Gastronomy and Wine Portal

On November 24-27, an exhibition of luxury products took place in Monte Carlo.

On the eve of the winter holidays, the visitors of the twenty-sixth Monte-Carlo Gastronomie had the opportunity to try and buy the best, carefully selected products of France, Italy and other most delicious regions of Europe for the festive table and gift basket.

More than 100 producers of French, Italian and European gastronomic products displayed on an area of more than 2,500 m2 presented the best: wines, champagne, cognacs, Armagnac and liqueurs from the producers’ estates, as well as salmon, foie gras, seafood, truffles, caviar, chocolate, sweets, cheeses, sausage products, environmentally friendly products, jams… All this could be purchased at the event, which has long been synonymous with elegance and sophistication.

In addition to food and fine drinks, Monte-Carlo Gastronomie offered a wide range of kitchen accessories, tableware and original gift ideas.

Every year, this gastronomic event takes place with the support of numerous associations, such as Monaco Goût et Saveurs, l’association des Maîtres d’Hôtel Italiens et Français, l’association Monégasque des Sommeliers, l’association Slow Food Riviera Côte d’Azur and l’association de l’Industrie Hôtelière Monégasque.

Monte-Carlo Gastronomie is organized by the Caroli Com company, which has been a leader in the organization of exhibitions on the Cote d’Azur and specificaly in Monaco for more than 25 years.

As part of the exhibition of luxury products, the 5th Maestro Chef competition was held, the winner of which was Rahima Habib, who received a check for 2,000 euros. The competition is organized in conjunction with l’Association Monaco Goût et Saveurs, chaired by Joël Garault.

Source: montecarlogastronomie.com
Photos: montecarlogastronomie.com

On November 24-27, an exhibition of luxury products took place in Monte Carlo. On the eve of the winter holidays, the visitors of the twenty-sixth Monte-Carlo Gastronomie had the opportunity to try and buy the best, carefully selected products of France, Italy and other most delicious regions of Europe for the festive table and gift […]

The 7th Majors of Tastevinage ceremony took place on November 16, 2023, in the Château du Clos de Vougeot (WTA nominee) and revealed 13 wines that were honored the Major title, the Excellence of Tastevinage. Oleksandra Hryhorieva, Drinks+ correspondent, joined the event as part of the jury and is glad to share the results with our readers.

The doors of the Grand Cellier open and it is time to taste the “jury’s favorites”, 13 Majors of Tastevinage wines. Out of 785 Burgundy wines presented at the spring and autumn Tastevinage editions, 254 received the label recognition in 2023 and only 13 were honored the Majors award, a symbol of excellence.

Organized in the form of a tasting, this event allowed professionals from the wine industry, restaurateurs, sommeliers, buyers, and specialized journalists to discover the Crémant de Bourgogne, 2 white wines and 10 red wines, Majors du Tastevinage rigorously selected from the wines presented at the tasting this year. The two annual editions of Tastevinage took place on Friday March 24, 2023, and on Friday September 8, 2023.

The atmosphere was vivid, reminding the synergy between different professions, Burgundy terroirs and climats, all striving for excellence. The concept of Majors appears with the aim of highlighting the Excellence of a wine which fully represents its appellation and its vintage by standing out for its indisputable quality.

Tasting notes:

Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Tasteviné, Veuve Ambal

• Visual: bright gold color, fine bubbles.
• Nose: notes of citrus and fresh fruit (mango, peach) are supported by a beautiful minerality; toasted and grilled nuances bring complexity and elegance.
• Mouth: a beautiful minerality and a lovely freshness are brought by the Chardonnay; delicacy and persistence are the work of Pinot Noir.

 Rully Château de Rully 2020 white Tasteviné, Domaine de la Bressande

• Visual: golden yellow.
• Nose: rather floral expression with noticeable notes of honeysuckle; woody touch and toasted notes are present and well-integrated into the texture of the wine.
• Mouth: leaky on the palate with a nice balance and a pleasant persistence.

 Saint-Romain 2020 white Tasteviné, Maison Joseph Drouhin

• Visual: pretty white gold tint with green reflection.
• Nose: white flowers (honeysuckle) and ripe fruits (mirabelle plums), evolving towards notes of honey and gingerbread.
• Mouth: the attack is lively and fresh, then comes roundness. The “pebble” mineral tone gives the marked character of Saint-Romain.

 Bourgogne 2022 Pinot Noir Origines Tasteviné, Maison Albert Bichot

• Visual: beautiful deep ruby ​​color.
• Nose: fresh, predominantly red fruits such as sweet cherry, blackberry, and crunchy grapes.
• Mouth: tannic structure present, harmonious and structured palate.

Irancy Paradis 2020 Tasteviné, Maison Simonnet-Febvre

• Visual: intense purple reflections.
• Nose: red fruits and wild fruits such as redcurrant and wooden strawberry.
• Mouth: the present tannins offer good power with good length. Perfect balance mixing roundness and firmness.

Santenay Les Charmes 2020 red Tasteviné, Domaine Ponsard-Chevalier

• Visual: beautiful deep ruby ​​red color.
• Nose: notes of red fruits, violet and touch of vanilla.
• Mouth: pulp, roundness and length with well-enveloping, almost velvety tannins vibrating on the tongue.

Monthélie 1er Cru Les Barbières 2020 red Tasteviné, Maison Patriarche Père & Fils

• Visual: ruby ​​red of good intensity with a beautiful shine (vintage effect).
• Nose: aromas of strawberry, cherry, blueberry (red fruits and black berries), finely wooded.
• Mouth: lots of volume, tannic structure, silky and suave, well-blended wood with red and black fruits.

Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Les Grands Champs 2020 red Tasteviné, Maison Patriarche Père & Fils

• Visual: deep ruby.
• Nose: red fruits (strawberry, red cherry, redcurrant) with mineral notes (graphite). A nice welcoming bouquet.
• Mouth: velvety attack, dense and delicious structure, nice persistence, nice tension on the finish.

Marsannay 2021 Bio red Tasteviné, Maison Moillard

• Visual: deep, sustained red color.
• Nose: reveals a bouquet of fresh fruits (raspberry, blackberry) and wooden hints.
• Mouth: balanced wine with melted tannins, the mid-palate is delicious with crunchy fruit. The slightly marked woodiness is very elegant. The finish persists in length.

Mercurey 2021 red Tasteviné, Maison Moillard

• Visual: red color with purple reflections.
• Nose: pleasant and harmonious range of scents with notes of small red fruits and cinnamon.
• Mouth: presents a beautiful fullness on the attack and a progressive structure which marks the finish and ensures typicity and character.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Cailles 2021 Tasteviné, Domaine Manuel Olivier

• Visual: shiny ruby ​​red.
• Nose: intense and complex of sweet black fruits, game and forest floor scents.
• Mouth: powerful and full-bodied, intense, and long.

Vougeot 1er Cru Clos de la Perrière Monopole 2021 Tasteviné, Domaine Bertagna

• Visual: sparkling and luminous color.
• Nose: evokes aromas of black fruits, truffle, and spices.
• Mouth: intense with nuances of toasted almonds and forest floor, with a beautiful minerality. Elegant and fine, delicate, and accompanied by fine and silky tannins.

Clos-Vougeot Grand Cru 2019 Tasteviné, Maison Patriarche Père & Fils

• Visual: dark and deep ruby.
• Nose: great aromatic complexity combining candied cherry and spices.
• Mouth: notes of blackberries, very nice concentration, fleshy with pleasant, well-integrated tannins. Powerful and long finish.

Photos: tastevinage.fr

The 7th Majors of Tastevinage ceremony took place on November 16, 2023, in the Château du Clos de Vougeot (WTA nominee) and revealed 13 wines that were honored the Major title, the Excellence of Tastevinage. Oleksandra Hryhorieva, Drinks+ correspondent, joined the event as part of the jury and is glad to share the results with […]

During the ENOEXPO exhibition in Krakow, a presentation of the wines of the Wine Travel Awards community members and an introduction to the peculiarities of Polish enotourism took place. WTA nominee and winner Tomasz Prange-Barczyński, a respected wine critic, writer, editor-in-chief of Ferment and judge of well-known international wine competitions presented the study Present and Future of the Polish Wine Market. The best enotourism destinations in Poland. Here are the abstracts of the report.

Influence of geographical conditions on winemaking in Poland

Poland’s climate is quite favourable for winemaking: average insolation is 1400–1900 hours, and the growing season is 180–230 days. In general, the available terroirs are as follows:

• altitude: maximum 300–400 m above sea level;
• exposure: south and south-west;
• slope: optimal 30–40%.

The soils suitable for vine cultivation are of the following variety: 

• loess (Lower Silesian, Lesser Poland, Lubelskie Voivodeship);
• volcanic (foothills of the Sudetenland, around Krakow, Podkarpacie);
• calcareous (southeast of Wrocław, north and northeast of Krakow, Sandomierz, Lubelskie Voivodeship);
• sandy (Mazovia, Greater Poland, San River Valley). 

Varieties and types of wine in Poland

The most popular white varieties are Riesling, Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Ottonel and reds: Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Dornfelder Blaufränkisch, Merlot, Cabernet Dorsa (Dornfelder X Blaufränkisch), as well as numerous hybrids.

In terms of wine types, Polish winemakers produce fresh young white wines and white wines for long aging, rosé, young reds, and a small number of aged wines, oranges, sparkling wines (both classics and according to the Charmat method, as well as pet-nat). By the way, according to market observers, Poland currently has ideal climatic conditions for the production of sparkling wines. Krosno Odrzańskie, which is known as the capital of sparkling wines, is considered to be the kingdom of the country’s terroirs.

Polish winemaking in numbers can be represented as follows:

• vineyards on areas of more than 760 hectares; 
• 560–580 producers;
• an average plot per farm: 1.42 hectares.

Factors that influence the Polish wine industry

Among the negative factors affecting the image of Polish wine, experts identify the following disadvantages: wine in this country is a niche product, low availability, high price, clichés and stereotypes, lack of general knowledge and wine culture, and lack of loyalty to the regional product. 

*D+: By the way, it might be interesting for Ukrainian winemakers to study the experience of their neighbours and compare it with their own, identifying their advantages and, therefore, their potential in the domestic and international markets.

On the plus side, Polish wine is trending today, it is relevant to the interests of Generation Z, it is accompanied by publications in the lifestyle press, and is constantly present in national professional/thematic publications; local winemakers have achieved the interest of distributors, restaurants, and sommeliers.

The industry is constantly fuelling interest in Polish wine on the part of global wine authorities, Masters of Wine, such as Jancis Robinson, Elizabeth Gabay, and John Salvi, and organising publications in foreign media and publications such as the Oxford Companion. In addition, the professional community organises regular press trips for foreign journalists and stimulates the interest of Polish and foreign tourists.

As for the last steps, local winemakers mainly use the following resources for promotion:

• Developing a product that is attractive to enotourists;
• Using the charms of the location;
• Creation of hotels, restaurants, or tasting rooms in viticultural areas;
• Cooperation with food producers;
• Encouraging local authorities to take care of enotourism;
• Laying out wine routes, installing road signs and banners; publishing guides, maps, and leaflets.

Most small Polish winemakers – and they make up the lion’s share of local producers – realise that wine tourism is an indispensable tool for their business, through which they can develop themselves as a brand, and most importantly, sell wine directly.

Enotourism in Poland

The most common forms of enotourism in Poland:

• Visits in the wineries;
• Wine tastings;
• Walks in the vineyards;
• Taking part in the harvest. 

In addition, the following activities can be used as an accompanying business: tasting of local products (can be produced at the winery or nearby in the same area), accommodation (hotel or bed & breakfast or camping).

*D+: This is a positive experience for Ukrainian enotourism operators to emulate (of course, when the war in Ukraine ends and tourism resumes): 50% of Polish wineries are camper-friendly.

Polish wine festivals and gastronomic events

Wine festivals and gastronomic events also play a significant role in Polish enotourism, becoming magnets for the region.

Polish wine routes include the following destinations:

• Dolnośląski Szlak Wina i Piwa (Lower Silesian Wine and Beer Trail);
• Małopolski Szlak Winny (The Małopolska Wine Trail);
• Sandomierski Szlak Winiarski (Sandomierz Wine Trail);
• Karpackie Szlak Wina (Karpackie Wine Trail);
• Jasielski Szlak Winiarski (Jasielska Wine Trail);
• Zielonogórski Szlak Wina (Zielona Góra Wine Trail);
• Szlaku Winnic Stowarzyszenia Winiarzy Małopolskiego Przełomu Wisły (Wine Route of the Association of Winemakers of the Małopolska Przełomu Wisły);
• Wielkopolskim Szlakiem Winnic (The Wielkopolska Wine Route);
• Szlaku Winnic Ziemi Łódzkiej (The Wine Trail of the Lodz Area).

Mr. Tomasz Prange-Barczynski spoke about an interesting local attraction – the only specialised train in Poland that takes guests to the International Wine Days in Jasło.

*D+:  The last time it happened on 26 August 2023, it was like this: at around 7:20 am, the train left Kraków Główny station for the wine festival. Each passenger received a welcome kit, which included a voucher for żurek, a traditional Polish soup served on rye bread and made with pork, sausage, eggs, and vegetables, wines from the 10th Polish Wine Competition in Jasło and sweets such as gingerbread and sweets. After almost three hours, the full and happy guests arrived at the platform in Jasło, from where they went on an excursion to the local museum and then to the Wine Day, where 40 wine stands from all over Poland, a regional food fair and masterclasses with tasting were waiting for them. In the evening, the train travelled in the opposite direction.

At the end of his speech, the speaker invited wine lovers and specialists to visit Polish wine roads, and all those interested in information about winemaking to visit such resources as winicjatywa.pl, @fermentwine.

The Wine Travel Awards team thanks Tomasz for participating in the presentation and invites all active and caring operators and supporters of enotourism to get acquainted with the most interesting places, wines, and events on winetravelawards.com. 

During the ENOEXPO exhibition in Krakow, a presentation of the wines of the Wine Travel Awards community members and an introduction to the peculiarities of Polish enotourism took place. WTA nominee and winner Tomasz Prange-Barczyński, a respected wine critic, writer, editor-in-chief of Ferment and judge of well-known international wine competitions presented the study Present and […]

Sometimes it seems unbelievable that facing so many destructions of towns and entire cities, the loss of thousands and thousands of people, destroyed wealth, and putting all our energy into the desire to drive the invader out of this sacred Ukrainian land, it seems unbelievable, I say, that Ukraine and Ukrainians have preserved and deepened a process that began several years before: the rebirth of the Ukrainian wine industry and the understanding that this explosion that is coming is the other side of the coin of explosions, because this is the explosion of progress, and the opening of a door that leads to a staircase, which only has room to go up and where there is no place for those who want to go down.

I am an importer and producer in Ukraine. First, of course, I imported my own Vinos de La Luz, until we felt the duty to contribute our experience to the local industry. And there Big Wines Big Art, Odesa Black 2020, Ivan Marchuk Limited Edition, was born. Ivan Marchuk, a dear friend and one of the most important painters in the world, gave us an incredible work, which is part of the label.

Big Wines LLC is the arm of Vinos de La Luz in Ukraine and is directed – in all aspects – by Nataliia Burlachenko, to whom we owe the merits of Vinos de La Luz in Ukraine, and many recognitions for Ukraine in the world. The launch of Big Wines Big Art immediately earned the 2023 Gold Medal at the Berliner Wine Trophy, the 2023 Gold Medal at Mundus Vini, and in October, it received the 2023 Great Gold Medal from one of the most difficult competitions I know: CERVIM, the great competition held in Italy for Extreme and Heroic Wines. When I started importing my own wines, I found an immature market. There were opportunities for all foreign producers, and annual consumption grew until reaching €300,000,000 of imported products, wine and others. Competition is always healthy, although Ukraine still supports oligopolies in many imported brands, which importers repeatedly buy from competitor importers themselves, to sell in their stores. But that is going to finish step by step. It is a matter of time before the offer is segmented, especially on-trade, where the growth of HORECA had, maintains, but will have an unstoppable growth. It is logical that during wartime the priority is items related to subsistence. And although we will always consider wine part of the food chain when there is a crisis derived from a war conflict, neither local consumers nor importers bother us to tighten our belts a little but… staying in the market, with less, but staying here.

It has cost so much to impose the smells and flavors of wines from all over the world that no crisis can convince us that there will not be a good business in the future. And there is a reason that will weigh heavily at the time of victory: when all the Ukrainians who went into exile and drink wine there return – generally the closest one in Europe, they will come after tasting a level of wines of superior quality and at affordable prices.

Ukrainians will come from Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, and Holland, which are producing and importing countries with great internal competition based on quality. Let’s not leave Poland out, – which has received millions of Ukrainians – and which, in addition to a gigantic supply of imported wines, has a wine industry that is already common on the menus of the best restaurants and – not a minor detail – in its very large duty free shops in its international airports. The question that arises is what will happen to the Ukrainian industry when the local market begins to demand more quality from the wines produced today on its 28,000 hectares, which will be much more than 40,000 after the victory.

They are going to ask for the same quality that they have tried until recently in other countries around the world. And immediately the big question arises: are Ukrainian producers prepared to respond with quality to demand?

To answer that question you do not have to speak with your heart, but with facts. Recently, I have been a judge in many wine competitions, where small producers have and are anxiously waiting for the results of the tastings. They have known before and they know today that in matters of quality, the jurors are qualified not to reject a wine but to point out that it must improve. And I have spoken with most of about 120 small producers, among which there are several who already have national and international recognition (when at CERVIM Big Wine Big Art Odesa Black 2020 won the Great Gold Medal, the Gold Medals were for two organic Ukrainian wines that I have seen grow practically from the production of the first bottle). It is true that the industry’s greats have an important level of quality, but never in the history of free competition has a product related to the senses been able to avoid being surpassed in quality, even if not in quantity. Small producers have grown, and I would say that some no longer fit into the “small producers” clothing. But Ukraine has also grown in the institutional world of wine.

The entry of the country into the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) by the hand and will of the Minister of Agriculture, and with the swords of Volodomyr Pechko and Nataliia Burlachenko, in an unforgettable Assembly and a powerful speech by the Official Delegation, opened the doors of the world on November 4, 2022, in Mexico.

The entry of an intermediate organization Ukrsadvinprom – into the FIVS, which brings together all the producing companies in the world, the agreements that same organization are being made with international organizations to develop training programs, also the presence of Ukrainian wines at the Cite du Vin in Bordeaux, France, and even the work of DRINKS+ and the presence of many producers in the international expositions (PROWEIN, VINITALY, VINEXPO) and others regionals one, are an eloquent example of the giant steps that producers are taking. In other words, Ukraine is already launched, and the only thing left is to end this war with the victory that the country deserves, so that the best can dedicate their time and energy to developing the wine industry. They must have time to meet with the forces and capitals of the world who have already agreed to participate in the reconstruction of every corner of the country.

It is part of the Ukraine Marshall Plan that is already reaching several cities. There is no return on the path of growth of the industry, and I can say it from my historical perspective because I lived in it for the last 50 years: Ukraine is going to follow the path that Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand have already traveled, and now are beginning to travel Great Britain and Sweden: parade with quality and not much quantity, the great Ukrainian wine-growing powers of the world.

UKRAINIAN PRODUCERS: JUST FOLLOW YOUR DESTINY!

Sometimes it seems unbelievable that facing so many destructions of towns and entire cities, the loss of thousands and thousands of people, destroyed wealth, and putting all our energy into the desire to drive the invader out of this sacred Ukrainian land, it seems unbelievable, I say, that Ukraine and Ukrainians have preserved and deepened […]

The Wine Travel Awards’ multinational team is growing! We are very pleased to announce that Tim Hanni MW, an internationally renowned wine expert, wine industry consultant and educator from the USA, will be joining the Jury of WTA 2023-2024!

Mr. Hanni is a resident of Prescott, Arizona, and has over 50 years of experience in virtually every facet of the wine industry. He became the first American, along with Joel Butler, to earn the Master of Wine credential in 1990. Mr Hanni is a faculty member and teaches wine business course for the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Washington State University (Pullman, WA) and Linfield University (McMinnville, OR), and also consults for wineries and wine-related companies around the world.

Tim Hanni is recognized as an innovator, researcher, and even a renegade. He was dubbed “the wine anti-snob” by the Wall Street Journal for his pioneering work to eliminate wine myths and misunderstandings about wine. At the heart of this crusade is a quest to find the fundamental elements that shape our taste preferences, and to understand, embrace, and cultivate the interest of all wine consumers, not just a select few.

Tim Hanni is President and Founder of Calyber LLC, a company that has created the myVinotype.com wine preferences assessment system and provides guided selling technologies and training to wine retailers, restaurants and online wine sellers.

Wine Business Education is another business unit of Mr Hanni’s Calyber LLC. WBE offers wine business education programs, including financial planning and forecasting calculators and workbooks, for over a dozen universities and institutions, such as the Oregon Wine Board. WBE has partnered with the Napa Valley Wine Academy to provide offline and online workshop programs helping wine professionals and enthusiasts learn more about the business of wine from a supply-and-value chain perspective.

Tim Hanni is also a professionally trained chef, and the author of “Why You Like the Wines You Like; Changing the way the world thinks about wine.” This paradigm-changing book focuses on expanding wine enjoyment by understanding the factors that influence personal wine preferences.

We are happy to welcome Mr. Hanni in the Jury of Wine Travel Awards, and we are very excited with the new perspective that his participation will add to our fabulous judging committee!

Photo: ivanvino.wordpress.com, linkedin.com, txwinelover.com

The Wine Travel Awards’ multinational team is growing! We are very pleased to announce that Tim Hanni MW, an internationally renowned wine expert, wine industry consultant and educator from the USA, will be joining the Jury of WTA 2023-2024! Mr. Hanni is a resident of Prescott, Arizona, and has over 50 years of experience in […]

The Wine Travel Awards team, which has united representatives of the wine world from all continents on its territory, is opening its third year. We are happy and proud to announce that Mr. Yang Shen, Estate Director of Cloudy Bay (one of New Zealand’s most outstanding wine companies), has joined our team as a judge.

Mr. Yang Shen was born in Chengdu, in the Chinese province of Sichuan. He fondly remembers his first wine experience – a bottle from China’s oldest winery, ChangYu. But the discovery of the wine world in its global sense happened when Yang Shen’s uncle – Michel Xu introduced his nephew to a French wine. At that moment, the future began taking shape. Yang went to France where he studied Viticulture and Enology at the Macon-Davaye Wine High School, then University de Montpellier (Enology/wine making) and Montesquieu University Bordeaux.

During his career, Mr. Yang Shen held senior positions in such global corporations as Moët Hennessy, Diageo and Chandon China.

Domaine Chandon China became a complex and unforgettable experience. No wonder! Building an oasis in the desert, starting everything from scratch is quite a challenging task. However this task was completed with 100 points, like everything that Mr. Yang undertakes. Now the production of Chandon China is increasing every year and for that, without a doubt, the credit must be given to the former Estate Director of the winery: Mr. Shen laid a solid foundation that is now bearing fruit.

In 2016, armed with experience, knowledge and fluency in three languages, Mr. Yang found himself running Cloudy Bay, the winery, which Veuve Clicquot invested in from 1990 and in 2003 became part of the LVMH family, the world leader in the luxury industry. Currently, Cloudy Bay is a shining beacon of quality and synonymous with prestige on the New Zealand wine map.

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Yang Shen on the Wine Travel Awards jury. For our young project, this is a great honor and support, as well as a wonderful prospect for expanding the geography of our community, educational horizons and professional opportunities.

Photo: Cloudy Bay

The Wine Travel Awards team, which has united representatives of the wine world from all continents on its territory, is opening its third year. We are happy and proud to announce that Mr. Yang Shen, Estate Director of Cloudy Bay (one of New Zealand’s most outstanding wine companies), has joined our team as a judge. […]

In early October, a competition dedicated to the wines of Imereti was held in Georgia, at the Sairme Hotels & Resorts mountain resort.

At the organisers’ invitation, the Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards columnist joined the jury together with respected international experts and specialists from Georgia.

For the first time this year, the best wines of the region were examined by such a representative panel: 

• Robert Joseph is a UK-based wine expert, founder and judge of international competitions, wine critic and writer, editorial consultant for Meininger’s Wine Business International, analyst and wine consultant, wine brand creator and wine producer with projects in France and Georgia; 
• Paul Robert Blom – licensed wine broker and wine judge, general partner of one of the most respected importing companies in the Netherlands; 
• Darrell Joseph – wine expert from Austria, jury member of international competitions and lecturer on winemaking in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region; 
• Vladimer Kublashvili – member of the jury of international wine competitions and chief winemaker of Khareba Winery, Georgia; 
• Tamar Imadadze – Deputy Chairman of the Georgian Tasting Commission and member of the jury of international competitions; 
• Saba Kitiashvili – Master of Wine, International Sommelier ASI Certification; 
• Tinatin Jajanidze – Director of Irma Chanturia Wine Laboratory LLC, wine expert, taster at international competitions; 
• Giorgi Samanishvili – oenologist, Master of Wine, Economics and Law; 
• Ketevan Jurkhadze – director of the Imeretian Wine Association, wine expert, jury member of international competitions, founder of the Kabistoni Wine School, founder and winemaker of Kabis Toni Winery;
• Irina Dyachenkova – judge of international competitions, wine premiere taster, co-founder of the Drinks+ media group.

To understand the event value, we should explain that the Imereti wine region is still inferior to the more recognisable Kakheti on the international stage. Nevertheless, Imereti has everything it needs to attract tourists and represent the country outside of Georgia with dignity: large areas of vineyards, a wide variety of grape varieties, modern and traditional winemaking technologies, outstanding winemakers, and many attractions for wine and gastronomic tourism supported by the state and NGOs, as well as natural, historical and cultural attractions.

Imereti is the heart of Georgia, beating among mountains, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, and plains. This is the place where the state was born. And, of course, it is one of the most prominent wine regions in Georgia. Mountains occupy 70% of the territory, so different zones with their microclimates and soil types provide a wide range of Imereti wines. Imereti is one of the most important regions of Sakartvelo, both in terms of quantity and quality of wines.

Thus, the competition aimed to draw attention to the region, promote information about Imereti wines, and develop wine tourism. But before the evaluation process began, the members of the tasting panel were immersed in the environment: the organisers arranged a tour of several local wineries, as well as the most prominent tourist, cultural and gastronomic locations in Imereti.

The excellent programme for the international group of judges was implemented under the leadership of Mari Devidze, Executive Director of DMO Imereti, and Ketevan Jurkhadze, Director of the Imeretian Wine Association. Let me remind you that the Imeretian Wine Association was established in 2022 with the support and initiative of DMO Imereti. Therefore, 2023 was a very active year for the association: developing strategies, participating in international competitions, and presenting wines from Imereti wineries at international wine events.

Currently, the association includes about 70 wineries and marani (cellars). Holding its wine competition has become a new qualitative stage in the association’s activities. The group of experts visited Baya’s Wine, Khareba, and Vartsikhe Marani wineries, where they were given wine tastings. By the way, Khareba winery, in addition to the traditional portfolio of this titled producer, which includes the premium line of Chateau Lipartiani, presented two wines of the new project of Robert Joseph and Vladimer Kublashvili – white and red TM Κ’AVSHIRI, which means “union” – and this name fully reflects the harmonious essence of this outstanding wine.

Let me digress a little from the main topic and tell you in a nutshell about this project, which the authors have been working on for about five years. The white wine, which is presented as the 2022 assemblage, is made from 10 grape varieties using 10% quevra, 10% recycled barrels, and 80% steel containers. The 2022 wine combines grapes from two regions – Kakheti and Imereti – in equal proportions.

However, the creators do not limit themselves to promising to stick to these proportions in the future. The first release saw the light of day in the amount of just over 2000 bottles, of which 996 were sold; the next one is planned in more serious volumes – 25–30 thousand bottles. The red Κ’AVSHIRI is made using the same principle as the white wine (quench, barrel, and steel) and contains 5% white grapes. The wine was co-fermented with Saperavi-Rkatsiteli, Saperavi-Mtsvane, Saperavi-Aleksandrouli, Ojaleshi, Aladasturi, Otskhanuri Sapere and Merlot. The joint fermentation enriches the wine’s profile, it acquires new characteristics, and Merlot adds perfumed notes to the tones of red fruits and spices.

Paul Robert Bloom has aptly named the red Κ’AVSHIRI 3D wine. Robert considers the tasted sample to be not quite mature yet, and although this batch was bottled in March 2023, the rest of the wine is still in the barrel. But back to the competition.

The Imeretia Wine Competition was held according to the standards of the International Organisation of Grapes and Wine (OIV). The competition was attended by 32 producers with 120 wines, and the jury members – representatives of wineries – did not submit their wines for evaluation, thus ensuring maximum impartiality of the competition. The Imereti wine region is famous for its white wines. The most common varieties are the white Tsitska, Tsolikouri, and Krakhuna. They are used in the production of single-varietal and blended wines in the European style, as well as in the use of quenchers, which are called churi in Imereti. In the production of churi wines, up to 30% of the grape volume is usually used with pulp – only the skin without ridges, the rest is pure grape juice. That is why Imeretia’s wines have greater freshness, high acidity, and bright aromas. For example, Tsitska often gives notes of yellow fruit, sometimes complemented by honey tones. Its naturally high acidity allows this variety to be used for sparkling wines. Tsolikouri is a medium to full-bodied wine, slightly oily, with mild acidity and subtle notes of yellow fruit, minerals, and a light floral hint. These two varieties often produce excellent results in a blend. Another popular white variety, Krakhuna, is also characterized by high acidity, and is used both as a standalone and in blends, and with aging, it becomes elegant. The production of red wines has increased in recent years, with the most popular varieties being Otskhanuri Sapere, Aladasturi, Dzelshavi, and Rko. I would also like to note the overall high quality of the wines participating in this competition – for me, it was not just a simple judging exercise, but a series of pleasant discoveries.

On 4 November, the winners of the competition were announced and an award ceremony was held in Kutaisi, the administrative and cultural centre of Imereti. 7 contestants received the Grand Gold medal, 9 participants were awarded the Gold medal, and 17 – the Silver medal. The list of winners is available here.

Congratulations to the organisers on the brilliant result – the competition was held at a high international level, and all participants demonstrated the powerful potential of this wine region, which deserves recognition from industry experts, wine lovers, and wine tourists from all over the world!

In early October, a competition dedicated to the wines of Imereti was held in Georgia, at the Sairme Hotels & Resorts mountain resort. At the organisers’ invitation, the Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards columnist joined the jury together with respected international experts and specialists from Georgia. For the first time this year, the best wines […]

On 1–3 November, the capital of Ukraine hosted the Wine & Spirits Ukraine exhibition of wine and alcohol. The D+ observer collected the opinions and impressions of the participants.

The Wine & Spirits Ukraine exhibition is one of the most significant events in the wine and spirits industry, and this year, despite all the wartime difficulties, it brought together the country’s best winemakers for the fifth time. The event included an exposition of Ukrainian producers and importers, the WS Awards tasting competition, and the Wine & Spirits Congress. During the exhibition, Drinks+ Communications Media Group presented the first iteration of DRINKS+ magazine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, dedicated to our heroic winemakers, importers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and other enthusiasts who make the industry work today.

According to Wine & Spirits Ukraine CEO Victoria Agromakova, the number of participants has increased significantly compared to the previous spring exhibition: 53 exhibitors, including 50 Ukrainian producers. It is the largest number of Ukrainian exhibitors in the history of the exhibition. This year, many new exhibitors participated in the event: Alcoline/Bolgrad, Chateau Pinot, Narovylo Winery, etc. The energy and motivation with which our winemakers, craft beverage producers, and distillers continue their business in such a difficult time is impressive! 

Despite the war, there were also foreign participants: the brother of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is now under arrest by the country’s pro-Russian leadership, came to Kyiv and presented a wine made in his honour; there were importers from Estonia, representatives from Israel and Lithuania, etc. This year, 3,291 participants attended the exhibition.

Another positive point is the record number of medals in the history of the tasting competition: 132 (including 7 platinum, 66 gold, 43 silver, and 16 bronze). 

Victoria Agromakova commented on the event: “At first, we doubted whether we should hold another competition, as the last one we had in spring. But we felt a great demand and decided to repeat the tasting competition in November. After all, we were approached by many winemakers, for whom the competition is a professional opinion, a confirmation that they are doing everything right. We made four commissions instead of three because there were so many wines. Moreover, every year the jury notes that the quality of the wines is growing exponentially.”

Another difference in the autumn exhibition is that while in spring there were many ordinary wine lovers among the visitors, now 95% of the visitors are professionals and buyers, which is very useful for the participating wineries, who are now particularly cautious about marketing activities and related costs. The exhibition was very lively, with a significant number of visitors – even though they needed to buy tickets this time (100% of ticket sales we are going to use to support a Wine & Spirits Ukraine employee who is currently fighting at the front).

Another sign of Ukrainian wine market development: this time, there were two collective stands at the exhibition – the Association of Craft Winemakers (where 10 producers were represented) and the Association of Craft Distillers. For some participants, it was their first appearance in the world: for example, we can mention the wines of Valeriy Narovylo, which were awarded gold medals at the competition. According to Victoria Agromakova, the organisers used to not accept producers who did not yet have a production licence, but now with rules facilitation, we can state that medals at the competition give small winemakers an additional incentive to obtain a licence and move on. This allows them to reach a new level of production. 

Today, it is trendy to drink Ukrainian wine and support small producers, so for craft winemakers, the exhibition is an impetus for development, an incentive to turn a hobby into a business. That is why Wine & Spirits Ukraine also holds seminars for craft producers under the auspices of the Association of Craft Winemakers of Ukraine, the first of which took place in the summer. At the seminars, winemakers can learn about the details of obtaining a licence, accounting rules, and get professional answers to their questions.

Thus, Wine & Spirits exhibition still maintains its reputation as a traditional meeting place for wine, spirits, and beer producers, experts, sommeliers, retailers, restaurateurs, importers, and distributors from all regions of Ukraine and abroad.

The autumn Wine & Spirits exhibition included several events at once: 

• Exposition of Ukrainian producers and importers
• Exposition of beer and low-alcohol drinks BeerEx Ukraine
• International tasting competition of wines and spirits from around the world WS Awards
• All-Ukrainian Wine & Spirits Congress

For exhibitors, such events are a great opportunity not only to meet colleagues and partners but also to meet potential customers and gather new contacts. Feedback from guests and exhibitors has repeatedly confirmed this. 

Oksana Buyachok, co-founder of Father’s Winery, notes the successful outcome: “My impressions of the Wine & Spirits exhibition held in November this year are surprisingly positive. The key point of such an event is communication: meetings with new market players (winemakers, buyers, HoReCa representatives, publishers, etc.), with already familiar colleagues, and with professionals in the wine and spirits field. Therefore, the exhibition is an opportunity to gather useful contacts and discuss plans and experiences of overcoming crises. It is positive that Ukrainian producers together with foreign guests attended the event: for example, we were very pleased to welcome our partners from Estonia.”

Valeriy Narovylo, founder and chief winemaker of Narovylo Winery, who won a gold medal at the WS Awards for his wines Odesa Black, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Aged Chardonnay, also speaks of the successful participation: “This is a first experience for us: it is the first time we participate in such an exhibition. It was an interesting experience, so we liked everything. The main point I would like to note is communication with potential buyers and meetings with colleagues. Besides, it was a great competition! I got absolutely pleasant emotions from the exhibition.”

Olena Krapivina, Leading Marketing Specialist at Prestige Group, also notes the benefits of the exhibition for the exchange of experience (Olena joined the pool of DRINKS+ columnists and debuted as the author of an article about the formation of the Wine of Ukraine brand during the war in the magazine #1, 2023): “Thank you to the organisers! I would like to note the high level of service and conscientious staff. One of the most useful aspects of the exhibition for us is, of course, the target audience, guests, and representatives of the HoReCa sector. We communicate and share experiences. Everything was great!”

For most participants, such events are primarily image-building, as they allow them not only to find new contacts but also to increase brand visibility and find new fans of their products. This is what Olena Platko from Stakhovsky Wines says: “We enjoyed the exhibition this time. Especially the way everything was organised: clean glasses that were always delivered on time, convenience, and speed of service. This is very important because we do not spend extra time on preparation. I would also like to say something about people: the audience is relevant – retailers and representatives of the HoReCa sector are interested in our wines. They ask about technologies and varieties, new products in the range. For us, this is primarily an image participation.”

Sergey Parkhomchuk, Marketing Director at Prince Trubetskoi Winery: “I liked everything! Compared to the previous exhibition, today there are more producers represented and more guests. Moreover, visitors are from all over Ukraine. For us, this is primarily an information component. And this is the key. We talk about our brand, about the winery, which is almost on the front line. The second component is contacts: both consumers and market professionals come to the exhibition. Chains, restaurants, and distributors are represented here. Even foreigners have come, ignoring the war. For example, guests from Estonia. Finally, it is worth noting the image component, the presence of a competition. It is important for us because we have seen our strengths.”

The three days of work at our stand at Wine & Spirits for the Drinks+ Communication Media Group were also very fruitful. First of all, we informed our colleagues, partners, and potential Ukrainian WTA nominees about the start of the new 2023–2024 season of the innovative Wine Travel Awards project. 

In addition, despite the war and the difficult situation for the Ukrainian market, the first issue of DRINKS+ magazine for this year was published and presented to guests and exhibitors just in time for the exhibition opening. 

It is a special edition of Wine&War. Ukrainian Chronicles which includes useful and interesting cases from the key players in the wine and spirits industry in Ukraine lives: stories of doing business during the war, and overcoming challenges and crises by importers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and winemakers. In addition, the issue features our cultural achievements and unfortunate human losses. It is a kind of chronicle of the Ukrainian wine industry during the war. We wanted to introduce the world to our country and our industry’s heroic presence. 

The next stop of the magazine’s distribution is Enoexpo/HoReCa–2023 in Krakow (8–10 November). Later, the magazine will be available to participants and exhibitors at international exhibitions in Germany (Düsseldorf), France (Paris), the UK (London), and Italy (Verona).

On 1–3 November, the capital of Ukraine hosted the Wine & Spirits Ukraine exhibition of wine and alcohol. The D+ observer collected the opinions and impressions of the participants. The Wine & Spirits Ukraine exhibition is one of the most significant events in the wine and spirits industry, and this year, despite all the wartime […]

From November 8th to 10th, Krakow will be the epicenter of the Polish wine industry as it hosts the 20th-anniversary edition of ENOEXPO.

The WTA event is scheduled for November 9th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Praga Room.

The WTA Team is delighted to extend an invitation to this significant gathering for wine professionals!

The WTA tasting is arranged in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian WTA nominees, which is a natural step given the close proximity of Poland and Ukraine, two neighboring countries that can benefit from stronger information ties.

To attend the WTA event, please, fill the registration form.

To visit ENOEXPO, please get your ticket free after registration, click to register.

It will be a pleasure to have you as our guest!

The first part of the event will be devoted to the Polish Wine Market: we are honored to welcome Tomasz Prange-Barczyński – an esteemed wine critic, editor, and writer who serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Ferment. Pismo o winie and is a distinguished judge in renowned international wine competitions. He will give a report on “The Present & Future of the Polish wine market. Best Enotouristic locations in Poland”.

The second part is going to be the Walk-Around Tasting of wines and authentic craft drinks from the WTA community members.

Shabo Family Winery – the WTA winner in the Brand – the visiting card of the country. The family business of the Iukuridze family — SHABO, is based on wine traditions that are almost 2,000 years old. The company was established in 2003 on the basis of the oldest Ukrainian wine production in the village of Shabo. Its structure includes “SHABO Wine House”, “SHABO Sparkling Wine House” and “SHABO Brandy House”.

SHABO has a unique terroir with 1,200 hectares of vineyards, most of which are European varieties from the best nurseries in Europe: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling Rhine, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer Pink, Chardonnay and others. The real landmark of SHABO is the autochthonous grape variety Telti-Kuruk. While creating wine masterpieces, the company has been collaborating with world-renowned expert Stéphane Derenoncourt from France for many years.

SHABO Team is convinced that Ukrainians have the right to be proud of their country’s wine. The company’s goal is to ensure this right.

At the Walk-Around Tasting Shabo Family Winery will be represented by:

• Sparkling brut “Shabo Classic” ТМ “GRAND RESERVE”
• Still dry white “Chardonnay Grande Reserve Shabo” TM Iukuridze Family Exclusive Release
• Still dry red “Saperavi-Merlot Shabo kakhetian technology” TM Limited Edition
• Still dry red “Cabernet Grande Reserve Shabo” TM Iukuridze Family Exclusive Release

Fayna Guralnya by Viktor Babiy –in 2014, Viktor started conducting experiments and, having invented perfect formulas for his distillates, in 2019 he set up a small family distillery.

The craftsman uses only Morshyn spring water to produce high-quality alcohol. The pure and healing water of Morshyn has been famous for its properties for almost two centuries. In 1879, a source of low-mineralised water or the Mother of God spring (now source N4) was officially approved. The health resort of Morshyn also has a hundred years of fame. Another integral factor in quality success is the use of Alembic Pot Still technology. He has achieved unexpectedly good results thanks to the combination of quality materials and technology and dedication to his favourite work!

At the Walk-Around Tasting Fayna Guralnya by Viktor Babiy will be represented by:

• London Dry Gin. Technology: Maceration on the herbs after 2d distillation: juniper macerated separately from all other bouquets of herbs. The filtrated blend of herbs goes to the third distillation.
• London Lottos Blue Gin. Technology: Maceration on the herbs after 2d distillation: The filtrated blend of herbs goes to the third distillation. The anchan tea is added at the very end to gain the blue colour and the light hint of its floral notes.
• Carpathian Gin. Technology: Maceration on the herbs after 2d distillation: The filtrated blend of herbs goes to the third distillation. Dilution with Morshyn water to 40 degrees, freezing and after cold filtration. Short rest of the finished gin.
• London Pink Gin. Technology: Blend of classical gin with macerated fresh seasonal strawberries.

BIOLOGIST Craft Winery – more than 25 years in the alcoholic beverages business, more than 15 years of winemaking experience, love and passion for wine, travel to old classic and organic family wineries in Europe and America – all this contributed to Igor Petrenko’s idea of ​establishing his own winery near Kyiv.

At the Walk-Around Tasting BIOLOGIST Craft Winery will be represented by:

• Aligote 2020 (4 months in new barrels).
• Chardonnay Crisp 2021.
• Intrigue 2020 (Red dry wine. Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot. 15 months in barrels).
• Natural Red Wine 2021 (Odessa Black, Merlot, Cabernet.
• Odessa Black Red Wine Alibernet 2021 (12 months in new barrels).
• Pinot Blanc Silvaner Crisp 2021.
• Rose Blend Pinot Noir/Traminer 2021.

Le Grand Noir – it all began in 2005. Three long-time lovers of French cuisine and lifestyle and especially wine – one of them our respectful WTA Judge Robert Joseph, dreamed of creating something different.

Together with a group of young vignerons in ancient Languedoc region they are making wines, that are fascinating but approachable. Every bottle of Le Grand Noir comes exclusively from the land, tended by vignerons for over 2,000 years. The Minervois region where the le Grand Noir grapes are grown has barely changed since the Romans grew vines and made wine here. They enjoyed the same scents of olive, honeysuckle, rosemary, thyme and juniper that scent the air today.

At the Walk-Around Tasting Le Grand Noir will be represented by:

• Le Grand Noir Grenach, Shiraz, Mourvedre.
• Le Grand Noir Pinot Noir.
• Le Grand Noir Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah.
• Le Grand Noir Muscat.
• Le Grand Noir Viognier.
• Le Grand Noir Chardonnay.
• Le Grand Noir Rose.

CHEERS!

From November 8th to 10th, Krakow will be the epicenter of the Polish wine industry as it hosts the 20th-anniversary edition of ENOEXPO. The WTA event is scheduled for November 9th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Praga Room. The WTA Team is delighted to extend an invitation to this significant gathering for […]

On 1 November 2023, the new Wine Travel Awards year, one of the most promising innovative projects in the field of wine and wine tourism, will start!

If you are a winemaker or winery owner, wine critic or wine tourism specialist, and your life and career are linked to wine, this opportunity is for you! Below, we will answer the questions about the events that the Wine Travel Awards will host in 2023–2024 and the benefits for the nominees.

Early Registration for the Wine Travel Awards Benefits

But first, we would like to remind you that you have five more days to take advantage of the WTA’s early registration opportunities and get a year-long international advertising campaign for your brand. Those who register by 1 November will be able to attend the EnoExpo 2023 tasting in Krakow, Poland, which will take place on 8–10 November. For more details, please visit:

• contact@winetrawelawards.com
• +38 (067) 447 45 78 (WhatsApp | Telegram | Viber)

WTA Events 2023–2024

As a nominee for the Wine Travel Awards 2023–2024, you will have an exceptional opportunity to join the events:

• 7–9 November – Wine Future 2023 (Coimbra, Portugal)
• 8–10 November – EnoExpo 2023 (Kraków, Poland)
• 12–15 February – Paris Vinexpo 2024 (Paris, France)
• 10-12 March – ProWein 2024 (Düsseldorf, Germany)
• 14–17 April – VinItaly 2024 (Verona, Italy)
• 20–22 May – London Wine Fair 2024 (London, UK)

What Do Wine Travel Awards Nominees Receive?

Contestants who join the Wine Travel Awards as nominees receive a year-long advertising campaign and support (until November 2024 inclusive). This package includes the following offers for the nominee:

• profile on the official Wine Travel Awards website;
• publications on the Drinks+ website;
• publication of information about the nominee in the Wine Travel Awards Guide catalogue for distribution at the world’s leading wine exhibitions and WTA events (you can view the previous iteration of the Wine Travel Awards Guide 2022–2023 here);
• information support of the nominee through social networks, partner media and email newsletters (based on a database of 22 650 international subscribers involved in the wine business);
• opportunity to participate in Wine Travel Awards events throughout the year and a chance to increase the visibility of your business, brand or project, attract an active audience, new contacts and receive support from the professional community;
• thanks to the partnership with the Gérard Basset Foundation, the winner of the WTA in 2023–2024 in the Ambassador of the Year category will be awarded the Gérard Basset Ambassador of the Year Award.

Currently, the Wine Travel Awards 2022–2023 offers a nomination package that includes three categories:

• Category 1 – 380 euros;
• Category 2 – 285 euros (25% discount for the second category);
• Category 3 – 190 euros (50% discount for the third category).

!!! To become a WTA nominee and receive the nomination package, please fill out the registration form.

_____

The Wine Travel Awards is an annual award in the field of wine tourism, which has a special format for individual marketing and advertising campaigns for each participant in different countries.

The Wine Travel Awards have already been recognised by numerous international wine and tourism associations: Valpolicella Consortium, Asti DOCG Consortium, Austrian Wine (Austrian Wine Marketing Board), Wines of Hungary, Wines of Moldova, Vine & Wine Foundation Of Armenia, National Inbound & Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova (ANTRIM), Tourism Committee of Armenia (Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia), etc.

On 1 November 2023, the new Wine Travel Awards year, one of the most promising innovative projects in the field of wine and wine tourism, will start! If you are a winemaker or winery owner, wine critic or wine tourism specialist, and your life and career are linked to wine, this opportunity is for you! […]