Gastronomy and Wine Portal

The Balkan International Wine Competition & Festival determines the best wines from the Balkan region. The 12th edition of the competition was recently held in Bistrita-Nasaud, Transylvania, Romania, and the festival, as usual, was held in Sofia, Bulgaria. Both events celebrate the excellence and diversity of Balkan wines and provide attendees with unique opportunities to explore exceptional wineries.

Eng. Galina Niforou, Wine MBA, founded the Balkan International Wine Competition and Festival in 2012. In 2020 the organisers decided to hold a competition in a new country each time.

Eng. Galina Niforou, Wine MBA, founded the Balkan International Wine Competition and Festival

Last year, during the gala dinner in Greece, Galina Niforou announced that this year’s competition would be held on the other side of the Ukrainian Carpathians in Transylvania.

The castle in which the Competition was held

The 12th Balkan International Wine Competition attracted winemakers and experts from around the world to Romania, including 4 Masters of Wine: Rod Smith MW, Caroline Gilby MW, Robin Kick MW, and Thomas Curtis MW. 20 distinguished judges rigorously evaluated the wines based on their aroma, taste and overall quality. In 2023, a Ukrainian judge – Kateryna Yushchenko, director of WSET Ukraine, joined the competition for the first time.

All wines were evaluated on a 100-point scale and were eligible for Double Gold, Gold, Silver or Bronze medals. Trophies and Grand Trophies were chosen among wines awarded with a double gold medal in the same category and style. The results were published on the website of the competition on June 15.

Kateryna Yushchenko, director of WSET Ukraine

Ukrainian winery Odesos participated in the Balkan International Wine Competition for the third time. Odesos Merlot 2021 received the Best of Show Ukraine and a gold medal, Cabernet Sauvignon limited edition 2020 received a silver medal, and Cabernet Sauvignon Bourbon Edition 2019 received a bronze medal.

This recognition not only highlights the skill and dedication of the winemakers but is also a valuable guide for consumers looking for the best wines.

The jury members visited Transylvanian wineries during the competition: Crama la Salina, Jelna, and Liliac.

Crama la Salina (Romanian: “salt winery”) and vineyards are located near the Turda salt mine, about 100 meters from it, in the Durgeu hills in the Aries Valley. The winery was born in the heart of Transylvania, where the tradition of winemaking dates back to the Roman Empire when the settlement known today as Turda was called Potaissa. These wines, called ISSA, are a tribute to the thousand-year winemaking tradition.

The specific terroir of the Aries Valley gives the wines a unique aroma and exceptional freshness in taste.

Crama la Salina

The “Sarea-n bucate” restaurant awaits its guests at the foot of the vineyards. The attractive aromas of dishes prepared according to traditional recipes are harmoniously combined with ISSA wines. Tourists are invited to visit the winery hotel, which consists of 13 ultra-modern bungalows designed for 40 people.

Another winery visited by the judges is Jelna, located in the village of the same name in the Bistrita-Nasaud region. Wines have left their mark on this area of Transylvania since ancient times. The earliest mention of Jelna wines was found in the registers of the local church, which mentions that Petrus Murator, who painted the church and painted the Navicella fresco around 1520, was paid in barrels of local wine. Also, according to old maps, including the Josephine map (1766), large grape plantations are depicted on the Jelna hills.

Jelna Winery is known for its commitment to organic winemaking practices. The vineyard is located at an altitude of 650 meters. Focusing on organic viticulture, Jelna produces wines of exceptional quality that demonstrate the winery’s respect for the environment. Jelna wines are distinguished by their freshness and sophistication.

For visitors to fully enjoy the Transylvanian wines and experience, a restaurant, hotel & spa were also built next to the vineyards. Dealul Negru, the area behind the hotel, is a protected area with the highest density of wild animals in Europe.

The Liliac (Romanian: “bat”) winery, which the jury members also visited, is located in the picturesque Lechința wine region at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. It is known for its innovative approach to winemaking, combining traditional technologies with modern achievements. Liliac Winery strives for the perfection of wines characterised by elegance, balance and a true expression of the region’s identity.

All three wineries combine international and local grape varieties such as Fetească Neagră and Fetească Regală, resulting in wines that reflect the unique Transylvanian terroir that the judges of the competition have come to know. Ice wine is found in the Crama la Salina, Jelna and Liliac lines. Among the three, Liliac Ice Wine with Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel, and Neuburger stands out the most. The wine has a bright golden yellow colour; an aroma of meadow herbs, delicate notes of peach and lychee; fresh and bright taste, with hints of pineapple and tropical fruits on the finish, complemented by a hint of honey in the aftertaste. Perfect for crème brûlée, cheesecake, pancakes with cherry jam, and blue cheese.

The Balkan International Wine Festival was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, for the 12th consecutive year. Unfortunately, the organisers were forced to postpone the event from June 15-17 to June 22-24 due to heavy rains. But still, the festival provided a vivid and exciting experience for wine lovers, allowing them to explore a wide range of exceptional wines from the Balkan region. Participants had a unique opportunity to communicate directly with winemakers, learn about various winemaking techniques and deepen their understanding of Balkan wines.

The 12th Balkan International Wine Competition and Festival embodies the spirit of celebration and appreciation for Balkan wines. These events provide a platform to recognise and celebrate the exceptional craftsmanship and diversity in the Balkan wine industry. In addition, visits to the Crama la Salina, Jelna and Liliac wineries added an even greater dimension, allowing the judges to see first-hand the passion, innovation, and pursuit of excellence that define these exceptional wineries.

The Balkan International Wine Competition & Festival determines the best wines from the Balkan region. The 12th edition of the competition was recently held in Bistrita-Nasaud, Transylvania, Romania, and the festival, as usual, was held in Sofia, Bulgaria. Both events celebrate the excellence and diversity of Balkan wines and provide attendees with unique opportunities to […]

For the fourth consecutive year, the Southern Spain Entrepreneur Association (CESUR) has organised the Southern Spain Business Awards (Premios Empresariales del Sur de España) to recognize the work of companies and individual entrepreneurs in the country’s southern regions. This year it is Bodegas González Byass who has been named the best ambassador of Southern Spain.

The Southern Spain Business Awards, organized by CESUR, aims to evaluate the work of companies and entrepreneurs from the southern regions of Spain. The main selection criteria include conducting productive work within the country and beyond, promoting the attractiveness of the area, and demonstrating professionalism, innovation, and technological advancements. Throughout its existence, the Southern Spain Business Awards has recognized outstanding work and dedication to the cause by organizations and individual entrepreneurs from Andalusia and Extremadura.

This year, as a nominee for the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 in the Enogastronomic Events/Event of the Year category and winner of the public vote, Bodegas González Byass has become the best ambassador of Southern Spain.

Guided by the principles of sustainable development, González Byass has implemented its “5+5 Cuidando el Planeta” (5+5 Caring for the Planet) plan and has recently achieved two significant milestones. Firstly, the opening of the new Beronia winery for reserve and terroir wines in the Rioja region, which has become the world’s most environmentally friendly winery after receiving LEED V4 BD+C:NC and LEED Gold certifications.

Secondly, the Ángel de Viñas initiative, created in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Madrid, aims to restore and preserve Spain’s old vineyards. Currently, Ángel de Viñas is working on preserving unique areas in D.O. Rueda, D.O. Penedés, D.O. Arribes del Duero, and D.O. Monterrei.

The jury, represented by renowned figures from the business world, institutions and national communication groups, recognized the dedication and efforts of González Byass, which presented Andalusia as an innovative, technological and attractive region. The award was received by Mauricio González-Gordon López de Carrizosa, the president of Bodegas González Byass and a representative of the fifth generation of this family business.

The Southern Spain Business Awards were also received by the well-known actor and businessman Antonio Banderas, the Atlantic Copper company, and Gonzalo Guillén, the CEO of Acesur.

Throughout its nearly two centuries of operation, González Byass has become one of the largest family wineries in Spain, with over 1844 hectares of vineyards and a total production volume of 49 million bottles per year. Currently, the company owns 14 wineries in Spain, Chile, and Mexico, three distilleries, and has subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany, China, Thailand, and Poland.

Bodegas Gonzalez Byass also welcomes a quarter of a million tourists each year. The visitors to the company’s estates can enjoy an unparalleled wine tourism experience and taste the world’s finest sherries, filled with intense aromas and notes of pear and almond, honey and spices, iris and raisins, nuts and liquorice, as well as hot and spicy brandies with hints of wood, spices, caramel, leather, and candied fruits. In the summer of 2020, the company opened the Bodega Tio Pepe Hotel, which features three restaurants and several bars.

Source: gonzalezbyass.com, vinetur.com, tribunadeandalucia.es
Photos: vinetur.com, porsolea.com, beronia.com, gonzalezbyass.com

For the fourth consecutive year, the Southern Spain Entrepreneur Association (CESUR) has organised the Southern Spain Business Awards (Premios Empresariales del Sur de España) to recognize the work of companies and individual entrepreneurs in the country’s southern regions. This year it is Bodegas González Byass who has been named the best ambassador of Southern Spain. […]

The WTA nominee Bonello Athens is a Greek wine marketing project whose organisers, through various creative programs, contribute to the development of wine culture worldwide. This time, experts presented the program “Greek Women Winemakers – The Power of She!” intending to promote the wines of the Peloponnese region by Greek women winemakers.

The Bonello Athens wine marketing project, a nominee for the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 in the Wine & Food Influencer/Expert Opinion category and winner of the public vote, created the program “Greek Women Winemakers – The Power of She!”, where three young Greek women winemakers from the Peloponnese peninsula – Sosanna Katsikosta/Acheon Winery, Katerina Bosinakis/Bosinakis Winery, and Theodora Rouvalis/Rouvalis Winery – joined forces to promote their regions and wines in different countries around the world.

The initiative provides participating winemakers a unique opportunity to use European marketing assistance programs and promote their wines worldwide, targeting major international markets such as the USA, Canada, China, Japan, and others.

First and foremost, the Greek women winemakers visited the USA and Canada, where they held a series of free public events for wine lovers, as well as a range of events for trade professionals and the media. At each meeting, visitors had the opportunity to taste wines from local grape varieties from the wineries of Sosanna, Katerina, and Theodora.

The participants of the project

Sosanna Katsikosta. Acheon Winery

Acheon Winery focuses on vinifying local grape varieties grown in the mountainous region of Aegialia and producing high-quality wines that express their unique terroir and contribute to the growth and reputation of the region worldwide.

The winery was founded in 1946, and since 2004, Sosanna Katsikosta and her brother Luke have taken over the management of Acheon Winery, carefully preserving the family’s long-standing winemaking traditions.

Sosanna Katsikosta is the head winemaker of Acheon Winery. Her dream has always been to create exquisite wines that reflect the beauty of the local grape varieties of her homeland. Before starting her own winery, Sosanna worked at Château Margaux and Château Latour Martillac.

Sosanna studied viticulture in Nemea, then in Bordeaux and Toulouse, where she obtained a diploma in oenology, as well as at the University of Reims, where she earned a master’s degree in wine marketing.

Today, she diligently works with the Roditis Fox, Sideritis, and Mavrodaphne grape varieties cultivated in the PGI Achaia and PDO Patras, creating wines of very unique identity.

Katerina Bosinakis. Bosinakis Winery

Bosinakis Winery has strong family traditions in winemaking and a deep passion for quality wine. The family got involved in winemaking forty years ago when Fotis Bosinakis and his wife Christina inherited a wine distribution network from their parents. In 1992, the couple built their own winery in Steno, a small village in the centre of Mantinia, where they cultivate the aromatic Moschofilero grape.

Fotis and Christina Bosinakis’ children, Sotiris, Katerina, and Konstantinos, have always been actively involved in the winery’s life. Armed with decades of knowledge and the great potential of Moschofilero, the younger generation of the Bosinakis family bottled their first PDO Bosinakis Mantinia in 2009. In 2015, they released Ieria, their first rosé in the Provence style. The new generation of winemakers specializes in small-batch wines from single vineyards.

The unique microclimate of Mantinia and over 30 years of experience have inspired the family to create products that contribute to the PDO Mantinia. Bosinakis Winery was among the first to experiment with the ageing potential of Moschofilero. Сomplexity without sacrificing elegance – that is what they strive for!

Theodora Rouvalis. Rouvalis Winery

The pioneering gravity-flow winery, Rouvalis, located in the heart of Aegialia, has been producing wine since 1990.

The height, rocky outcrops, carefully selected small plots of land, and terraced vineyards towering over the Gulf of Corinth create an ideal place for “heroic viticulture.”

As descendants of Angelos Rouvalis, Theodora Rouvalis and her partner, Spanish oenologist Antonio Ruiz Pañego, have brought their dedication, expertise, and extensive knowledge to the winery. They now create wines with individuality that reflect the distinctive and unique terroir of Aegialia, one of the most fascinating wine regions in the world.

Theodora Rouvalis, a creative winemaker and viticulturist with international experience, love, and deep wine knowledge, took over the management of the winery in 2017, bringing a fresh perspective.

Theodora Rouvalis studied oenology at the Technological Educational Institute in Athens and Valencia Polytechnic University. She then attended the “Viticulture and Terroir” graduate program at the University of Burgundy. She has worked at renowned wineries such as Domaine Clos de Tart (Burgundy), Château Margaux (Bordeaux), Domaine Muré (Alsace), Villa Maria (New Zealand), Gandolini and Ventolera (Chile), and Domaine Mercouri (Greece).

Source: bonelloathens.com
Photo: bonelloathens.com

The WTA nominee Bonello Athens is a Greek wine marketing project whose organisers, through various creative programs, contribute to the development of wine culture worldwide. This time, experts presented the program “Greek Women Winemakers – The Power of She!” intending to promote the wines of the Peloponnese region by Greek women winemakers. The Bonello Athens […]

LOISIUM WeinWelt, the WTA nominee in the Visiting card of the country / Must visit category, located in the Austrian Langenlois, is a wine culture complex  spectacularly conceived and designed by a New York architect Steven Holl. The complex boasts 900-year-old wine cellars, where one can take a tour guided by Veltlina, a personal audio guide (the name obviously originating from Gruner Veltliner, one of the main grape varieties of Kamptal, the wine region in Lower Austria, where the complex is located), the Vinotheque with a wonderful collection of wines from the region, and tasting room hosting multiple wine tastings for wine lovers and professionals.

The good thing about successful businesses is that they never stay within the limits of the concept, expanding their ideas and activities. LOISIUM WeinWelt demonstrates an example of such approach, offering its visitors a variety of engaging and interesting events this season. One of them is a row of fun wine tastings called Winzer.Aperitivo, each of them starring a “winemaker of the month”, selected by the LOISIUM WeinWelt’s team. These tastings suggest a laid-back format allowing guests to meet the winemakers, taste their wines, listen to their stories, ask questions and communicate in a casual, informal environment. What a wonderful way to introduce the most interesting wineries and wines of the region to both international and local tourists! 

Another innovative idea successfully implemented by the LOISIUM WeinWelt’s team is the LOISIUM Vineyard Cinema. It’s an open air cinema romantically placed in the middle of the vineyards, with a huge screen and a good sound system. The movie to be watched is usually chosen by public voting in the LOISIUM WeinWelt’s social media. The visitors are offered drinks, including, of course, wines from the Vinoteque, and snacks. The Vineyard Cinema doors open more than an hour before the show, giving guests a great opportunity to enjoy a drink and chat with friends before the movie begins. Watching a good movie accompanied by amazing regional wines — what a great plan to enjoy warm and fresh summer nights, and a good idea to integrating wine culture into lazy summer activities. Well done, LOISIUM, to be continued!

LOISIUM WeinWelt, the WTA nominee in the Visiting card of the country / Must visit category, located in the Austrian Langenlois, is a wine culture complex  spectacularly conceived and designed by a New York architect Steven Holl. The complex boasts 900-year-old wine cellars, where one can take a tour guided by Veltlina, a personal audio […]

In August 2022, the wine expert and writer Elizabeth Smith visited Hungary for a winery tour, including Béres, Préselő, Bodrog Borműhely Winery, and Tokaj Nobilis. In January 2023, Smith continued her exploration of Hungarian wines at a Tokaj masterclass held at Compline Wine Shop in Napa with importer Eric Danch. And now, Hungary once again. This time, Elizabeth Smith, a WTA nominee from the United States, will be a judge at the Winelovers Wine Awards in Budapest.

The Winelovers Wine Awards, previously a national-level competition which has expanded its reach to the international stage since 2022, will be held in Budapest from July 7th to 9th.

Just like last year, this year’s competition features a panel of judges consisting of leading international experts, including the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 nominee in the “Wine & Food Influencer/The Brightest Journey” category and the winner of the public vote, Elizabeth Smith.

Global Community Manager of Wine Travel Awards, Editor-in-chief of Drinks+ magazine, Olga Pinevich-Todoriuk will also be part of the Winelovers Wine Awards jury. Representatives of the Drinks+ Communication Media Group have been participating as judges in Mundus Vini and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for many years in a row.

Elizabeth Smith is a wine author at Naked Wines USA and a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. In 2017, Smith received the Born Digital Wine award for the best wine-focused travel content for the story “Lodi: Beyond Zinfandel.” In 2022, she won a category at the annual Hungarian Web Wine Writing Competition for “2018 Wetzer Furmint, Tokaj, Hungary.”

“I am delighted to announce that this summer I am returning to Hungary as a judge at the Winelovers Wine Awards in Budapest, – Elizabeth Smith announced on her social media page. – I am looking forward to reconnecting with my colleagues and friends from Hungarian Wines and finding like-minded individuals in winemaking.”

Elizabeth highlights that this trip will also be an unforgettable vacation. She plans to explore the iconic landmarks of Budapest and then visit the Slovakian wine regions of Nitra and Vráble for the first time. One of the must-visit wineries for Elizabeth Smith is Víno Tajna, known for crafting limited quantities of craft wines exclusively from their own vineyards.

As a reminder, this year, just like the previous one, the organizers of the Winelovers Wine Awards have announced that participation is free for Ukrainian winemakers.

Photo: facebook.com/elizabethsmith, winetravelawards.com

In August 2022, the wine expert and writer Elizabeth Smith visited Hungary for a winery tour, including Béres, Préselő, Bodrog Borműhely Winery, and Tokaj Nobilis. In January 2023, Smith continued her exploration of Hungarian wines at a Tokaj masterclass held at Compline Wine Shop in Napa with importer Eric Danch. And now, Hungary once again. […]

Wine Travel Awards (WTA) proudly presents the latest edition of the WTA Guide, dedicated to the esteemed Consorzio dell’Asti DOCG, with whom we are extremely pleased to collaborate for two consecutive years.

In 2022, Consorzio dell’Asti celebrated its momentous 90th anniversary with a remarkable exhibition titled “Novant’anni di bollicine” or “90 Years of Bubbles.” This extraordinary showcase traced the Consortium’s illustrious history, intricately woven with the stories of renowned Italian sparkling wine producers.

This year, the WTA community welcomed 20 exceptional nominees, including wineries, wine brands, wine routes, personalities, and events that collectively contribute to the magnificent narrative of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti. These remarkable individuals and their personal stories are prominently showcased in the pages of the WTA Guide.

Explore how the renowned Consorzio dell’Asti DOCG operates, delve into their new vectors and marketing strategies, and discover the sustainable development initiatives undertaken by Asti winemakers. 

In the exclusive interview for the WTA Guide, we had the privilege of discussing these fascinating topics and more with Mr. Giacomo Pondini, the general director of the Consorzio.

Join us as we embark on a sparkling journey through the enchanting world of Consorzio dell’Asti DOCG. The WTA Guide illuminates the stories and successes that have shaped this remarkable wine region, showcasing the dedication and passion of the winemakers who bring these exceptional wines to life.

If you would like to become part of our next WTA Guide devoted to your region or country, please contact us via partnership@winetravelawards.com

Wine Travel Awards (WTA) proudly presents the latest edition of the WTA Guide, dedicated to the esteemed Consorzio dell’Asti DOCG, with whom we are extremely pleased to collaborate for two consecutive years. In 2022, Consorzio dell’Asti celebrated its momentous 90th anniversary with a remarkable exhibition titled “Novant’anni di bollicine” or “90 Years of Bubbles.” This […]

Domäne Wachau, the WTA nominee in the Visiting card of the country / Must visit category, is the only estate in the entire Wachau region to nurture exclusive parcels in every well-known single vineyard of the Wachau.

The wines of Domäne Wachau express the character and the best terroir features of renowned single vineyard sites, such as Loibenberg, Achleiten, 1000-Eimer-Berg, Singerriedel and Kellerberg. Vineyard terraces with dry stone walls are an essential part – and, in fact, a hallmark – of the terroirs of the Wachau.

Wachau’s steep and terraced vineyards not only require a lot of work and produce amazing quality wines. They are also a tourist attraction. This summer the famous Domäne is organizing several WINE.RIEDEN.HIKE tours, showing Wachau at its best. After a short train ride on the Wachaubahn from Dürnstein to Weissenkirchen, visitors will hike on the Achleitenweg through the legendary vineyard. Further in the tour continues up the Danube to Spitz, and later the river current takes the tourists along the vineyards back to Dürnstein. Along the road, the organizers offer their guests a selection of excellent wines, a large collection of exciting and interesting stories and plenty of culinary delights. This is definitely a valuable experience for wine lovers, not-to-be-missed!

Visitors can also experience the unique nature around the Domäne Wachau winery having a wine picnic at the foot of the Kellerberg mountain. The winery team will lovingly pack a picnic backpack for their guests, filled with a bottle of wine, a fine snack and Wachau specialties. There‘s a lot to see around: the Danube, beautiful, quiet places and a spectacular landscape with unique vineyards and dry stone walls. Independent picnickers are given tips for the best pit-stop locations and hiking trails in Loiben and Dürnstein directly from the winery‘s on-site team. Picnic tours are available on a regular basis, Monday through Saturday.

On July 8, the famous chateau will hold a huge music and dance event, combining   the chill wine tasting with fine beats. MUSIC & WINE: Domäne Wachau  + friends event will gather over 30 Wachauer top wineries, food trucks, offering their guests great wine, tasty food, spirits and cocktails and cool DJ sound – all of this in a unique atmosphere at the foot of the picturesque vineyard-planted Kellerberg mountain.

Besides their own events, Domäne Wachau are also engaged in various collaborations. As a matter of fact, the winery‘s amazing Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Terrassen 2022 has been chosen as the official white wine of the Salzburg Festival this year. 

Speaking of amazing wines, we will close this piece by more wonderful news from Domäne Wachau: their Grüner Veltliner & Riesling Emerald Ried Achleiten 2022 has been recently awarded a gold medal by Decanter, with a solid high score of 95 points. Congratulations to the award winning wine and its creators – well done, the Domäne Wachau team, and wishing you lots of success with the forthcoming vintage!

Domäne Wachau, the WTA nominee in the Visiting card of the country / Must visit category, is the only estate in the entire Wachau region to nurture exclusive parcels in every well-known single vineyard of the Wachau. The wines of Domäne Wachau express the character and the best terroir features of renowned single vineyard sites, […]

Schloss Esterházy (Esterhazy Palace), located in Burgenland, Austria, the WTA nominee in the and public voting winner in the Cultural mission category, is, traditionally, one of the country’s hottest spots both for local and international tourism.

Striking and imposing, Esterházy Palace has many memories to share: Joseph Haydn’s former place of work, a cradle of Viennese Classicism and a venue for magnificent concerts and festivities, today the Palace welcomes visitors as a museum and contemporary event location. 

The culture on offer here includes exciting adventures: excursions, thematic picnics, sommer classics matinees, open-air operas, jazz and rock music concerts, family festivals and other special events will definitely attract all types of travelers and culture lovers this summer. Only an hour away from Vienna by car, standing in the midst of the unique Pannonian landscape, Esterházy Palace is the region’s true tourist magnet.

The Esterházy private foundation’s aim is to create a link between the past and the present and to interpret history based on a contemporary approach, integrating modern culture, gastronomy and winemaking within the classic and historical environment. For example, in the former court stables one may find Henrici, a top-notch restaurant serving Pannonian and Mediterranean cuisine. Right next door, visitors may enjoy the splendid wines of Burgenland, wine tastings and master-classes at the Selektion Vinothek Burgenland, to accompany regional treats of the season at the Kulinarium Burgenland Market Hall. The Herbstgold Festival will be held at Esterházy Palace from September 9 to 24, 2023. It will combine the aspects of classical, jazz and Balkan Roma music with food & wine and the tradition of the historic location.

One of the Palace’s main attractions is, no doubt, the largest wine museum in Austria located in the basement of Esterházy. It displays over 700 exhibits from Burgenland’s rich wine history. The wine museum, occupying  spacious rooms, corridors and vaults of the Palace, offers an authentic tour into the world of wine and into the history of wine culture in the Pannonian region.

Multi-cultural journey combined with amazing Austrian wines and gastronomic specialities from the heart of Burgenland — probably one of the best things to experience this summer. Esterházy Palace is welcoming guests!

Schloss Esterházy (Esterhazy Palace), located in Burgenland, Austria, the WTA nominee in the and public voting winner in the Cultural mission category, is, traditionally, one of the country’s hottest spots both for local and international tourism. Striking and imposing, Esterházy Palace has many memories to share: Joseph Haydn’s former place of work, a cradle of […]

Congratulations on the new victories of Villa Tinta, the WTA nominee in the category of The Visiting Card of the Country/Must Visit. Over the past months, Villa Tinta has received more than ten medals at international and Ukrainian wine competitions.

Situated in the picturesque Yalpug Lake Valley, Villa Tinta owns 550 hectares of vineyards (and additionally processes grapes grown on 600 hectares of partner vineyards). The unique terroir finds its expression in wines made from European varieties as well as local ones like Odesa Black and Sukholimansky. The winery offers a range of wines, including Villa Tinta (dry table wines from local and European grape varieties), Tintarella (sparkling wines made using the Charmat-Martinotti method), and Tinta (semi-sweet  cuvée wines).

The quality of Villa Tintas wines, which is regularly confirmed by results in professional competitions, is ensured not only by the exceptional terroir, but also by top-notch equipment and highly skilled winemakers.

Villa Tinta actively promotes its wines in Ukraine and internationally. This spring, the company, alongside the finest Ukrainian wines at the Wines of Ukraine collective stand, participated in ProWein, the official exhibition partner of Drinks+ and the Wine Travel Awards, in Düsseldorf, Vyno dienos in Vilnius, and the London Wine Fair, the official exhibition partner of Drinks+ and the Wine Travel Awards. Furthermore, their exceptional wines garnered significant attention at Wine&Spirits Ukraine and Vinnytsia Wine Days in Ukraine.

Vinnytsia Wine Days 2023, a new wine event in Ukraine founded just this year, was held despite the ongoing war and destruction. These wine culture days included exhibitions, tastings, professional conferences, masterclasses, and the nationwide tasting competitions Odesa Wine&Spirit Awards та «Best Odesa Black». Blind tastings were conducted by a jury of 12 experts, according to the rules and standards of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). As a result, Villa Tinta Odessa Black 2020 premium collection and Villa Tinta Odessa Black 2019 VIP collection received gold medals in the competition.

During the Wine&Spirits Ukraine 2023 exhibition (held in Kyiv on March 29-31th), the international tasting competition Ukraine Wine&Spirits Awards took place, supported by the Association of Sommeliers of Ukraine and the International Sommelier Association, following the standards of the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). This competition of resilient Ukrainian winemakers, who continued their peaceful craft even during war, shelling, and rocket attacks, has set a record in the number of platinum and gold medals!

In the Ukraine Wine&Spirits Awards 2023, Villa Tinta received five gold and eight silver medals, with eight out of eight submitted samples becoming winners.

Villa Tinta earned gold medals for a wide range of their wines, including Villa Tinta Odessa Black 2019 VIP collection, Villa Tinta Odessa Black 2020, Villa Tinta Cabernet 2019 VIP wine selection, Villa Tinta Cabernet 2020, Villa tinta Merlot 2018 VIP wine selection. The silver medals were received by Villa Tinta Irsai Oliver 2020, Villa Tinta Riesling 2019, Villa Tinta Sukholimansky 2020.

We also express our congratulations and pride for Villa Tinta’s performance at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, one of the most prestigious contests worldwide. At this event, Villa Tinta Odesa Black 2019 VIP wine selection  received a silver medal with an impressive score of 91 points from esteemed judges.

Villa Tinta Winery is a member of the “Danube Bessarabia” Association of Grape Growers and Winemakers, as well as a part of the  «Wine and Taste Road of Ukrainian Bessarabia», the winner of the Wine Travel Awards 2023 in the category of The Visiting Card of the Country/Region of the year.

May Villa Tinta continue to succeed in wine competitions and flourish in its commitment to sustainable development in a peaceful country!

Congratulations on the new victories of Villa Tinta, the WTA nominee in the category of The Visiting Card of the Country/Must Visit. Over the past months, Villa Tinta has received more than ten medals at international and Ukrainian wine competitions. Situated in the picturesque Yalpug Lake Valley, Villa Tinta owns 550 hectares of vineyards (and […]

The Wine Travel Awards community is happy to welcome a new member. “ARMENIA WINE” Winery and Vineyards becomes a nominee for the 2023-2024 edition reinforcing a common effort of the Armenian wine industry in promoting their country as a magnificent enogastronomic destination. The guests of the WTA Ceremony at the London Wine Fair had a chance to taste wines produced by “Armenia Wine”.

The Armenia Wine Company has a captivating story that reflects the rich winemaking heritage of Armenia. Situated in the heart of the historic Ararat Valley, this esteemed winery combines tradition, innovation, and a deep passion for winemaking.

The inception of “Armenia Wine” can be traced back to the deep love that the Vardanyan and Mkrtchyan families have for their homeland, nature, and culture. The company started its winemaking journey in 2008 combining the 6000-year heritage of Armenian winemaking, wine culture, and modern international technologies on one idea: presenting Armenian wine to the world as a sample of the national value.

At the core of their winemaking philosophy is a commitment to sustainability and organic practices. The vineyards are carefully tended using environmentally friendly methods, respecting the natural balance of the ecosystem. The winery embraces modern technology while staying true to ancient winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

“ARMENIA WINE” Winery and Vineyards boasts an impressive portfolio of wines, ranging from reds and whites to rosés and sparkling wines. They take pride in their extensive collection of indigenous grape varieties, including Armenian and European grape varieties like Areni Noir, Kangun, and Voskehat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Viogne ….. the blends of these grape varieties fully express the uniqueness of the Armenian Terroir.

What sets the Armenia Wine Company apart is their dedication to innovation and experimentation. They constantly push boundaries by exploring new winemaking methods, aging techniques, and blending styles. This commitment to creativity has earned them numerous accolades and recognition from international wine competitions and experts. Among them, the company’s organic wine BioNe is an oddity to Mother Nature. The French chef consultant and winemaker of the company Jean-Baptiste Soula mentions: “Armenian highland is an ideal environment for organic viticulture, and making organic wine in Armenia was an amazing experience”.

Beyond crafting exceptional wines, the Armenia Wine Company also aims to promote Armenian culture and heritage. “The ultra-premium novelty of the company “Tariri Karasum” is an excellent example for that. The wine ages in the clay pots /karas/ for a year, preserving the pure aromas given from the Nature. This wine is a perfect blend of all the grape varieties harvested during the year. It truly expresses the features of Armenian terroir”- mentions the commercial director of the company Kristine Vardanyan.

Armenia Wine Company has taken the responsibility not only to present Armenian wine to the world but also to popularise Armenian culture, colorful traditions, and history. For this aim together with the ministries of culture and education the Wine History Museum of Armenia opened in the territory of the winery in 2017. With this big step, Armenia Wine Company became a state-of-the-art center of culture, history, and education.

With a vision rooted in the past and an unwavering focus on the future, the Armenia Wine Company continues to be a leading force in the Armenian wine industry. Their wines, imbued with the essence of Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions and the spirit of innovation, captivate wine enthusiasts around the world, making them a true ambassador of Armenian winemaking excellence.

Nowadays the company’s activity includes several key-points which reflect the dimension of the company and the high level of working style.

1. Yearly production capacity of up to 14 mln bottles
2. 135 hectares of own vineyards
3. 83 hectares of organic vineyards
4. Cooperation with more than 600 winegrowers from 4 winemaking regions
5. Regular export to more than 50 countries
6. Cooperation with international experts and winemakers: Jean-Baptiste Soula as the chef-consultant, Olivier Chapt as the main brandy maker, and Paulo Piera as the sparkling wine master.

Tasting experience with “Armenia Wine” at the WTA Ceremony

Tariri. Areni, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Red Dry Wine

ORIGIN: Vayots Dzor and Armavir regions

GRAPE: Areni 50% (Vayots Dzor), Cabernet Sauvignon 25% and Merlot 25% (Armavir)

HARVEST DATE: End September, early October

CLIMATE: Continental climate. Vineyards are situated at the altitude of 1200 meters above sea level.

YIELD: 45 hl/ha

WINEMAKING: The grapes are hand-harvested at the peak of their maturity and transferred to the estate in small boxes in refrigerator trucks. Last strict sorting on the selection table during grape reception. Two weeks of alcoholic fermentation and maceration with temperature between 26 to 28°C in stainless steel tanks.

TASTING NOTES: This deep red colour wine has a complex nose with fruity aroma (blackberries, wild cherries, grapes) with a touch of spicy, peppery notes. The palate is structured yet elegant, velvety yet persistent. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine black currant notes, Merlot- smooth tannins, Areni- elegance.

FOOD PAIRING: Filet of beef, pork tenderloin, gorgonzola.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: 18°C

CONSULTING WINEMAKER: Jean-Baptiste Soula

Takar. Areni Red Dry Wine

ORIGIN: Vayots Dzor region

GRAPE: Areni

HARVEST DATE: Early October

CLIMATE: Continental climate. Vineyards are situated at the altitude of 1200 meters above sea level.

YIELD: 55 hl/ha

WINEMAKING: The grapes are hand-harvested at the peak of their maturity and transferred to the estate in small boxes in refrigerator trucks. Last strict sorting on the selection table during grape reception. Two weeks of alcoholic fermentation at the temperature between 26°C to 28°C in stainless steel tanks. One month of maceration.

TASTING NOTES: The wine has a cherry red colour with purple hint. The nose evokes pleasant spiciness (vanilla, licorice, overtones of pepper and clove) with cherry and blackberry on the background. The palate is precise with good tannins and nice structure.

FOOD PAIRING: Lamb dishes, meats in sauce, roast poultry, soft cheeses, berry pies.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: 18°C

CONSULTING WINEMAKER: Jean-Baptiste Soula

Yerevan 782. B.C. Areni, Karmrahyut Red Dry Wine

ORIGIN: Vayots Dzor and Aragatsotn regions

GRAPE: Areni 65%, Karmrahyut 35%

HARVEST DATE: End September, early October

CLIMATE: Continental climate. Vineyards are situated at altitudes of 1000 – 1200 meters above sea level.

YIELD: 65 hl/ha

WINEMAKING: Manual harvest. Two weeks of fermentation at the temperature between 26°C to 28°C in stainless steel tanks and two weeks of maceration.

TASTING NOTES: Ruby red color, delicate dark cherry aroma. The mouth is juicy, fresh and well-balanced.

FOOD PAIRING: Ideal for meats and cheeses.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16 °С

CONSULTING WINEMAKER: Jean-Baptiste Soula

The Wine Travel Awards community is happy to welcome a new member. “ARMENIA WINE” Winery and Vineyards becomes a nominee for the 2023-2024 edition reinforcing a common effort of the Armenian wine industry in promoting their country as a magnificent enogastronomic destination. The guests of the WTA Ceremony at the London Wine Fair had a […]