wine Cellar (Georgia)

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

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

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

On May 20, the London Wine Fair’s Judgment of London took place, and already on May 21, the organizers published the verdict — so we can discuss the results. The Drinks+ media group would like to thank the London Wine Fair organizers and events director Hannah Tovey personally for the honor of being the information partner of this exceptional event.

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In recent years, the world has seen a surge in wine competitions, each striving to distinguish itself amid a crowded field. However, among the myriad events, one stands out for its historical significance and the promise of setting new standards: the Judgement of London, an homage to Steven Spurrier’s landmark Judgement of Paris.

The original Judgement of Paris in 1976 shocked the wine world when Californian wines bested their French counterparts in a blind tasting, fundamentally altering perceptions and market dynamics. This year, the London Wine Fair revisits this iconic event, updating its format to reflect the current diversity and maturity of the global wine industry.

Ronan Sayburn, MS, CEO of The Court of Master Sommeliers, and Sarah Abbott, MW, MD of Swirl Wine Group, judge of the Wine Travel Awards 2022–2023, curated this year’s Judgment of London. The panel comprises 21 esteemed judges from the UK wine industry, including leading buyers, top sommeliers, and noted wine writers. The format involves tasting pairs of European icon wines and their non-European equivalents, divided into eight pairs of whites and eight pairs of reds; all tasted under strict exam conditions.

Kateryna Yushchenko spoke with some of the leading professionals involved in the event to understand its impact on the wine world.

Kateryna Yushchenko was able to talk behind the scenes of this extraordinary event with some of the leading specialists involved in the event, before and after the tasting — to understand its algorithms and impact on the wine world.

The Significance and Evolution of Judgement

Kateryna Yushchenko: This competition seems poised to change the standards of wine judging. Would you say it’s the best of all existing competitions?

Jancis Robinson: I have to wait and see what the wines are before making any judgment. I haven’t a clue what the wines are and how they’ve been chosen, but I always love the chance to taste wines blind. Particularly good wines blind, so I approve of the practice of comparing different regions. I think that benefits the consumer. So I think it’s a worthwhile exercise, but at the moment, I’m in the dark.

Kateryna Yushchenko: But do you think this could set new standards, especially when comparing New World and Old World wines?

Jancis Robinson: I’m not very keen on the term New World. It’s a little outdated. You can say Europe versus non-Europe. But it’s all one big world of wine where everyone tries to make the best wine. I don’t think there’s any animosity between the New and the Old. It will be interesting to see.

Kateryna Yushchenko: Would this help consumers understand the global world of wine better?

Jancis Robinson: I would be very surprised if we concluded that all New World wines are like this and all Old World wines are like that. I’m voting for how the wine is.

Ensuring Impartiality and Consistency

Kateryna Yushchenko: What are the challenges in ensuring impartiality and consistency among the judges during the blind tasting?

Sarah Abbott MW: The most important factor is the experience and selection of the judges. We needed proven experience in judging and assessing wines at a high level, a balance between specialists and generalists, and judges who approach wines with purity of heart. London is fortunate to have a deep heritage of wine education and tasting, allowing us to pull from a vast pool of experts. All wines were opened and tasted blind in a secure room, decanted into identical containers, and scored without any conferring among judges.

The Results

Over a period of four hours, 32 wines were tasted by 21 judges, a selection of the UK’s best palates, two-thirds of which were either Masters of Wine or Master Sommeliers. Each wine was scored out of 10, resulting in a grand total for each wine and an overall score for European versus Rest of World wines.

The key findings are as follows:

Top Scoring White

• Pegasus Bay Riesling, Bel Canto, Waipara, North Canterbury, New Zealand 2011

Runner Up (White)

• Polish Hill Riesling, Grosset, Clare Valley, Australia 2012

Top Scoring Red:

• Hermitage Rouge, Jean Louis Chave, Rhône, France 2012

Runner Up (Red):

• Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 2009

Top Scoring Wine Overall:

• Pegasus Bay Riesling, Bel Canto, Waipara, North Canterbury, New Zealand 2011

Overall Scores:

• European wines: 2,621.5 points
• Rest of the World wines: 2,604.5 points
• Overall Winner: Europe (by a narrow margin of 0.65%)

The full list of wines, shown in pairs and in the order of tasting each pairing, is as follows:

White

Riesling

• Europe: Trimbach, Riesling Clos St Hune, Alsace, France 2008
• Rest of the World: Polish Hill Riesling, Grosset, Clare Valley, Australia 2012

Chardonnay

• Europe: Cervaro Della Sala, Marchese Antinori, Umbria, Italy 2018
• Rest of the World: Kistler Chardonnay, Les Noisetiers, Sonoma, USA 2018

Chardonnay

• Europe: Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, Maison Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France 2017
• Rest of World: Felton Road Chardonnay Block 6, Central Otago, New Zealand 2017

Blend

• Europe: Terre Alte, Livio Felluga, Friuli, Italy 2020
• Rest of the World: Au Bon Climat Hildegard, Santa Maria Valley, USA 2020

Sauvignon Blanc

• Europe: Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé, Pessac Léognan, Bordeaux, France 2017
• Rest of the World: Peter Michael Winery Sauvignon Blanc, L’Apres Midi, Sonoma, USA 2014

Textured

• Europe: Franz Hitzberger, Grüner-Veltiner Singerriedel, Wachau, Austria 2019
• Rest of the World: Pegasus Bay Riesling, Bel Canto, Waipara, North Canterbury, New Zealand 2011

Rhône

• Europe: St Joseph Blanc Les Oliviers, Pierre Gonon, Rhône, France 2020
• Rest of the World: Viognier, Tahbilk, Nagambie Lakes, Australia 2011

Textured

• Europe: Quinta dos Roques Encruzado, Dão, Portugal 2014
• Rest of the World: David & Nadia Chenin Blanc, Skaliekop, Swartland, South Africa 2019

Red

Pinot Noir

• Europe: Bonnes Mares Grand Cru, Domaine Dujac, Côtes de Nuits, France 2017
• Rest of the World: Storm Pinot Noir, Ridge, Hemel-en-Aarde, South Africa 2019

Pinot Noir

• Europe: Spätburgunder, Weingut Mayer-Näckel, Ahr Valley, Germany 2019
• Rest of the World: Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir, San Andreas, Sonoma, USA 2019

Cabernet

• Europe: Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 2009
• Rest of the World: Promontory, Harlan Estate, Napa Valley, USA 2019

Cabernet

• Europe: Château Léoville Las Cases, St Julien, Bordeaux, France 2009
• Rest of the World: Viñedo Chadwick, Maipo Valley, Chile 2015

Syrah

• Europe: Hermitage Rouge, Jean Louis Chave, Rhône, France, 2012
• Rest of World: Homage Syrah, Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand 2018

Textured

• Europe: Saperavi Qvevri, Quevri Wine Cellar, Kakheti, Georgia 2019
• Rest of the World: Clonakilla Syrah, Canberra, New South Wales, Australia 2015

Grenache

• Europe: Clos Magador, Priorat, Spain 2019
• Rest of World: Torbreck Hillside Vineyard Grenache, Barossa Valley, Australia 2016

Cabernet Franc

• Europe: Saumur Champigny, Clos Rougeard, Loire, France 2018
• Rest of World: Gran Enemigo, Cabernet Franc, Gualtallary, Argentina 2018

The Broader Impact

Kateryna Yushchenko: What do you expect to be the most surprising outcomes from this year’s event?

Sarah Abbott MW: Including a Saperavi from Georgia paired with a Syrah, which did really well, was quite surprising. The overall quality of the wines was superb, with incredible consistency and excitement. There wasn’t a huge difference between European and rest-of-the-world wines, which speaks to the global advancement in winemaking.

Kateryna Yushchenko: How will this influence the general world of wine?

Sarah Abbott MW: I hope it reminds everyone of the richness and depth of wine. It shows that world-class wine can come from unexpected places, uniting us in our love for great wine and making the world of wine bigger and stronger.

Tribute to Steven Spurrier

Kateryna Yushchenko: How does the Judgement of London serve as a tribute to Steven Spurrier’s legacy?

Ronan Sayburn MS: Steven was a great advocate for emerging wine regions. He championed distinctive styles from new regions. If he were with us, he’d be 100% behind this idea. All we can do is pay tribute to him, but it’s definitely done in his spirit.

Breaking Stereotypes

Kateryna Yushchenko: How will the Judgement of London influence perceptions of non-European wines?

Ronan Sayburn MS: It may stop the perception that old-world wines are better. Both new-world and old-world wines are fantastic in their own right. It democratises quality wine, showing that no particular area dominates anymore. This is something Steven Spurrier would have wholeheartedly supported.

The Evolution of Wine Judging

Kateryna Yushchenko: How has the evolution of the wine industry impacted the criteria for judging in this event?

Richard Bampfield MW: We’re now used to wines from many different countries. Thirty years ago, many of these wines weren’t even exported. Today, there’s more variety and diversity than ever, and I hope that will come across in what we’re tasting.

As the Judgement of London unfolds, it aims to provide a nuanced perspective on the global wine landscape, honouring Steven Spurrier’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of contemporary wine appreciation. By comparing the best of Europe with the rest of the world, it seeks not to declare a winner but to celebrate the richness and diversity of wine, ensuring that quality is recognised and appreciated universally.

As we step into this new chapter, we honor the past while embracing the global diversity that defines today’s wine landscape. The footsteps of Titan — Steven Spurrier — lead us onward, reminding us that every sip carries the weight of history and the promise of discovery. The Judgement of London not only celebrates the legacy of a visionary but also sets the stage for a future where the best wines from around the world can shine equally. In following these footsteps, we embark on a journey that enriches our understanding and appreciation of wine, underscoring its timeless allure and infinite potential.

The judges have all been selected from the UK wine industry and are considered leaders in their fields; more than 70% are either Masters of Wine or Master Sommeliers.  They are:

• Elliot Awin, Partner at ABS Wine Agencies
• Isa Bal MS, Consultant Sommelier, Trivet Restaurant
• Richard Bampfield MW, Wine Consultant
• Stephen Brook, Contributing Editor of Decanter and Author
• Alistair Cooper MW, Writer, Consultant and Judge
• Dawn Davies MW, Buying Director, Speciality Drinks
• Gearoid Devaney MS, Director of Flint Wines and Cabotte
• Sarah Jane Evans MW, Wine Writer
• Tina Gellie, Content Manager for the Decanter brand
• Aleesha Hansel, Wine Writer
• Daniel Illsley, Founder of Theatre of Wine
• Anne Krebiehl MW, Wine Writer
• Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS, Head of Fine Wine, Enotria
• Adam Lechmere, Publishing Director, Académie du Vin Library
• Regine Lee MW, Indigo Wine, Managing Director
• Margaret Rand, Wine Writer, General Editor of the Pocket Wine Book
• Laura Rhys MS, Head of Wine – Communications, Education and Style, Gusbourne
• Jancis Robinson MW OBE, Wine Writer of The FT and JancisRobinson.com
• Patrick Schmitt MW, Editor-in-Chief, The Drinks Business
• Matt Wilkin MS, Director, H2Vin
• Clem Yates MW, Founder of English Pink rosé

On May 20, the London Wine Fair’s Judgment of London took place, and already on May 21, the organizers published the verdict — so we can discuss the results. The Drinks+ media group would like to thank the London Wine Fair organizers and events director Hannah Tovey personally for the honor of being the information partner of this exceptional […]

Drinks+ spoke to Tabor Istvan, chief executive of the Winelovers Wine Awards. Our editor-in-chief Olga Pinevich-Todoryuk, as last year, was invited to the team of judges of the competition, and participation is free for Ukrainian winemakers. The event will take place in Budapest on June 28-30.

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Considering all info listed in your website, can you, however, define the key special features of Winelovers Wine Awards? What makes it different from other international contests?

Winelovers Wine Awards is not only a competition, but a complete project that includes an international wine contest, a 3-day-event with several trade related side events focusing on Central Eastern European countries, and online wine magazine and social media. This focus on the CEE countries is our special feature and it is going to be more and more feasible in the future. I am being honest with you: in the first two years we had fancy topics of the masterclasses (side events of the contest), and the winelover public as well as the jury members were happy to taste Champagnes or other highly esteemed wines. At the recent, 3rd edition the masterclasses will present only CEE wines, for example the wines of Romania or indigenous varieties from 10 countries of the region. We also plan to have a guest country each year from the next edition, again countries from the Central Eastern European region.

Piotr Pietras MS will be hosting a masterclass at the event

Does your competition have a mechanism regulating the number of medals granted to the participants? How does it work, practically?

Our contest is a so-called “Anglo-Saxon” competition, so we do not limit the number of medals granted to producers. Wines are scored out of 100 and judging comes to a decision based on independent blind tasting, and a collective discussion. However, judgings are half-day affairs so we have incorporated this element from the OIV, Organisation Internationale de Vin, system.

What are the most meaningful advantages the participants are getting from your competition? What are the benefits for those who don‘t win the medals?

The medal winners are featured in several ways from our digital and print magazines to social media posts and events. Maybe the digital publication is the most relevant for entering producers: the award-winning wines will be featured in an English-language digital publication and distributed to more than 4,000 key international decision makers (importers, head sommeliers, wine merchants and wine writers).

As for the non-medal-winners, well – they can learn from the results, since the jury consists of renowned wine professionals from all over Europe. Can you mention any wine contests, where the jury members are introduced before the contest? There are a few, but not many. We want to be as transparent as possible. From the website, the photos, the videos, wine producers can actually see which experts have tasted their wines. Are you a winemaker, entering a rosé? This year Jonas Röjerman MW will be the specialist of the rosé wine tasting table. If your wine does not win medal, will you say that he is not a seasoned taster? Or will you revise the way your rosé was made?

The wine map of the world has been expanding in the last 10-15 years. How did that influence your competition (participants, judges)? Which countries, except Hungary, are represented among the participants and the jury members?

You are right: the last edition of The World Atlas of Wine features countries that were not known as wine countries earlier. Also, there are more and more developing wine countries, like Taiwan – now wonder we will have guests from Taiwan, though not as jury members, but as buyers. This Buyer’s Program is a novelty, and extra opportunities for wine producers and generic boards to introduce their wines to potential importers.

As for your second question, the proportion of foreign experts is much higher than last year.

This year we have 30 foreign jury members and 17 Hungarians, and the next year there will be even less local experts. The jury members come from several countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the USA, Columbia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovenia, Poland, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

We do not preach water: we will make this wine contest THE Central Eastern European wine competition.

There’s a certain stereotype in the wine community: if a contest is held in Germany / Italy / France / UK, it focuses mainly on the buyers and consumers of that country. Do you think it’s true — and what are the core “markets of influence” for your competition?

Hungary is not a target country for most of the other CEE countries, because it is a wine producing not a wine importer country. There are some exceptions – like Pannon Borbolt with a significant selection of Balkan wines –, but the majority of the Hungarian buyers and consumers are at the phase of discovery when it comes to for example Ukrainian wines. However, we are a catalyst in this process – and we are the only one in this country with this mission.

But more importantly, our aim is to open a gate to the region. We are obliged to invite buyers and other experts of the west, and winemakers of the east and to create a professional environment to meet, taste, network and make business. We are seeking the competitive edge of the Central Eastern European wine producing region, the facets that can make this region interesting for the distributors and consumers of well-established wine importing countries.

What is your experience with Ukrainian wines? Do you see them as competitive as other wines of the Old and the New World within Winelovers Wine Awards?

Last year we had 3 gold medals from Ukraine, 15 silver medals and 6 bronze medals from 6 Ukrainian wineries. This year we are aiming to have 50+ entries from 10+ wineries. We are progressing step-by-step, and I think it is time to learn more about Ukrainian wines. Winelovers Wine Awards is ready to make your wines more recognized! It is up to you to join or not.

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The medal winner Ukrainian wines from the last edition of Winelovers Wine Awards

Jury members of WWA 2024

International buyers of WWA 2024

Registration & entry of samples

Drinks+ spoke to Tabor Istvan, chief executive of the Winelovers Wine Awards. Our editor-in-chief Olga Pinevich-Todoryuk, as last year, was invited to the team of judges of the competition, and participation is free for Ukrainian winemakers. The event will take place in Budapest on June 28-30. Considering all info listed in your website, can you, […]

The team behind the LWF23 Bottle Collection Initiative has concluded its research and is set to reveal its findings at next week’s London Wine Fair.  The Initiative was a partnership between The Porto Protocol, Sustainable Wine Solutions and London Wine Fair which was launched at last year’s show.  The Porto Protocol, whose mission is to catalyse climate action in the wine world, with Sustainable Wine Solutions, the UK experts in wine bottle return, challenged LWF to platform this initiative back in early 2023.  The report has subsequently generated a call to action for the global wine industry: the number of bottles being produced must reduce. The “Reuse Ready Charter” will consider action points which the industry – throughout the supply chain – can adopt.  The intention was to assess if – in the current state of play – a reusable supply chain could be a possibility and what would need to happen for this to become a reality.

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The initial findings were based on 20,000 empty bottles collected from LWF exhibitors.  A full audit was carried out on 1,017 bottles with a label-removability audit carried out on 2,000 bottles. The remaining 18,000 bottles were reused or recycled by Sustainable Wine Solutions which imports in bulk and bottles in the UK for on-trade distribution.

The backdrop to the initiative paints a concerning picture for the global wine industry: +32 billion wine bottles are produced annually, and with each bottle releasing an average of 600g of CO₂, the total carbon emissions equate to 19.8million tons per annum.  The UK alone consumes an average 1.77bn bottles of wine per annum, most of which are single use.

As the wine industry shifts towards environmental sustainability, the widespread adoption of reusable wine bottles becomes crucial, particularly considering that single-use wine glass bottles account for 35% of the carbon footprint associated with each bottle of wine. This shift aims to drastically decrease the industry’s overall carbon footprint and embrace a holistic circular model throughout the entire value chain.  On the other hand, reusable glass offers the greatest potential to reduce environmental impacts: reusable glass bottles produce 85% fewer carbon emissions than their single-use counterparts; 75% fewer carbon emissions than plastic (PET); and 57% fewer carbon emissions than aluminium cans. (Zero Waste Europe).

Although the initial intention was to audit all bottles in depth, we didn’t feel that it was needed since most bottles were different.

The good news is that the needle is shifting rapidly, and there is now growing consensus that reusing should become the gold standard.  Michael Giannuzi, CEO of Verallia (Europe’s leading manufacturer of glass bottles for the drinks industry) said it well: “As glassmaking experts, we cannot afford to be smug about producing an infinitely recyclable material. That’s a great starting point for our industry. But glass is only sustainable when it is reused when and wherever possible and does in fact get recycled.” (Verallia white book).

However, the wide variation in bottle sizes and weights presents a significant barrier, complicating the scalability of schemes that are essential to make a reuse supply chain a reality.  The results show “chaos on a big scale”, according to Muriel Chatel of Sustainable Wine Solutions.  In the sample of 1,047 bottles, there were 947 different types, varying in terms of shape, weight and design.  With only 7% of bottles being the same, this creates a significant challenge for reuse. The good news is that 73% of bottles can be reused, giving substantial opportunities for the industry.

With key global figures  such as Jancis Robinson MW OBE campaigning for lighter bottles and alternative formats for everyday wines, and with younger generations increasingly demanding low-impact packaging, the glass bottle is at risk of losing its centre stage status. Already PET bottles have an increasing presence on supermarket shelves; there is a real risk of the bottle losing its central stage status.

The findings will be presented on Centre Stage from 12h45 to 13h45 on Wednesday, 22nd May: “Revealing the results of the waste bottle report and introducing the Reuse Ready Project”, hosted by Muriel Chatel (Sustainable Wine Solutions) and Marta Mendonça (The Porto Protocol). 2024 Session Schedule (londonwinefair.com). The partnership will call industry stakeholders to action on three key areas:  an open letter to the glass manufacturers urging them to listen to the global wine industry, its biggest customer; leveraging corporate responsibility; and The Reuse Ready International Charter.

Head of London Wine Fair, Hannah Tovey, commented: “This report provides vital intelligence for the global wine industry.  The industry’s consumption of glass is just not sustainable and whilst the solutions won’t come overnight, the Reuse Ready Charter provides a valuable tool for producers, glass manufacturers, buyers – everyone in the industry – willing (and able) to make a change.”

Adrian Bridge, CEO, The Porto Protocol, commented: “The 2023 Bottle Collection Initiative’s outcomes at the London Wine Fair highlight the pressing need for climate action in the wine industry. With billions of bottles produced yearly, the environmental impact is significant, underlining the urgency for sustainable practices. Our partnership with Sustainable Wine Solutions and the London Wine Fair demonstrates our dedication to fostering industry-wide change for a more sustainable future. By participating in initiatives like this, we collectively tackle these challenges and propel essential climate action within the wine world”

Muriel Chatel, Managing Director, Sustainable Wine Solutions, commented: “The reusable bottle is the silver bullet that will ensure that the glass bottle keeps its status as the container of choice for a long time because of its low impact and not simply because of romance and tradition.  Already initiatives around the world by entrepreneurial pioneers are showing that a reusable supply chain is feasible, but only industry wide collaboration will allow it to scale.”

The team behind the LWF23 Bottle Collection Initiative has concluded its research and is set to reveal its findings at next week’s London Wine Fair.  The Initiative was a partnership between The Porto Protocol, Sustainable Wine Solutions and London Wine Fair which was launched at last year’s show.  The Porto Protocol, whose mission is to […]

London Wine Fair is the largest and most famous expo for wine and spirits industry professionals in Great Britain. On May 20-22, 2024, the doors of the luxurious Olympia London hall will open to 400+ participants and 10,000+ visitors. Wineries from all over the world will present their wines to the most famous wine critics, Masters of Wine, journalists, buyers of large chains, importers, international retailers, sommeliers, restaurateurs and hoteliers. 

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Wines of Ukraine is taking an active part in this event for the third year in a row. Why London Wine Fair? “First of all, this is one of the largest international wine events in the world,” comments Svitlana Tsybak, representative for Wines of Ukraine and co-founder of Uawines UK. — Secondly, the British wine market is extremely open to everything new. Over the past year, we have launched Uawines UK here, a company that imports the best Ukrainian craft wines to Britain. The opportunity to offer Ukrainian wines in the very center of the world is of great strategic importance for Ukrainian winemaking.” 

This time, Wines of Ukraine will represent 15 producers from different parts of Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian brands in Britain: 

Beykush Winery (Mykolaiv region) 

Kolonist Wine (Odesa region) 

Frumushika Nova (Odesa region) 

Biologist Winery (Kyiv region) 

Stakhovsky Wines (Zakarpattia) 

Villa Tinta (Odesa region) 

SHABO Family Winery (Odesa region) 

Chateau Chizay (Zakarpattia)

Big Wines (Kyiv region) 

Grande Vallee (Odesa region) 

Honey Badger (Kyiv region) 

Medovy Spas (Kyiv region)

Bolgrad Winery (Odesa region) 

Dima’s Vodka (Zhytomyr region) 

Token Wine. 

On May 22, as part of the Wines of Ukraine exhibition, a master class “Discover the taste of Ukraine” will be held with a commented tasting of six wines representing different regions of Ukraine and demonstrating different styles and terroir characteristics. The tasting will be held by Richard Bampfield, Master of Wine from Great Britain, one of the leading international experts in the field of sustainable production, one of the co-founders of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable international initiative, consultant, wine educator, member of the jury of many tasting competitions, and European Champagne Ambassador 2009.

When: 22.05 

Where: Education Zone at LWF. 

Wines of Ukraine invite everyone who plans to attend the London Wine Fair to visit stand D26. Tastings of excellent wines, interesting communication with Ukrainian winemakers and networking are guaranteed! 

Wines of Ukraine’s participation in the London Wine Fair is supported by the international cooperation program ReACT4UA (Application and implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine in the sphere of trade) funded by the German government. The strategic implementor of the program is the German federal company Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The program is aimed at supporting the economic stability, recovery and growth of Ukraine, creating better conditions for the development of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially with regard to accession to the EU.

London Wine Fair is the largest and most famous expo for wine and spirits industry professionals in Great Britain. On May 20-22, 2024, the doors of the luxurious Olympia London hall will open to 400+ participants and 10,000+ visitors. Wineries from all over the world will present their wines to the most famous wine critics, […]

One of the most significant expo events in Europe is approaching — it is the London Wine Fair. Just before this important event Hannah Tovey, Event Director of London Wine Fair, despite the incredible amount of organizational tasks, found time to talk to the head of the Drinks+ Media Group. After all, despite the fact that the British market has historically attracted all those who are concerned with wine sales, this year the LWF organizers are introducing a number of innovations that will enhance the presentation capabilities of this expo hub and attract an additional audience of traders from around the world.

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In 2024, the London Wine Fair, as the largest event in the beverage trade sector in the UK, is introducing a range of new features. Could you please name 3–5 of the most significant new options for exhibitors, in your opinion?

We have a host of new features for 2024, as well as several first time and returning exhibitors, so the Fair will have a real sense of “newness”.  One of the most significant new features is Judgement of London.  And we have a brand-new exhibitor area: The Discovery Zone, a dedicated section which will host non-wine drinks, including No and Lo.  Another first for 2024 is the Hosted Buyer Programme which will be available for all exhibitors and visitors as well as a full Concierge Service for 50 of the UK’s top buyers.

As it is known, the British market is one of the leading arenas for wine traders, always having unique advantages for wine trading. However, how does LWF additionally attract leading trading companies? Could you please elaborate on the motivation and services? Perhaps the Wine Buyers Awards play a significant role — what’s new in this project this year, and how does the motivational mechanism work?

LWF has an enviable reputation as an event for drinks professionals from the UK and beyond.  This is based on three key elements: business; education; and networking.  We are very much a platform for our exhibitors, be they distributors, wine brands, generic bodies, boutique distillers to show their portfolios to the UK’s top buyers from supermarkets to independent merchants to sommeliers.  It is this happy marriage of our exhibitor and visitor audiences which makes the LWF such an attractive proposition.

Who among the new participants this year would you particularly like to highlight — new ones or those who have returned after the break?

Several of the UK’s leading agents, importers and logistics companies are returning this year. Mentzendorff will take a stand for the first time in 12 years and will host a series of unmissable masterclasses; Buckingham Schenk; Freixenet Copestick; Hillebrand Gori UK; Lanchester Wines; and Origin Wine are also all returning.  We will also host Japan with a generic pavilion for the first time and we have four Chinese producers attending.

Wines of South Africa will return with a large Pop-Up Tasting on the Tuesday.  The tasting will bring together some of South Africa’s best producers and highlight a wide spectrum of wines on offer, from well-known names such as Spier, DGB, Waterkloof and Springfield to less well-known producers and those seeking representation. Groupings for Cap Classique (South Africa’s traditional method sparkling wines) and the Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective highlight how important these two categories are for South Africa in the UK market.

We will also see many of our long-standing exhibitors at the show: Hatch Mansfield, Awin Barratt Siegel, Richmond Wine Agencies, Ellis Wines, EWGA, Felix Solis, H2Vin, Marcato Direct, Beyond Wine and Friarwood Fine Wines., to name just a few.

The most important aspect, perhaps, of organizing such global forums as LWF is meeting planning. Is there any statistics on how visitors and participants utilize the communication opportunities provided by you through the online platform? In this regard, what advice could you give to wine producers who would like to attract the attention of effective traders/buyers, etc.?

Our searchable database of exhibitor products at the show, which is managed by Bottlebooks, is invaluable for visitors who wish to create a personalised tasting sheet to maximise their time at the show.  This is very widely used, and last year we saw 7,000 unique users of the product list.  The Hosted Buyers Programme will give visitors and exhibitors access to London Wine Fair’s digital networking and show planner platform, where they can book sessions and invite other attendees to meetings, all based on bespoke searches.  VIP buyers have specifically requested a bespoke service, and this has resulted in a dedicated space for meetings “The Hosted Buyers Lounge”.

Could you please explain in more detail for potential users how the integration of a resource like Bottlebooks into your services is planned?

The Fair’s official digital directory is run by Bottlebooks; a now universally used platform for wine data capture, which launched with the LWF back in 2016.  Bottlebooks is a tool  that gives the wine industry one place to host and exchange comprehensive, producer-entered product information including product information, photography, maps, controlled by the source – the producer.  As such it really enhances the visitor – and exhibitor – LWF experience.

Perhaps, it would be worthwhile to provide more information about the exhibition layout on the eve of the event. As for me, the following sections sound particularly appealing: DRINKS BRITANNIA, ESOTERICA, TRADING FLOOR, WINES UNEARTHED… What exactly will visitors find there, and who are they intended for?

Drinks Britannia celebrates our English and Welsh producers; we have a record number – 18 – signed up this year, some of which are exhibiting under WineGB.  Esoterica is always one of the busiest sections; it hosts boutique, independent importers mainly targeting the premium on-trade and independent merchants. The Trading Floor is the main area of the show and hosts the larger UK agents distributors and generic bodies.  And Wines Unearthed hosts non-domestic producers seeking a UK agent for the first time.

DISCOVERY ZONE — I suggest delving into this in more detail. Do we already know which startups and innovative technologies will be presented here?

The Discovery Zone has been moved to the heart of the exhibition. The idea is that the products and services that are hosted in this zone, are really at the centre of future-proofing our industry. Whether that’s a sustainability agency, an App, or a logistics company.”

Are there any new venues or sections in your exhibition this year that will appear for the first time? What prompted their introduction?

For the first time we have a large, hosted meetings lounge. This was prompted by a conversation last summer with two key buyers. They explained that meetings on stand are often great for tasting, but sometimes they need a more private location to have in-depth meetings with suppliers.

I can’t stay aside and not ask you about the JUDGMENT OF LONDON — who exactly came up with the incredible idea to recreate the famous tasting in Paris now in London? The media group Drinks+ has already outlined the principles of the upcoming tasting on its resources in general terms. And we hope to have the opportunity to cover its results. But I would also like to clarify — how were the wine analogs from the Old and New Worlds selected, do you personally have any forecasts or premonitions?

I first dreamt up Judgement of London in 2019, with the intention to launch it at the 2020 show but that was scuppered by Covid-19 and the subsequent UK Lockdown.  Logistically, it has been quite a significant addition to the show, but we felt this year we were in a perfect place to revisit the original idea. Judgement of London will pay homage to Steven Spurrier’s ground-breaking Judgement of Paris but will have a broader remit.

Instead of a France vs California blind tasting,  Judgement of London will feature pairs of wines from Europe and the Rest of the World; eight white, and eight red. These have been selected to be comparable in terms of style and readiness for drinking.  Two of the UK wine industry’s most experienced professionals, Ronan Sayburn MS and CEO of The Court of Master Sommeliers, and high respected wine writer and tasting judge, Sarah Abbot MW, will be selecting the wines and curating the tasting and we have a panel of 20 of the UKS most impressive palates to judge,  Judging will take place on the first day of the show, and we will announce the results on the Tuesday on Centre Stage.

I have no preconceptions of how this will pan out, but whatever the results are it will be an incredibly interesting exercise.

It’s logical to continue the topic with global trends, which JUDGMENT OF LONDON will undoubtedly demonstrate through its results. Could you please name the main directions in which the wine world is moving, and which ones do you personally observe from the perspective of your own experience and years of activity in general? Which of them will have a critical impact on the industry? For example, could you comment on a phenomenon that LWF focuses on — such as regenerative.

Sustainability is the number one issue for wine right now and The Fair gives an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this and create an environment to instigate change.  2023 was the most sustainable show to date, and we have strengthened that focus for 2024, with more seminars and masterclasses on the key challenges our industry faces such as climate change and carbon emissions.  We will also report back on our Bottle Collection Initiative which we platformed for Sustainable Wine Solutions and The Porto Protocol last year.  The LWF is very much a showcase for future trends in the wine industry and 2024 is no exception: the use of Artificial Intelligence for example.

Perhaps, it’s worth focusing separately on the designated zone at LWF — MINDFUL DRINKING EXPERIENCE. How is this segment growing, and are wines with low alcohol content or even zero capable of regaining some lost audience of wine lovers — as global statistics, as far as known, indicate a decrease in demand for wine in almost all segments? Could you please detail the initiatives of an association like Club Soda?

No and Lo remains one of the fastest growing sectors within the drinks industry and also one of the most innovative and exciting.  We will be hosting 16 exhibitors / brands in the Mindful Drinking Experience this year, 7 for the first time.

According to observations by Drinks+ observers, competition between exhibitions — the world leaders in the professional wine community — has sharply intensified after the pandemic. Does London feel the pressure? What are your strongest positions that allow you to stay in the top league? What are the plans — if not a secret — for the coming years?

Having an event the scale of London Wine Fair which serves the UK market – one of the most diverse in the world – has never been more needed.  Having a platform which raises the most pertinent issues and challenges – as well as opportunities – is absolutely essential.  The impact of Brexit, the looming changes to duty, falling wine consumption, our carbon emissions all need to be debated and solutions implemented and LWF provides the space to do this, alongside doing business and identifying trends for the future.

One of the most significant expo events in Europe is approaching — it is the London Wine Fair. Just before this important event Hannah Tovey, Event Director of London Wine Fair, despite the incredible amount of organizational tasks, found time to talk to the head of the Drinks+ Media Group. After all, despite the fact […]

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

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

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

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

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

Or contact personally:

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

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

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

Introducing the Participants:

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

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

• Owner’s Choice – Ana Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Jidvei DOC
• Owner’s Choice – Maria Pinot Gris 2022, Jidvei DOC
• Grigorescu – Fetească Regală 2023, Jidvei DOC
• Traditional Method sparkling wine – Jidvei Extra Brut, Jidvei DOC
• Jidvei Pinot Noir 2019 – DOC Târnave – Jidvei

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

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

• VIRTUOZ FETEASCA REGALA – DRY 2021
• VIRTUOZ FETEASCA NEAGRA – OFF DRY 2021
• GRAMOFON WINE SAUVIGNON BLANC – DRY 2020
• GRAMOFON WINE CUVEE – MERLOT/FETEASCA NEAGRA/CABERNET SAUVIGNON – DRY 2022

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

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

• Kakhuri Mtsvane Shumi
• Khikhvi Iberiuli
• Mukuzani Shumi
• Saperavi Iberiuli
• Zigu – (a legendary drink that combines the flavours of grape juice, wine, chacha and wine brandy, and the aroma is enriched with the scents of highland herbs)

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

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

• Passo del Borgo Marche IGT Passerina (from an ancient and traditional Marche grape variety).
• Falerio DOC Pecorino (autochthonous variety from the Marche region).
• Marche IGT Sangiovese

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

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

• Kisi Mtsvane White Dry 2021
• Rkatsiteli Oak Barrel Aged White Dry 2017
• Saperavi Oak Barrel Aged Red Dry 2018
• Saperavi QVEVRI 2020

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

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

• Le Grand Noir Chardonnay
• Le Grand Noir GSM Red Blend

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

WTA Ceremony Walk Around Tasting:

• K’AVSHIRI White 2022
• K’AVSHIRI Assemblage Red

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

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

 

Cheers! Welcome to the Ceremony!

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

With over 30 years of experience in the wine industry worldwide, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is proud to announce the South Africa Selection by CMB (CMB SA), a new prestigious wine and spirits competition open to all regions of South Africa.

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Applications for the first edition of the South Africa Selection will open on 1 June 2024, with the CMB SA competition taking place from 17 to 20 September in Cape Town.

“Following the success of the Sauvignon Selection held by the CMB in March 2023, at that time known as the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon, the decision was made to create a national competition in South Africa in 2024,” says Quentin Havaux, Director of the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon.

The aim of South Africa Selection is to select South Africa’s finest wines and spirits, offer quality guidance to consumers worldwide and promote South Africa’s wine heritage internationally.

The jury consists of 45 experts from around the world, including buyers and international distributors, oenologists, research scientists, winemakers and spirits producers, journalists and wine writers.

The CMB media team will present South Africa Selection winners at international wine exhibitions, including Prowein, Wine Paris-Vinexpo, Vinitaly and Guiyang.

Additional information can be found on the official website.

For all questions, write to the contest manager Lorraine Immelman: southafricaselection@vinopres.com; lorraine.immelman@vinopres.com

Lorraine is a renowned wine expert, having founded two successful wine and spirits competitions in South Africa since 1997.

Фото: southafricaselection.com

With over 30 years of experience in the wine industry worldwide, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is proud to announce the South Africa Selection by CMB (CMB SA), a new prestigious wine and spirits competition open to all regions of South Africa. Applications for the first edition of the South Africa Selection will open on […]

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

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

SAVE THE DATE!

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

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

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

Ambassador

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

Creative Strategy

Award winner: The Imeretian Wine Association 

Judge: Felicity Carter

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

Ambassador of the Year

Award winner: Sonal Holland 

Judge: Nina Basset

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

Wine & Food Influencer

Journalists, professional media, bloggers, photographers and videographers.

Author of the Year

Award winner: Angelo Peretti 

Judge: Robert Joseph

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

Expert Opinion

Award winner: Marinela Ardelean 

Judge: Dr. Ricardo Nunez

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

The Brightest Journey

Award winner: Daria Kholodilina

Judge: Per Karlsson

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

Education in Enotourism

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

Cultural Mission

Award winner: World of Wine (WOW)

Judge: Yang Shen

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

Unique Program

Award winner: Shumi Wine School

Judge: Nina Basset

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

Wine Guide

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

Top Guide

Award winner: Miguel Leal

Judge: Florence Cathiard

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

Travel Operator of the Year

Award winner: Wine Paths

Judge: Florence Cathiard

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

Enogastronomic Events

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

Magnet of the Region

Award winner: The National Wine Day of Moldova

Judge: Javier de las Muelas

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

Event of the Year

Award winner: Yerevan Gastronomic Days

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

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

The Visiting Card of the Country

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

Region of the year

Award winner: Austria

Judge: Tim Hanni MW

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

© Austrian Wine / WSNA

Art & History Object

Award winner: Château Angelus

Judge: Stéphane Badet

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

Progressive Approach

Award winner: Tenuta Manoylo

Judge: Tim Hanni MW

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

Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country

Award winner: Cloudy Bay 

Judge: Ester Garcia Adrados

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

Must Visit

Award winner: SHUMI Winery 

Judge: Ester Garcia Adrados

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

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

The Judge’s Choice Award was received by:

Deschidem Vinul Românesc

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

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

Vitaliy Kovach Sommelier School

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

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

Kabistoni Wine School

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

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

The Wine School. World of Wine (WOW)

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

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

Britt Karlsson & Per Karlsson

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

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

The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne

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

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

Winery Khareba 

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

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

Anna Alekseyeva

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

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

Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory

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

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

Piemont and Consorzio Asti DOCG

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

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

Charitable Gastro Dinners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations from the WTA team!

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