Gastronomy and Wine Portal

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! […]

On November 8-10, Krakow will host the most important event in Poland that unites the entire wine industry – the 20th anniversary edition of ENOEXPO. The WTA event will take place on November 9 from 15:00 to 17:00 at Praga Room.

This year, ENOEXPO becomes «The fair-partner of Wine Travel Awards» and a nominee of the third season of the WTA, as Enogastronomic Events/Magnet of the Region.

Please, fill the registration form  to the event “The Present & Future of the Polish wine market. Best Enotouristic locations in Poland” and a Walk-Around Tasting of wines and authentic craft drinks from the WTA community members.

As a main part of the WTA presentation, the floor will be given to Tomasz Prange-Barczyński – an authoritative wine critic, editor and writer, Editor-in-Chief of Ferment. Pismo o winie, a judge in famous international wine competitions. He is a public voting winner of the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 in the category of Wine & Food Influencer/ Expert opinion.

Who is a modern consumers of Poland for domestic and international wines and what are the consumer preferences now and what are the trends in the Polish consumer market.  How to successfully sell wine and spirits in Poland, how to promote and improve the wine tourism sector.

The presentation will follow by the walk-around tasting of the best samples of wine & spirits from the WTA community members.

The Wine Travel Awards (WTA) was launched in 2021 by Drinks+ Communication Media Group – one of the oldest wine media groups in East Europe.

WTA is an innovative annual global project  in the field of wine & spirits tourism with a new and inclusive format. The WTA aren’t just a rating, but a unified marketing and advertising campaign with hybrid concept – online activities and offline events in different countries.

In the spotlight of the WTA, there are wineries and distilleries, wine routes and regions, wine educators, influencers, bloggers, wine guides, ambassadors of wines and wine regions, travel operators and wine events.

We are delighted to welcome the ENOEXPO as the WTA nominee in the Enogastronomic events nomination for the third edition 2023-2024.

Join us at the WTA presentation as well as at the WTA new season!

To participate in the WTA project, register here.

On November 8-10, Krakow will host the most important event in Poland that unites the entire wine industry – the 20th anniversary edition of ENOEXPO. The WTA event will take place on November 9 from 15:00 to 17:00 at Praga Room. This year, ENOEXPO becomes «The fair-partner of Wine Travel Awards» and a nominee of the third season […]

The Drinks+ is pleased to invite you to the Wine2Wine Bussines Forum “Italian Wine Ambassadors: celebrating the past, understanding the present, facing the future”. 13-14 Novembre 2023/Verona/PalaExpo.

On its 10th anniversary, the Wine2wine Business Forum will celebrate its contribution to sharing business ideas by providing a platform for the development of the talents, experience and expertise of Italian Wine Ambassadors. Harnessing the global reach of the international Italian Wine Ambassadors community, the Forum will provide producers and wine professionals in the audience with the knowledge, skills and contacts they need to promote wine in an international context and expand their global reach.

This title was chosen by Veronafiere and Vinitaly to be the main focus of Wine2Wine Business Forum 2023.

88 star speakers, including Robert Joseph, Stevie Kim, Dr. Laura Catena, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Felicity Carter, Marilisa Allegrini, Peter Yong, Alessio Planeta and many other prominent personalities in the wine industry.

By addressing some of the biggest issues currently facing the wine industry, the Wine2Wine Business Forum will enable participants to look to the future from a position of strength and knowledge. Providing answers to today’s pressing challenges of sustainability and how to engage Generation Z, as well as exploring the opportunities presented by new technologies, expanding e-commerce, D2C sales and the growing demand for ecotourism, the Wine2Wine Business Forum offers concrete advice and strategies to face the future with confidence.

Register and attend this outstanding event!

Tickets are available here.

The Drinks+ is pleased to invite you to the Wine2Wine Bussines Forum “Italian Wine Ambassadors: celebrating the past, understanding the present, facing the future”. 13-14 Novembre 2023/Verona/PalaExpo. On its 10th anniversary, the Wine2wine Business Forum will celebrate its contribution to sharing business ideas by providing a platform for the development of the talents, experience and […]

On 22–23 October 2023, the Warsaw Wine Experience, an international wine exhibition, which also included events from the Wine Travel Awards, took place in Warsaw (Poland).

The Warsaw Wine Experience, the most prestigious premium wine trade fair in Poland, brings together both consumers and business representatives and includes a variety of seminars, workshops and masterclasses. The Wine Travel Awards presented several events at the exhibition, which are worth mentioning in more detail.

On 22–23 October 2023, the Warsaw Wine Experience, an international wine exhibition, which also included events from the Wine Travel Awards, took place in Warsaw (Poland). The Warsaw Wine Experience, the most prestigious premium wine trade fair in Poland, brings together both consumers and business representatives and includes a variety of seminars, workshops and masterclasses. The Wine […]

On November 7-9, 2023, the 4th Wine Congress Wine Future will take place in Coimbra. The purpose of this year’s event is to analyze the many challenges facing the wine industry worldwide.

Wine Future 2023 will take place in the historic and beautiful city of Coimbra, Portugal, from 7 to 9 November at the impressive Convento de São Francisco and will feature keynote speeches, tastings, various panels and a trade fair area and numerous hospitality events.

Communication media group Drinks+ and WTA are pleased to announce that they have become information partners of Wine Future-2023 and announce a long and fruitful cooperation with this great congress.

Some of the most influential names in the international wine sector will discuss diverse and important topics, including how to engage Gen Z and Millennial consumers; digital marketing and social network strategies; sustainability; and health and social policy as it relates to wine. The aim of all the speakers and the organizers is to share solutions and inspire everyone present.

Representatives from the WTA project, as a media partner of Wine Future 2023, will also be present at the conference, so stay tuned for updates and reports from this landmark event.

The Portuguese wine sector is not only supporting the event, but some of the best-known names in the Portuguese wine industry are key speakers across the program:

• Frederico Falcão, President of ViniPortugal which represents Wines of Portugal is the co-organizer of this initiative;
• Adrian Bridge, CEO of Taylors, will take part in a panel on wine tourism;
• António Amorim will discuss the use of new technologies in the wine industry;
• Bento Amaral, a renowned Portuguese winemaker, participates in the panel on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Sogrape will be represented by João Gomes da Silva on the panel on how to increase sales in difficult times, while its winemaker Luís Sottomayor will help comment on the wines supplied by this brand for some of the tastings, especially the legendary Barca Velha in the Masterclass that Mark Squires will lead under the name the Magnificent 12.

We are very proud to announce that our prominent Ukrainian winery Shabo – the winner of nomination at the WTA 2022-2023 in the category “Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country” – will also present its special selection of iconic wine “Vaja” vintage 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon – Iukuridze Family Wine Heritage at this Masterclass.

A second tasting, conducted by Dirceu Vianna Junior MW, will present 12 legendary Portuguese wines, including Quinta do Crasto, José M. da Fonseca, Mouchão, Buçaco, Niepoort, Casa da Passarella, Quinta do Casal Branco, Douro Vértice, Costa Boal and the acclaimed Vinho Verde producer, Anselmo Mendes.

A third tasting, led by Richard Mayson on the historic and legendary wines of Madeira and Porto, will include Kopke, Sogrape, Niepoort, Quevedo, and Quinta do Vallado.

Wine Future is organized by Wines of Portugal and Chrand Events USA and co-organized by the Centro 2020 Programe, which includes Vinhos da Bairrada, Vinhos do Dão, Vinhos de Lisboa, Vinhos do Tejo and Vinhos da Beira Interior. This meeting also has the support of numerous portuguese institutions and brands such as Coimbra City Council, CCDRC, Turismo Centro Portugal, Taylor’s Port, Amorim, Verallia, APED, Sociedade Ponto Verde, Diário de Coimbra, Revista de Vinhos, Delta Cafés and Grupo Nabeiro.

The full program can be viewed here.

You can buy a ticket for this stellar wine congress here.

For further information please visit.

On November 7-9, 2023, the 4th Wine Congress Wine Future will take place in Coimbra. The purpose of this year’s event is to analyze the many challenges facing the wine industry worldwide. Wine Future 2023 will take place in the historic and beautiful city of Coimbra, Portugal, from 7 to 9 November at the impressive […]

Bernard Magrez Incubator recently hosted Big Mentor Day, an event that combined a conference and business networking.

Almost a year ago, the Wine Travel Awards project became one of the members of Bernard Magrez Start-Up Win, a charity initiative launched by Bernard Magrez to help develop start-ups in the wine sector. The WTA was selected from a few hundred outstanding global initiatives as a promising start-up in wine tourism and as a platform for networking in the wine community.

Wine Travel Awards took part in the Big Mentor Day, as part of the Incubator’s professional community. The event was held at Château Pape Clément, the headquarters of Bernard Magrez Start-Up Win, and organised by the Incubator and Jane Anson – the famous wine critic. The WTA team was represented by our Marketing Director – Lyudmyla Bobyk.

The event began with a presentation of the winners of the Big Mentor Week programme, organised by Jane Anson and Chinedu Rita Rossa with the support of the Gerard Basset Foundation. These are talented young people from different parts of the world (Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, India, Thailand, Chile, USA) who are starting their way in the wine business: sommeliers, bloggers, wine consultants, managers, etc.

As part of the event, a business game was organised, in which all those present – start-up companies and a group of talented young people from Jane Anson – took part. Anson’s representatives played the role of investors who, after getting acquainted with the start-up participants, decided how much money they were willing to invest in a particular project. The winner became the company project Vinsulation (co-owners are graduates of KEDGЕ Business School) in which investors invested the most money. This start-up offers insulative wine shipping packages. Their mission is to upcycle vineyard wastes to create insulative wine shipping packages to replace Styrofoam plastic.

In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to chat via Zoom with Loiс Pasquet, a legendary modernist winemaker from Bordeaux. He is reviving the autochthonous grape varieties in the Graves appellation, which existed in these places before phylloxera. This is the region where grapes have been grown since the Roman Empire. Paquet follows the principles of the biodynamic philosophy in viticulture and winemaking. Liber Pater 2015 by Louis Paquet costs €30,000.

During the event, Lyudmyla Bobyk managed to interview Jane Anson, who has been living in Bordeaux for over 20 years and is a renowned wine critic and author of the book Inside Bordeaux.

Bernard Magrez Incubator recently hosted Big Mentor Day, an event that combined a conference and business networking. Almost a year ago, the Wine Travel Awards project became one of the members of Bernard Magrez Start-Up Win, a charity initiative launched by Bernard Magrez to help develop start-ups in the wine sector. The WTA was selected […]