Gastronomy and Wine Portal

The WTA team is delighted to invite you to the Wine Travel Awards presentation and tasting of Ukrainian wines that will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – 16:00 / Hall 13 (Forum 13.2), at ProWein.

This is a unique opportunity to taste the Odesa Black local grape variety and Telti-Kuruk, a Ukrainian indigenous variety, as well as international varieties from Ukrainian terroirs!

In just one week, on March 19-21 one of the largest and most influential wine and spirits exhibitions in the world, ProWein 2023, opens its doors in Dusseldorf.

For the second year in a row, Wine Travel Awards, a new innovative project launched by Communication Media Group Drinks+, are collaborating with the world’s #1 wine and spirits trade fair, ProWein, which opens its doors again in Düsseldorf on March 19-21, 2023.

This year, not only are we going to present the WTA nominees in a special edition of the Wine Travel Awards Guide (printed and digital), which will be distributed at the International Trade Press Stand (between Halls 7 and 9)  and on the digital platform of Messe Düsseldorf, but also during the tasting of wines produced by several Ukrainian wineries.

Ukrainian winemakers will present their best and unique wines. The fame of the local Ukrainian grape variety Odesa Black, which many have heard of, but few have tasted, as well as the autochthonous Telti-Kuruk, which has survived only in the vineyards of southern Ukraine, is spreading more and more among wine professionals.

So that, the Wine Travel Awards tasting has every reason to be called unique and exclusive!

We have selected the best of the best:

• Beykush Winery – Beykush Telti-Kuruk 2021
• Family Winery SHABO – SHABO Grand Reserve Telti-Kuruk 2021
• Big Wines (Ukrainian branch of Vinos de La Luz) – BIG WINES BIG ART limited edition. Ivan Marchuk 2020
• Villa Tinta – Villa Tinta Odesa Black VIP 2019
• 46 Parallel Wine Group – Grand Admiral Proudly Ukrainian 2018
• Stakhovsky Wines – Stakhovsky Wines Merlot “ACE” 2019.

The event is open to the public, no pre-registration is required. But the number of places is limited.

It will be our pleasure to meet you at our tasting at ProWein. See you soon!

The WTA team is delighted to invite you to the Wine Travel Awards presentation and tasting of Ukrainian wines that will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – 16:00 / Hall 13 (Forum 13.2), at ProWein. This is a unique opportunity to taste the Odesa Black local grape variety and Telti-Kuruk, a Ukrainian indigenous variety, […]

Reimagine wine in the most authentic way, pairing age-old traditions with modern winemaking practices in the highlands of Armenia.

Discover the bottled history – Armenia

Nestled between the mountains of the South Caucasus, Armenia is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Armenia has a long history of winemaking traditions. And our spirit of experimentation now drives us forward. That’s what Armenian Winemaking artists do to revive forgotten varieties, to create new wines, and tell new stories. Despite being one of the oldest winemakers in the world, we are dedicated to innovation and creativity, and challenging winemaking traditions to showcase the potential of Armenian indigenous grape varieties.

We devotedly protect our more than 6-millenia-old traditions in viticulture and winemaking. The sound scientific data, the discovery of Areni-1 cave complex, many millennia-old wine-presses, jars and karases (Armenian clay vessels), charred remnants of grape seeds and many other pieces of evidence prove that Armenia has an ancient and rich heritage of winemaking and viticulture. In the case of Areni-1, we can claim that it’s the world’s oldest and most complete wine production facility. And more is still waiting to be discovered.

In the current era of developments, we invite you to experience the renaissance of Armenian wine. After a long-lasting supremacy of brandy production, wine production has been booming in Armenia in the last 10 years. We see the establishment of modern and traditional wineries; local and international interest in investments; the combination of modern technology and historical traditions; enthusiastic and dedicated efforts of young winemakers jointly with their experienced friends.

 Armenia – the sacred land of wine

Steeped in history and tradition that dates back thousands of years, Armenian viticulture has rich unique traits thanks to its history and terroir. Despite the relatively small territory, the country has a very diverse range of natural conditions.

There are several wine routes to take in order to have hands-on experience making wine and tasting the outstanding wines made by local producers. Armenian wines are world-class because of their history and terroir, particularly a very diverse range of natural conditions, volcanic soil, high-altitude vineyards, and indigenous grape varieties, as well as abundance of sunny days.

The climate varies drastically from one region to the next. Summers are generally hot and dry; meanwhile some locations can be humid. Winters are cold and may reach below 0°C. The altitudes are quite high due to the country being essentially a boiling pot of mountains. Thanks to the altitudinal zonation, wine regions host diverse ecosystems. Spanning through 400-1,750 meters above sea level, high-elevation vineyards are among the highest in the northern hemisphere. Another key feature is the soil either of limestone or volcanic origin, which lends definite flavors to the grapes, and eventually gives the wines an incredibly unique taste. All these unique traits combined result in a diverse and special selection of more than 350 grape varieties. And that is why Armenian wines consistently win honors! The Wine Travel Awards are not an exception: 11 Armenian wine projects and initiatives became leaders at the public vote stage, 4 of them were selected as winners by the professional WTA Jury Committee during the first edition.

The quality of Armenia’s top wines today – whether white or red, rosé or bubbly – is frequently stellar. Five regions of Armenia offer favorable conditions for growing grapes and making wines. Each area ensures a distinctive taste of wines based on the location of vineyards and various indigenous and local grape varieties.

Ararat is the sunniest region in Armenia and ensures favorable conditions for growing Mskhali, Milagh, Karmrahyut, and Garan Dmak grape varieties. Here, there are plenty of activities to do: winery visits, bird watching at Khosrov forest state reserve, paragliding and hot air ballooning.

Vayots Dzor region, the birthplace of the Armenian red grape variety – Sev Areni is the gem of local wine-making art. Coming in October, you will have a full eno-gastronomic experience thanks to Areni Wine Fest.

Armavir region ensures the majority of white grape production in Armenia. Here Garan Dmak, Mskhali and Kangun white grape varieties turn into alluring wines for dozens of winemakers and wineries. Haghtanak, on the other hand, is a red grape variety and wines from Haghtanak have a long aging potential, expressed aromas of dark berries and peppery notes. The must-see in the region is the Cathedral and Churches of St. Etchmiadzin that is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. If you come in May, you have a wonderful opportunity to taste delicious Armenian tolma at the Tolma Festival.

Tavush region, the greenest area of Armenia, plays a significant role in wine-making. Banants and Lalvari grape varieties from the Tavush region are a unique addition to the local wine-making.

Aragatsotn region is home to dozens of modern wineries also hosting guests to tour and taste local wine. Here is situated the Wine History Museum of Armenia.

Armenia – your next magnificent enogastronomic destination

First and foremost, what makes Armenia an extraordinary and unique tourism destination is its warm hospitality. Open-hearted Armenians are always ready to dress a table for guests, friends and relatives to turn any and all occasions into a celebration. There are no strangers here – just a family you have not met yet. And tourists can feel this vibe all across Armenia.

The gastronomic culture is very rich in Armenia featuring some of the oldest European dishes and the oldest in the South Caucasus region. A bowl of spas, a creamy soup based on fermented Armenian yogurt, is a delicious starter for your experience. Tolma, grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, Kofta, (Armenian meatballs), and Chi Kofte (Armenian Steak Tartare) and a variety of Armenian cheeses are definitely on the top of the to-taste list. Something else Armenians are remarkably good at preparing is Khorovats (juicy and tender grilled meats) and Basturma (dried spiced meat). Khorovats, a succulent and tender grilled beef, and Basturma (dried spiced meat) are two other dishes that Armenians are very skilled at making. And of course, what would a table be without a glass of Armenian wine?

Wine Street аnd Armenian festival culture

Besides visiting local wineries, you should visit a wine street named after Saryan and wine festivals like the Yerevan Wine Days to try local wine. Each year several central streets in Yerevan host tourists and locals alike with positive emotions, music, colorful lights, and laughter. During these 3 days, more than 35,000 locals and tourists have a chance to taste Armenian wines along with tasty bites. Join the special festival of Yerevan Wine Days on June 2-4, 2023.

Wine and gastro yards in Armenia

Tradition doesn’t make things old, backward or boring. Centuries made us (wine) younger, more vibrant, interesting. The perfect transition between history and modern life. We speak about impressions of happiness, of life in general that transcends time, nationality, location remaining forever relevant, forever human at its heart, and always “young”.

The GastroYards are local households offering enogastronomic experiences as agrotourism initiatives. Engage in the delicious routines of Armenian families by picking grapes, tasting wine, cheese, dried fruits or tea, going hiking, or just singing and dancing in Armenian. You can also take masterclasses with the locals and truly immerse yourself into the local traditional experience. You can bake lavash, make sujukh, learn carpet weaving, or make cross stones just to name a few.

Sharing the common mission to promote Armenia as an enogastronomic tourism destination

Preserving over 6,100-year-old Armenian winemaking traditions, Armenia’s rich culture and historical heritage are nowadays combined with excellent opportunities for development of viticulture and winemaking, climatic conditions, rich diversity of grape varieties, modern technologies and scientific potential, strengthening the basis of sustainable development of the sector.

Photos are provided by the Tourism Committee of Armenia and the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia

Reimagine wine in the most authentic way, pairing age-old traditions with modern winemaking practices in the highlands of Armenia. Discover the bottled history – Armenia Nestled between the mountains of the South Caucasus, Armenia is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Armenia has a long history of winemaking traditions. And our spirit of experimentation […]

The Wine Travel Awards and the London Wine Fair, our exhibition partner, are continuing the wonderful collaboration in this new upcoming season!

At the end of February, the WTA representative was invited to the London Wine Fair 2023 Launch Party were the Wine Buyers Awards 2023 shortlists were announced.

The Wine Buyers Awards – a competition designed to identify and reward excellence in wine buying, across all sectors. The Awards provide recognition for the UK’s best professional wine buyers across the spectrum of the trade.

The Wine Buyers Awards 2023 have a rigorous evaluation process overseen by Chris Losh, a renowned industry expert who has served as the editor of Imbibe, founded Sommelier Wine Awards, edited Wine International, and been a finalist for the Louis Roederer Feature Writer of the Year. Accompanying him will be a select group of accomplished and seasoned judges from the industry, including former senior group buyers.

Rising Star Category Shortlist – Hatch Mansfield & Dine Out Magazine

• Jake Biggs
• Imogen Bowen-Davies
• Zoltan Kopacsi

Online Category Shortlist – Askaneli Brothers

• Matthew Horsley
• Matt Smith

Independent Merchant Shortlist – The Wine Merchant

• Elizabeth Coombes
• Peter Wood
• Chris Goldman DipWSET
• Phil Innes
• Kasia Konys-Pieszko DipWSET
• Nicolas Rezzouk

On-Trade Category Shortlist – Enotria Winecellars Ltd (T/A Enotria&Coe) The Buyer

• Vincenzo Arnese
• Phill Morgan
• Alexander Pitt
• Alexios Stasinopoulos
• Andrew Chudley
• Freddie Cobb
• Andrew Maidment
• Charlie Young – Vinoteca

Pub Category Shortlist – Pub & Bar Magazine

• Edmund Inkin
• Alistair Morgan
• Roberta Neave

Supermarket/ Multiples Category Shortlist – Felix Solis & The Drinks Business

• Anastasia Duncanson
• Samantha Glanfield

Join for the Wine Buyers Awards ceremony at the London Wine Fair at 1 pm on 16th May.

We would also like to remind that as a part of the London Wine Fair, the WTA team will host a distinctive event in May 2023. The gathering will showcase the WTA nominees, sponsors, and jury members, and include a grand wine tasting. The event is scheduled for Wednesday 17th May from 10 am to 12 pm and will take place in the Industry Briefing Room at Olympia London, LWF.

Interested in joining us as a partner or a sponsor at the event or / and the WTA stand? Please feel free to contact us at partnership@winetravelawards.com.

The Wine Travel Awards and the London Wine Fair, our exhibition partner, are continuing the wonderful collaboration in this new upcoming season! At the end of February, the WTA representative was invited to the London Wine Fair 2023 Launch Party were the Wine Buyers Awards 2023 shortlists were announced. The Wine Buyers Awards – a competition designed to identify and reward excellence […]

This year, Drinks+ Communication Media Group continues its fruitful and active cooperation with its International exhibiting partner – VinItaly. Drinks+ has been a traditional information partner of VinItaly for years, reporting on the course of events during this large-scale business and promotion exhibition.

This year, this is the 55th edition of the leading wine & spirits trade fair targeting wine business operators on international markets. It will take place on 2-5 April 2023 in Verona, Italy. If you are a professional in the food, wine and distillation sectors, you can join the world’s leading event by requesting the free badge here.

The Drinks+ team cannot miss this eagerly-awaited event! That is why Drinks+ Communication Media Group with its new and innovative project Wine Travel Awards, which many Italian wine operators have already joined, will be presented in a 8 sq.m stand at the International wine hall for International press.

VinItaly provides an excellent communication platform, a meeting point for wine producers, buyers, distributors and consumers. At one of the best wines and spirits events, you seize the opportunity to join the network of proactive industry professionals and discover all the thematic areas such as Sol & Agrifood, Vinitaly Bio, Micro Mega Wines, Mixology, International Wine Hall, Vinitaly Design!

Moreover, during the exhibition days, Verona will become a capital of wine and mixology excellence. From 31 March to 03 April, VinItaly and The City offers a preview of the fair: from 6.00 pm, start your journey in the old town of Verona to Discover the wine and mixology excellences and visit the most evocative locations in the city, already registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

This year, Drinks+ Communication Media Group continues its fruitful and active cooperation with its International exhibiting partner – VinItaly. Drinks+ has been a traditional information partner of VinItaly for years, reporting on the course of events during this large-scale business and promotion exhibition. This year, this is the 55th edition of the leading wine & […]

ProWein 2023, the world’s #1 wine and spirits trade fair, opens its doors again in Düsseldorf on March 19-21, 2023, and will be greeting 10 Ukrainian wineries presenting their products under the Wines of Ukraine umbrella.

It’s not the first time that Ukrainian wineries will be participating in ProWein. However, this year the Ukrainian Association of Craft Winemakers, being also the initiator and the founder of Wines of Ukraine, will give a bigger picture of Ukrainian winemaking to the visitors of the fair.

Ukrainian Association of Craft Winemakers was established in 2021 in order to coordinate and develop the national winemaking industry, as well as to enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian wines internationally, and to promote the brand of Wines of Ukraine. In times of war, the Association also focuses on helping to rebuild destroyed wineries and on demining the vineyards liberated from russian occupation. Currently, the Association includes 72 manufacturers.

“Our mission is to actively develop the Wines of Ukraine brand,” says Svitlana Tsybak, Wines of Ukraine representative, Head of the Association of Craft Winemakers of Ukraine and Beykush Winery’s Development Director, “The attention that Ukraine is getting all over the world these days is extraordinary. We have to spread the word that, despite the war, life goes on here, we continue to grow grapes and produce our wines that have already been recognized by the world. We are happy to do our job, to work for our Victory.”

The Wines of Ukraine stand at ProWein will present 10 wineries:

Beykush Winery (Mykolaiv region)

Father’s Wine VB (Ternopil region)

Prince Trubetskoi Winery (Kherson region)

Chateau Chizay (Transcarpathian region)

Stakhovsky Wines (Transcarpathian region)

Biologist Craft Winery (Kyiv region)

Kolonist Winery (Odesa region / Southern Bessarabia)

Villa Tinta (Odesa region / Southern Bessarabia)

My Wine by Eduard Gorodetsky (Odesa region)

46 Parallel Wine Group (Odessa region).

Participation of Ukrainian winemakers at ProWine 2023 is supported by USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine (USAID CEP) in cooperation with the Consulate General of Ukraine in Düsseldorf.

“Over the recent years Ukrainian winemaking industry witnessed an upsurge and Ukrainian wine has been highly rated. At the same time the appearance of craft winemakers with high quality products made Ukrainians prefer local. Despite the challenges faced today by Ukrainian businesses, now it’s time for the world to find out more about Ukrainian wine. USAID CEP supports the participation of 10 Ukrainian winemakers in the ProWine fair. It will stimulate Ukrainian exports and help Ukrainian winemakers to the global market”, — said Olesya Zaluska, head of the USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine (USAID CEP).

Ukrainian winemakers are dealing with the horrors and challenges of russian aggression every day. Some wineries have suffered more than others. Prince Trubetskoy Winery, a historic chateau located in Kherson region, survived the Russian occupation. The winery’s owners managed to retain their staff, but even now, after the de-occupation, it is not clear what happened to the production facilities, ancient wine cellars, a restaurant and hotel complex. It is still impossible to get there because the chateau is located in the territory suffering from daily shelling and missile attacks. Some of the vineyards have not yet been de-mined. Despite the challenges, Prince Trubetskoy Winery will participate in ProWein 2023.

The international wine community already knows a few things about Ukrainian winemaking, considering Ukraine a “young” wine region. However, from a historical point of view, the traditions of winemaking in Ukraine have existed for several millennia.

“Our main goal is to place Ukraine back on the world map of winemaking, which has existed in Ukraine since the time of Trypillian culture (7 thousand years ago). It reached its peak between the 7th and 1st centuries BC. We have a variety of terroirs, dozens of local grape varieties, and most importantly, a new generation of winemakers who have revised the experience of their ancestors, linked it to modern trends, and are ready to present a new history of Ukrainian winemaking to the world,” says Sergey Klimov, Wines of Ukraine representative, founder of the Kyiv Food and Wine Festival, ideologist and co-owner of Like a Local’s wine bar.

“We are very happy that Ukraine has this amazing opportunity to present its wines to a selected audience of wine professionals from all over the world”, shares her thoughts Victoria Agromakova, the Wines of Ukraine representative and founder of Wine&Spirits Ukraine expo. “Ukrainian wines deserve recognition and admiration, and our job is to spread the word and to grow our international business. We do appreciate the worldwide support that Ukraine and its people are getting. Helping Ukraine is a trend, and ProWein is not an exception. We are very grateful to the Ukrainian Consulate in Dusseldorf for their help and attention, and to the USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine, for the support they provide to Ukrainian winemaking.”

Wines of Ukraine stand: Hall 12 / A03.

In addition, Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards invite to join the tasting of WTA nominees from Ukraine – SHABO Family Winery, Beykush Winery, 46 Parallel Wine Group, Stakhovsky Wines, Villa Tinta, Big Wines (Ukrainian branch of Vinos de La Luz) —  at ProWein. We are very happy to present the heroic Ukrainian winemakers who, even in the times of the war, under the attacks of enemy missiles, have faith in Ukraine’s Victory, and continue to do their job with inspiration and create outstanding wines!

The tasting will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – 16.00 / Hall 13 (Forum 13.2).

Welcome to taste Ukrainian wines and meet the winemakers!

D+ files:

Winemaking in Ukraine has been historically predetermined: it has an advantageous geographical location, and its climate favours grape growing. The origins of winemaking in Ukraine date back to the 4th century BC (in Crimea), going 2500 years back in the Black Sea Region up to the 14th century in Zakarpattya (Transcarpathia).

The continental climate is characterised by hot summers and severe winters. In 2021, over 100 million litres of wine were produced from 40 thousand hectares of vineyards. Almost 180 grape varieties are cultivated, including the majority of indigenous or varieties grown here.

Ukraine’s most famous indigenous variety is Telti-Kuruk, a white grape grown in Odesa region in the south. Another signature variety is a red Odesa Black, originating from Alicante Henri Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon.

ProWein 2023, the world’s #1 wine and spirits trade fair, opens its doors again in Düsseldorf on March 19-21, 2023, and will be greeting 10 Ukrainian wineries presenting their products under the Wines of Ukraine umbrella. It’s not the first time that Ukrainian wineries will be participating in ProWein. However, this year the Ukrainian Association […]

Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards are collaborating with the world’s #1 wine and spirits trade fair, ProWein, which opens its doors again in Düsseldorf on March 19-21, 2023. 

This year, not only are we going to present the WTA nominees in a special edition of the  Wine Travel Awards Guide (printed and digital), which will be distributed in the ProWein exhibition hall and on the digital platform of Messe Düsseldorf, but also invite guests of the exhibition to taste the wines produced by several Ukrainian wineries. We have selected the best of the best — Family Winery SHABO, Beykush Winery, 46 Parallel Wine Group, Stakhovsky Wines, Villa Tinta, Big Wines (Ukrainian branch of Vinos de La Luz).

Among the samples presented there will be two wines made from the Odesa Black grape variety. Today, this local variety has excellent development prospects and claims to be the hallmark of Ukraine. Visitors to ProWein 2023 will have a unique opportunity to taste Odesa Black produced by two Ukrainian wineries, Big Wines and Villa Tinta. Each of them reveals the special features of this variety, which many world professionals have heard about but have not yet tasted.

Wines from the rare Telti-Kuruk, a Ukrainian indigenous variety grown in southern Ukraine, which survived during the phylloxera epidemic that destroyed most of Europe’s vineyards, as well as the harsh times of the USSR’s “dry law”, will be presented by two wineries. One of them is Beykush, a relatively young winery that has already received many awards (including gold from Decanter). The second one is the true flagship of Ukrainian winemaking, the family-owned SHABO Winery, which has received more than 500 awards from international competitions (Decanter Wine Awards, Mundus Vini, IWC, etc.). SHABO owns the largest vineyards of indigenous Telti-Kuruk with a total area of more than 40 hectares located in Odesa region. It was from the Telti-Kuruk grape variety that SHABO created the first Ukrainian wine of Controlled Appellation of Origin (analogue to the French Appellation d’Origine Controllee).

Another participant of the tasting, 46 Parallel Wine Group, has collected 78 medals from international and Ukrainian competitions in just 3 years’ time since the company’s launch. Its wines have been included in the top 27 best wines in the world (Canada), and received gold and silver awards in the USA, Germany, and the UK. In August 2021, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, 46 Parallel Wine Group presented a special release of its premium wine – Grand Admiral Proudly Ukrainian Vintage 2018. This is the wine we are proud to offer to the guests of ProWein 2023.

And finally, there is a wine from Serhiy Stakhovsky, an internationally famous tennis player who made his debut as a winemaker just in 2015. The champion’s wines are no less perfect than his tennis. This year, Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by Stakhovsky Wines represents Ukraine at the La Cité du Vin wine museum in Bordeaux. At the ProWein tasting, Stakhovsky Wines will present Merlot “ACE” 2019.

We invite you to join the tasting of WTA nominees from Ukraine – SHABO Family Winery, Beykush Winery, 46 Parallel Wine Group, Stakhovsky Wines, Villa Tinta, Big Wines (Ukrainian branch of Vinos de La Luz) —  at ProWein. We are very happy to present the heroic Ukrainian winemakers who, even in the times of the war, under the attacks of enemy missiles, have faith in Ukraine’s Victory, and continue to do their job with inspiration and create outstanding wines!  

The tasting will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – 16.00 / Hall 13 (Forum 13.2).

The wines that will be presented in the tasting:

Beykush Telti-Kuruk 2021

White dry unaged wine.

Producer: Beykush Winery

Grape variety: Telti-Kuruk

Alcohol content: 13,5%

Maceration in stainless steel tanks at 7°C, further fermentation in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 17°C.

Colour: deep straw yellow. 

Nose: tangible floral and fruity notes – white acacia and ripe quince, exquisite tones of the South African feijoa fruit.

Palate: round, rich, with minerality and fresh aftertaste characteristic of the grapes grown in the Black Sea terroir. It has an elegant body, clean and tasty, with good aromatic content, smooth, lengthy and pleasant finish. 

Overall impression: a rich and soft white wine with well-balanced notes of freshness and fruitiness and perfectly expressed varietal characteristics.

Gastronomic pairings: goes well with fish appetisers, seafood risotto, white meat dishes, poultry.

SHABO Grand Reserve Telti-Kuruk 2021

White dry aged wine.

Producer: SHABO Family Winery

Grape variety: Telti-Kuruk 

Alcohol content: 12,0 %

Fermentation in oak barriques with temperature control. Ageing on the lees in oak barriques for 10 months. International experts from SARL Derenoncourt (Bordeaux) perform quality control at all stages of production of SHABO Grande Reserve wines. The potential for ageing in a bottle is 5-7 years.

Colour: bright, pale straw.

Nose: fresh and mineral, with light floral tones of white acacia and notes of white fruits. Quince and elegant tones of ageing.

Palate: fresh, mineral. Ageing has given this wine a distinct body. The finish is lengthy and memorable, with light mineral notes.

Overall impression: an elegant, well-balanced, harmonious wine with excellent ageing potential and a vivid demonstration of unique varietal and terroir characteristics.

Gastronomic pairings: SHABO Telti-Kuruk Grande Reserve goes well with various foods, and this fact has been repeatedly confirmed by Ukrainian and foreign chefs, including several Michelin chefs. Baked snails, risotto and cream-based pastas, as well as seafood dishes and soft white cheeses will be the best matches for this wine.

BIG WINES BIG ART limited edition. Ivan Marchuk 2020

Red dry aged wine.

Producer: Big Wines (Ukraine) for VINOS DE LA LUZ

Grape variety: Odesa Black

Alcohol content: 14%.

The label is illustrated with the painting of the famous Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk. 

Aged in oak for 12 months.

Colour: deep ruby.

Nose: notes of blackberries, black mulberries, white and black pepper, chocolate-covered plums, violets. 

Palate: rich, moderate acidity, moderate soft tannins, lasting finish. 

Overall impression: balanced, harmonious wine. Excellent work of the winemaker with this complex variety.

Gastronomic pairings: goes best with meat: baked or fried red meat dishes, duck confit, game and grilled veal.

Villa Tinta Odesa Black VIP 2019 

Red dry aged wine.

Producer: Villa Tinta / Winehall Oksamytne

Grape variety: Odesa Black

Alcohol content: 12.9%.

Aged in oak (new French barrels) for 6 to 12 months.

Colour: dark, intense ruby.

Nose: rich, spicy, with tones of mulberry, ripe dark berries, dried fruits and smoky notes.

Palate: deep, lively tannins, vivid acidity, pleasant and lasting fruity and creamy finish.

Overall impression: a bright wine with terroir character and elegant notes of ageing.

Food pairings: grilled veal, game, meat roast with vegetables and spicy herbs.

Grand Admiral Proudly Ukrainian 2018

Vintage dry red wine

Producer: 46 Parallel Wine Group

Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 13,9 %

The special release of the company’s premium wine, presented in August 2021 on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, a limited edition of 530 bottles only. Aged for 24 months in French oak barriques by Seguin Moreau “medium” and “medium+” roasting, followed by ageing in bottle. 

Colour: deep ruby

Nose: an unsurpassed bouquet with notes of cherries, plums, black berries, chocolate and wood.

Palate: a full-bodied wine with silky tannins, complex structure and a long aftertaste with hints of berries and vanilla.

Overall impression: refined, elegant, complex wine. Ready for consumption, but has the ageing potential of 5-7 years. 

Gastronomic pairings: ideal with meat, pasta, complex salads, and a variety of cheeses.

Stakhovsky Wines Merlot “ACE” 2019 

Red dry aged varietal wine.

Producer: Stakhovsky Wines

Grape variety: Merlot

Alcohol content: 13,8%

Limited edition. Aged for 16 months in French oak. Potential for ageing in the bottle 6+ years.

Colour: ruby-purple.

Nose: tones of chocolate, blackberry, fig and crushed poppy seeds with light notes of vanilla.

Palate: full-bodied, rich, well-rounded tannins, balanced acidity, lengthy and pleasant finish.

Overall impression: an elegant, harmonious wine with the best varietal and terroir characteristics and excellent potential for complex development in the bottle.

Gastronomic pairings: duck or goose dishes, various pates, meat stews and cured meats.

Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards are collaborating with the world’s #1 wine and spirits trade fair, ProWein, which opens its doors again in Düsseldorf on March 19-21, 2023.  This year, not only are we going to present the WTA nominees in a special edition of the  Wine Travel Awards Guide (printed and digital), which will […]

Wine Travel Week which is currently running in Porto, Portugal, is a new international event dedicated to the promotion of wine tourism. It’s an interactive and innovative wine tourism event, bringing together professionals and key players from all over the world.

Veronika Busel, WTA representative in Portugal, visiting this event, had a wonderful opportunity to meet up with the Voting Winner of WTA first edition and this year’s nominee in the Top Guide category, Miguel Leal.

His company, ML Private Tours, creates unique travel experiences for wine lovers who are seeking for the best of what Portugal has to offer, particularly in regards to the best wine and gastronomy. Miguel specializes in the famous wine regions located in the north of Portugal, mainly Porto, Douro, Vinho Verde, Dão and Bairrada, but he can also offer premium tours to the neighboring wine regions in Portugal and Spain. We admire our winner and nominee’s professional achievements and wish him to be a great success in this year’s voting. Boa sorte – good luck, Miguel!

Portugal is treating its wine tourism very seriously, considering it as one of the important sectors of the country’s wine industry. The WTA team supports this approach, and is ready and happy to promote the wineries, winemakers and wine professionals of Portugal further on. After all, this is what Wine Travel Awards is about: a good product combined with good marketing!

Wine Travel Week which is currently running in Porto, Portugal, is a new international event dedicated to the promotion of wine tourism. It’s an interactive and innovative wine tourism event, bringing together professionals and key players from all over the world. Veronika Busel, WTA representative in Portugal, visiting this event, had a wonderful opportunity to […]

In the second edition of the Wine Travel Awards, we are very pleased to continue cooperating with the Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti.

This year, Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti will join the WTA special event as The Sponsor of a Welcome Drink in the framework of the London Wine Fair, WTA exhibition partner. The Consortium will provide welcome wine for invited guests of the event – sommeliers, press, buyers as well as prosperous names of businesses and personalities in the wine tourism industry. Our team will present the WTA nominees, sponsors, jury members and will do a grand wine tasting.

Date: Wednesday 17 May, from 10 am to 12 pm

Location: Industry Briefing Room at Olympia London, LWF.

There will also be an opportunity to taste the most famous Italian sparkling wines at the Award’s personal stand at the international exhibition London Wine Fair and feel the unique tastes inherent to the local soils of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti.

Moreover, the WTA community was replenished with 20 absolutely unique nominees – wineries, wine brands, wine routes, personalities and events – who all together create the great story of the Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti.

Their personal stories will be showcased at the WTA Guide Special Edition and in different nominations of the WTA 2022-2023.

To discover more the areas of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti, situated in Piedmont, in the northwest of Italy, only a few kilometers from the foothills of the Alps, the shores of the Mediterranean and the flatlands of the Po valley, you are more than welcome to get familiar with their actors: Torelli, 1st italian BIO with Moscato d’Asti wine, Teresa Soria, one of the few, if not the only one, that produces Moscato d’Asti Vendemmia Tardiva, Michele Chiarlo, Marenco (since 1925), Mongioia, producing Moscato d’Asti in Anfora, Matteo Soria, Cuvage, the best aromatic sparkling wine in the world, Casa Gancia, the first Italian sparkling wine, Martini & Rossi, 150 years of Aperitivo history, Arione, the only one that produce Extra Dry version BIO (organic), Giorgio Facchinetti, the king of mixology with ASTI DOCG cocktails, Daniele Eberle, agronomist and enologist dedicated to Asti DOCG, Accademia Maestri Pasticceri Italiani, sweet and savory creations, perfect union with Asti wines, Cinzia Benzi “Bollicine nel mondo” a project and the first app dedicated to the sparkling universe, Federico Quaranta and Tinto, italian radio program called “Decanter”, TrEno LMR, running via the vineyards of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero, the UNESCO heritage, located in Lower Piedmont, Canelli and the Underground Cathedrals (under Contratto, Bosca, Coppo, Gancia wineries), Relais Villa Prato, heritage villa in the heart of Monferrato, Ristorante Madonna della Neve (since 1957), Moscato Wine Route, 19 km Mango – Camo – Mango ring trail.

In the second edition of the Wine Travel Awards, we are very pleased to continue cooperating with the Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti. This year, Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti will join the WTA special event as The Sponsor of a Welcome Drink in the framework of the London Wine Fair, WTA exhibition partner. The Consortium will provide welcome […]

The Wine Travel Awards is delighted to introduce the brand ambassador of the Consortium of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti DOCG – Giorgio Facchinetti – to our readers.

Spring is the time for changes, the time for experiments and new cocktails on the base of the star Italian sparkling wine. The modern and attractive face of the famous Consortium of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti DOCG brand, Giorgio Facchinetti, is nominated for the Ambassador of the Year category, the Ambassador nomination,  at the Wine Travel Awards.

“My goal is to position Piedmont bubbles in the world of mixology, to give life to original and innovative creations,” says Giorgio about co-authorship with Asti.

Giorgio Facchinetti opens the most creative nuances of Asti DOCG that are exalted in surprising cocktails perfect for every occasion.

The versatility and natural characteristics of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti are presented at the new and contemporary drinks made by Asti’s talented barman. In his professional hands, the Piedmont’s bubblies adored worldwide become the perfect ingredients for new and sophisticated mixes.

The WTA is inviting to get nominated for the Ambassador nomination and try to win the Gérard Basset Prize “Ambassador of the Year” (1,000 euros or an educational course in the equivalent).

You can vote for Giorgio Facchinetti at the public voting stage of the Wine Travel Awards 2022-2023 which starts on March 1.

The registration deadline is approaching: nominees have an opportunity to register by midnight on 27 February.

Become part of the WTA community, start using all the award’s marketing tools and get up to 50% off any WTA event throughout the year!

This year, the Consorzio Asti DOCG will join the WTA special event as The Sponsor of a Welcome Drink in the framework of the London Wine Fair, WTA exhibition partner. See you on Wednesday 17 May, from 10 am to 12 pm. Location: Industry Briefing Room at Olympia London, LWF.

The Wine Travel Awards is delighted to introduce the brand ambassador of the Consortium of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti DOCG – Giorgio Facchinetti – to our readers. Spring is the time for changes, the time for experiments and new cocktails on the base of the star Italian sparkling wine. The modern and attractive face […]

Why the release of a new Ukrainian wine became a sensation. The D+ forecast.

A piece of loud news awaits the Ukrainian winemaking community in February 2023 – finally a pleasant one: a wine “BIG WINES BIG ART limited edition. Ivan Marchuk“. In fact, wine premieres in Ukraine happen with quite a lively frequency. But the very fact: the appearance of the Ukrainian wine under the Big Wines. Big Art brand has several diverse aspects that relate not only to quality and organoleptic characteristics. And this is what turns the news about the entry of another local wine into the Ukrainian market into a real sensation. But we will speak about everything in order.

Big Wines. Big Art – an ambitious Ukrainian wine production project under the umbrella brand of the world-famous company Vinos de La Luz, which has production facilities in Argentina, two DOs of Spain, Italy (Tuscany) and the USA (California). Three Vinos de La Luz Malbecs won platinum medals at the Decanter competition last year, which in itself sets a rapid vertical vector. And the fact that Big Wines. Big Art is a project managed by Nataliia Burlachenko, a well-known Ukrainian sommelier, wine journalist and Vinos de La Luz Ambassador, is a guarantee that it will have artistic content and creative talent. Nataliia is also a nominee for the Wine Travel Awards in the categories “Ambassador of the Year” and “The Brightest Journey”.

By the way, the premiere of “BIG ART limited edition. Ivan Marchuk” will take place at ProWine 2023, as part of the Ukrainian nominees’ wine tasting of the international innovative project in the field of wine tourism – the Wine Travel Awards.

Of course, the information power of the sensational news about the release of wine in Ukraine under the patronage of a well-known international group was added by the year-long war with russia: after all, today not every foreign investor would dare to take such a step.

But the head and owner of the Vinos de La Luz group of companies, Dr. Ricardo Núñez, has not only been doing business in Ukraine for many years. He also knows and loves the Ukrainian people and always believes in the prospects of Ukrainian wine. And today, Ricardo Núñez continues to demonstrate not only with his words, but also with his deeds his faith in the strength of Ukrainian winemakers, in the future of our country and in our Victory in the liberation war.

As evidenced by the name of the wine and the label with a reproduction of a painting by the world-renowned Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk, who works in his own unique technique “Weaving “, this is the first release that will bring to the world knowledge about artistic Ukraine and its geniuses. We may be wrong, of course, but knowing the philosophy and mission of the Vinos de La Luz, we assume that this will be a series – a powerful oenological collection dedicated to Ukrainian artists.

The first sample of BIG WINES – BIG ART was labeled by Ivan Marchuk’s magical realism painting “Awakening”. And indeed, even in the name of the wine there is magic: it is so relevant that it was given 30 years ago and is perceived today. By the way, the artist’s name was included in the rating of Top 100 living geniuses by The Daily Telegraph. And something suggests that the oenological personification of this work will sound in unison with the genius of the artist.

It is noteworthy that Big Wines. Big Art chose the flagship variety Odesa Black for its first-born – as the most expressive and potential for the glorious path assigned to it. According to Drinks+ reviewers, such a choice of a well-known brand can become an important contribution to the formation of the international reputation of the Ukrainian variety. We should also note that the favorable terroir of the south of Odesa was chosen for the premiere of Big Wines. Big Art, where the individuality, power and strength of the Odesa Black variety characters are best revealed. In addition, the 2020 vintage selected for the release has been rated by experts as one of the most outstanding, at least in the last decade.

All this, multiplied by the talent of the Vinos de La Luz winemakers and the taste of the educated sommelier Nataliia Burlachenko, allows us to predict that the new Ukrainian wine will have the same genetic code of quality as the products of the international brand.

And one more production detail: to create ВIG WINES BIG ART limited edition. Ivan Marchuk, not a powerful enterprise with refined experience of the bottling scheme, but a craft winery in Yasnohorodka was chosen. Last year in February this winery was damaged during the russian invasion. It is clear that for the perfectionism of Nataliia Burlachenko and Dr. Ricardo Núñez, that choice was perhaps a challenge. But for the Ukrainian winery, such a world-renowned partner is not just financial support, but also an investment in the image and marketing of a small but promising winery.

D+ columnist contacted Ms. Nataliia Burlachenko and she commented on the characteristics of the new Ukrainian wine: “The wine was aged for 12 months in oak barrels, thanks to which you can feel in the aroma characteristic notes of the variety: blackberries, black mulberries, white and black pepper, plums in chocolate, violets. The taste is balanced, rich, the present tannins are noticeable thanks to the light astringency and the duration of the aftertaste. It tastes best with baked or roasted red meat dishes, duck confit, grilled veal.”

So, the BIG WINES – BIG ART wine with Ivan Marchuk’s painting “Awakening” on the label, despite the limited release, will soon appear in Ukraine and on the world horizon. And there is no doubt that the artist’s “magical realism” will also affect the fate of wine: it will awaken not only a completely understandable demand and perhaps excitement among collectors and connoisseurs, but also a strong faith in themselves and in the land of all Ukrainian winemakers. Moreover, it will become a high bar both for the growing level of competition and the quality of Ukrainian wines. Time will pass, and others will wake up after the first swallow of investments in Ukrainian winemaking. We are only waiting for the Victory, for which we will raise glasses of Ukrainian BIG WINES!

Why the release of a new Ukrainian wine became a sensation. The D+ forecast. A piece of loud news awaits the Ukrainian winemaking community in February 2023 – finally a pleasant one: a wine “BIG WINES BIG ART limited edition. Ivan Marchuk“. In fact, wine premieres in Ukraine happen with quite a lively frequency. But […]