Gastronomy and Wine Portal

From the volcanic heights of Vayots Dzor to the clay vessels of forgotten centuries, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles finds itself heading where wine began.

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The world has turned east – and now it turns inward.

After a spectacular session in China, where modern ambition met cultural gravitas, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026 will travel to the Caucasus – to Armenia –  not merely a destination but a return to the cradle of wine.

In Yinchuan, the symbolic relay took place: the flag passed hands, carrying more than colours – it bore history, legacy, and the quiet weight of expectation. “A relay of honour, a continuation of responsibility,” as the hosts said. From China’s futuristic aspirations to Armenia’s archaeological soul, the wine world is not just evolving. It’s remembering.

“We want our guests not only to taste Armenian wine but to feel its time – to understand that each sip is layered with volcanic dust, ancestral wisdom, and modern resurgence,” – shared Zara Muradyan, Executive Director of the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia.

 

The Oldest Winery on Earth is Not a Myth. It’s a Cave

The Areni-1 cave Areni -1 Cave – Wine Travel Awards, dating back to 4100 BC, is not a romantic metaphor. It’s a real place: clay jars, grape seeds, and a press – all silent witnesses to a 6,000-year-old winemaking culture.

And it’s no coincidence that 2026 international judges will walk through that cave.

“Visiting Areni-1 will be a key part of the cultural programme,” –  Zara explained.

“We believe this archaeological legacy gives Armenian wine depth and significance that the world should truly experience.”

 

Areni. Voskehat. Khndoghni

These names may sound foreign in a wine world dominated by Cabernet and Chardonnay. They should. They are. And that’s their strength.

These are Armenia’s autochthonous grapes – born, raised, and rooted on their land. Grown on original roots, some vines are over 120 years old.

• Areni, the quiet prince of Vayots Dzor, thrives in elevation. Youthful, bright, peppery, it can age with grace or charm as a fresh red with alpine acidity.
• Voskehat, meaning “Golden Berry,” is the queen of Armenian whites. Aromatic and firm, with citrus oils and whispers of mountain herbs, it’s a wine that speaks more of terrain than tannin.
• Khndoghni, less known but no less noble, hails from the Artsakh region and brings power, spice, and structure.

These grapes will not be side notes. They will be protagonists.

“Autochthonous varieties are our calling card,” Zara said.

“We’re planning a dedicated tasting session and thematic masterclasses, so our guests can experience their expressive potential and understand their deep connection to terroir.”

Karas and Clarity: Beyond Clay Romanticism

Will we see wines aged in karas – Armenia’s answer to the amphora? Yes. But Armenia doesn’t want to be trapped in an image of ancient times only.

“We are a developing wine country, not just a land of ancient techniques,” Zara explained.

“Yes, guests will learn about karas – its story, philosophy, and the wines that emerge from clay — but we are equally showing modern wineries, fresh approaches, and forward-looking producers.”

Organic and biodynamic vineyards, minimal-intervention styles, international collaborations – Armenia in 2026 wants to be seen not as a curiosity, but as a contributor to the global wine conversation.

 

Five Regions. One Soul

The Mondial 2026 won’t belong to Vayots Dzor alone.

The programme is set to include all five of Armenia’s winegrowing regions:

• Armavir, home to Voskehat’s brilliance;
• Ararat, steeped in sun and myth;
• Aragatsotn, with its breezy altitude and cool expressions;
• Tavush, lush and unexpected;
• And of course, Vayots Dzor, the star and the symbol.

“Each region has its own identity, its own story to tell. We’re designing a programme that lets guests experience this richness first-hand – not just through wine, but through the land itself,” said Zara.

Diaspora as Vignerons

Armenia’s recent wine revival wasn’t led by state planning. It was driven by memory. Many of today’s key producers are members of the Armenian diaspora – from California, Argentina and France – who returned, often to forgotten family land, to create something new from something ancient.

“The contribution of the diaspora is truly immeasurable,” –  Zara reflected.

“They’ve not only preserved heritage, but shaped the present. Their passion has been key in rebuilding Armenian winemaking and giving it a global voice.”

This story-of-return, of rebuilding, will be threaded through Mondial’s cultural programme, not in PowerPoint presentations, but in vineyard walks, cellar tastings, and fireside storytelling.

A Competition, or a Conversation?

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is not just about scoring bottles. It’s about setting the tone for what matters next in the wine world. Sustainability. Heritage. Integrity.

“This competition helps raise awareness of Armenian wine internationally,” Zara noted.

“But it’s also a chance to exchange practices, values, and innovations. We see it as an inspiration for more mindful, responsible winemaking.”

Armenian producers working with organic or biodynamic methods will be featured through special visits. And B2B meetings will directly connect producers, global buyers, critics, and influencers.

The Future Has Deep Roots

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026 in Armenia is not just an event. It’s an invitation.

An invitation to look deeper. To listen to vines that have withstood centuries. To walk among stones that once pressed grapes in silence. To taste a wine culture that was not built yesterday but awakened today.

“We want every guest to leave with more than tasting notes,” –  Zara smiled.

“We want them to carry a feeling. That Armenia is not only where wine began, but where it’s still becoming.”

In 2026, the wine world is not just going somewhere new.

It’s coming home.

 

D+ Dossier

For the first time in its history, Armenia will host the 33rd edition of the renowned Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, scheduled to be held in Yerevan from May 21 to 23, 2026. The event is expected to bring together over 370 professional wine tasters from at least 49 countries and will provide an opportunity to taste and evaluate around 7,500 wines from around the world. Armenia’s choice as the host country reflects the growing international reputation of its winemaking.

The Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia recently declared the wine sector a strategic priority for the country’s economic and tourism development.

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From the volcanic heights of Vayots Dzor to the clay vessels of forgotten centuries, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles finds itself heading where wine began.   The world has turned east – and now it turns inward. After a spectacular session in China, where modern ambition met cultural gravitas, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026 […]

On September 5, Tastevinage will celebrate its 75th anniversary during its 116th edition at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, the Winner of the Wine Travel Awards vote. As the most prestigious tasting event in Burgundy, Tastevinage brings together wines from across the entire region – from Chablis to the Beaujolais crus – to be evaluated by the country’s leading experts.

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Founded in 1950 by the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the event aims to select wines that best represent the diversity and excellence of Burgundy. Only those wines that meet the highest standards of their appellation and vintage are awarded the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin label, signifying their undeniable quality and distinction. This label helps consumers identify wines truly worthy of recognition. Each year, the Confrérie organizes two Tastevinage sessions: one in spring and another in autumn.

The tasting jury consists of professionals from across the wine industry: winegrowers, négociants, cooperative representatives, brokers, sommeliers, oenologists, restaurateurs, distributors, journalists, and influencers. All wines are tasted blind to ensure complete impartiality in evaluation.

Thanks to this rigorous selection process conducted over 116 sessions, more than 100 million bottles now proudly bear the Tastevinage badge.

Each tasting session traditionally has a curator – typically a prominent figure in the worlds of wine, gastronomy, or trade. Over the years, these curators have included: Gérard Margeon, Executive Director-Sommelier of the Ducasse Paris Group (2013); Jérôme Prince, President of the National Federation of Wine and Spirit Brokers of France (2014); Jean-Charles Arnaud, President of INAO (2016); Jeannie Cho Lee, the first female Master of Wine in Asia (100th session, 2017); Jasper Morris, MW, in charge of the Hospices de Beaune wine auction (102nd session, 2018); William Wouters, President of the International Sommelier Association (Autumn 2023); Xavier Thuizat, “Best Sommelier of France” (Spring 2024); Philippe Faure-Brac, “Best Sommelier of the World” 1992 (Autumn 2024); Michel Bettane, renowned wine critic and co-author of the Bettane & Desseauve guide (Spring 2025).

Gérard Margeon, Michel Bettane, Philippe Faure-Brac

This year’s anniversary tasting, on September 5, will be curated by the legendary chef Marc Veyrat.

Marc Veyrat is renowned not only for his groundbreaking culinary achievements but also for his bold stance against the Michelin Guide, having famously sued it after his restaurant La Maison des Bois was stripped of its third star. He later even barred Michelin inspectors from entering his new establishment, Le Restaurant Marc Veyrat.

Marc Veyrat

Born in 1950 in Haute-Savoie into a farming family, Veyrat was inspired from a young age by Alpine products and wild herbs. He later became internationally acclaimed for his masterful use of aromatic plants and mountain flowers in cuisine. He remains the only chef to have been awarded three Michelin stars and a 20/20 score from Gault & Millau twice.

True to his roots, Veyrat champions a natural approach to cooking, free from artificial additives and industrial ingredients. He actively promotes ecological, honest, and health-conscious food.

On September 5, Tastevinage will mark its anniversary with a special edition bringing together more than 150 professionals from across the wine world including traders, buyers, wine association leaders, brokers, oenologists, restaurateurs, and journalists. During the autumn session, nearly 400 wines will be tasted and evaluated to determine which will bear the esteemed Tastevinage label, a mark of authenticity and excellence. The results will be announced on September 9.

But wine won’t be the only highlight. A new photo exhibition will also commemorate the event’s 75-year history, tracing the origins and key milestones of Tastevinage from 1950 to the present. With a curated selection of rare images from the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin archives, visitors will be able to relive the evolution of this prestigious tradition.

The exhibition will remain open throughout September.

So, the Tastevinage anniversary promises to be anything but ordinary. And how it all unfolds? That story will be told by the Drinks+ columnist, who has already been accredited for the autumn session.

Stay tuned for more coverage!

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On September 5, Tastevinage will celebrate its 75th anniversary during its 116th edition at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, the Winner of the Wine Travel Awards vote. As the most prestigious tasting event in Burgundy, Tastevinage brings together wines from across the entire region – from Chablis to the Beaujolais crus – to be evaluated by the country’s […]

The World Tourism Organization, together with the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, will host the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism on October 6-7, 2025, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

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The conference, entitled “The Art of Wine Tourism”, will provide experts with a unique platform to network, exchange experiences, and explore the latest trends through dynamic sessions, seminars, and thematic workshops.

It will also be a unique opportunity to discover Bulgaria’s rich winemaking heritage – one of the oldest in the world – and its growing role as an emerging wine tourism destination. With a special focus on local grape varieties, sustainability, and innovation, Bulgaria offers the ideal setting to discuss how wine tourism can foster heritage preservation, community empowerment, and the fusion of wine, gastronomy, and art.

The insights generated will help shape innovative approaches that highlight the artistic and cultural dimensions of wine tourism, ensuring destinations thrive while preserving their identity and environment.

Further details and online registration (open until 26 September 2025) are available on the conference website.

For additional information, please contact: wineconference@unwto.org

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The World Tourism Organization, together with the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, will host the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism on October 6-7, 2025, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The conference, entitled “The Art of Wine Tourism”, will provide experts with a unique platform to network, exchange experiences, and explore the […]

Wine tourism has finally been recognized as a key tool for presenting regions, authentic traditions, and, ultimately, the wines themselves on the international stage by the world-class expo operator. Vinitaly has fully embraced this concept, emerging as a platform that now puts wine tourism in the spotlight. For its first dedicated wine tourism initiative, Vinitaly has chosen the United States, where the next Vinitaly.USA will take place on October 5-6 in Chicago, at Navy Pier. The choice makes sense: Americans are acknowledged as pioneers in wine tourism.

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The new Vinitaly Tourism Forum is a format designed to build bridges between wineries and travel industry professionals. In Chicago, Italian producers will gain access to top-tier networking opportunities and meet international buyers eager to discover Italian wine experiences and exclusive hospitality programs tailored for wine tourism enthusiasts.

At the same time, the second edition of Vinitaly.USA will follow its proven format: an expansive exhibition covering over 10,000 square meters at Navy Pier, a symbolic and strategic venue located right on the shores of Lake Michigan. But why Chicago? Not only is it a major logistics hub, it’s also a vital gateway to North America, connecting with promising emerging markets such as Canada and Mexico.

Moreover, the U.S. market today demands special attention, as Italian wine faces mounting challenges – from declining per capita consumption and shifting generational preferences to tariff issues and pricing pressure. According to the organizers of Vinitaly, now is the time to reinvigorate engagement, trade relationships, and storytelling. In light of these challenges, this year’s forum is expected to be particularly significant.

Let’s take a look at the 2024 figures: over 230 exhibitors made the transatlantic journey to meet more than 1,650 buyers from across North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as from key Latin American markets, notably the fast-growing Brazil. More than 1,500 American buyers visited the Italian pavilions. Across the two-day event, 30 sessions were held, while seven Italian regions: Calabria, Campania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Sardinia, Veneto, and Umbria, offered a compelling mix of education, tastings, and high-level networking.

Another highlight of this year’s Vinitaly.USA is the debut of an international edition of the renowned wine2wine business forum. For the first time, the 12th edition of wine2wine will take place outside Italy. The wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum Chicago 2025 marks a significant global leap for this popular event.

This innovation is not merely geographical – it marks the transformation of the wine2wine Business Forum into a truly international platform. Chicago, a dynamic crossroads of global trade, hospitality, and culture, provides the ideal setting to unite Italian producers, global buyers, educators, and communication professionals around a common goal: translating global strategies into local implementations and actionable opportunities.

The wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum will evolve into more than just a hub for business ideas. It will become a meeting point for professionals and a dynamic educational stage – bridging wine with hospitality, tourism, retail, and culture across continents.

This year’s forum will spotlight how local markets interpret global wine brands, and how producers can adapt their communication, pricing, and customer experience strategies to meet the needs of an ever-evolving consumer base. Among the esteemed speakers are renowned voices and visioners from the wine world, including regular Wine Travel Awards judges Felicity Carter (Executive Editor, Pix+ Special Projects) and British wine expert, author, and winemaker Robert Joseph.

The program will cover key areas, including:

Global Market Research: A series of lectures focused on market dynamics in North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Localized Business Models: Exploring how producers can tailor experiences, tourism, and distribution strategies to resonate with different audiences.

Wine and Hospitality Integration: B2B networking with global tourism specialists, hoteliers, and food and beverage professionals.

Digital and Human Connection: Showcasing the impact of podcasts, influencers, and next-generation platforms that transcend borders and create wine communities.

The wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum remains true to its core mission: to provide a space for the exchange of bold wine business ideas that challenge, connect, and empower.

It promises to be an exciting and insightful experience!

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Wine tourism has finally been recognized as a key tool for presenting regions, authentic traditions, and, ultimately, the wines themselves on the international stage by the world-class expo operator. Vinitaly has fully embraced this concept, emerging as a platform that now puts wine tourism in the spotlight. For its first dedicated wine tourism initiative, Vinitaly […]

In 2025, the vineyard plots of Burgundy will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A year-long celebration is planned, featuring festive events such as unique tours, artistic encounters, tastings, and more to mark this important milestone.

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The jubilee year aims to honour the rich diversity of Burgundy’s vineyard plots – their landscapes, heritage, thousand-year history, and above all, the people whose work, craftsmanship, and talent are the beating heart of this wine region. The anniversary programme is being created collaboratively, with strong community involvement. Residents, local officials, professionals, associations, and enthusiasts from the region are all invited to take part. Through various projects and major events, everyone will have the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of this exceptional heritage.

“From the moment we submitted the nomination to UNESCO up until today, the entire Burgundy region has acted as one. It was only natural that we approach this celebration in the same spirit,” says Bertrand Gauvrit, Director of the Association of the Vineyard Climats of Burgundy.

Festivities will take place from January to December 2025, with over 30 initiatives planned throughout the year. Some major events have already taken place, including:

• Le Festival du Mois des Climats (May 2 – July 3),

• A special day for schoolchildren at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, which welcomed around 1,000 students for hands-on workshops and immersive experiences,

• A symbolic anniversary event on July 4, in the spirit of the “March of the Climats”, offering participants a full immersion in the UNESCO-listed vineyards through performances, concerts, tastings, and more.

The celebration is open to everyone. You are welcome to propose your own event, get involved, and become part of the momentum. Organisers are also calling for volunteers and patrons to support the festivities.

From December 3 to 5, 2025, an international conference will be held in Beaune and Dijon, in partnership with the UNESCO Chair “Culture and Traditions of Wine”. This event will highlight a decade of scientific and technical progress, share experiences with other heritage sites around the world, and look to the future of wine heritage.

More information and registration links are available here.

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Source: climats-bourgogne.com
Photo: facebook.com/ClimatsUNESCO

In 2025, the vineyard plots of Burgundy will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A year-long celebration is planned, featuring festive events such as unique tours, artistic encounters, tastings, and more to mark this important milestone. The jubilee year aims to honour the rich diversity of Burgundy’s vineyard […]

Once again, we’re reminded of the value of wine criticism and ratings. A review article by Richard Hemming MW recently appeared on JancisRobinson.com, covering Vinexpo Asia in Singapore. As always, with eloquence and wit, Mr. Hemming reflects on the releases that left the strongest impression, focusing, as the subtitle suggests, on esoteric blends and exotics from Bhutan to Japan.

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Among the expected praise for established stars, he singles out the young Georgian brand K’AVSHIRI, created in collaboration with Vladimer Kublashvili of Winery Khareba and renowned British wine expert Robert Joseph, a permanent judge of the Wine Travel Awards.

Our team has always taken pride in presenting these remarkable K’AVSHIRI blends at international tastings across various countries. This is truly an ambitious and creative project, reminiscent of the work of the Impressionists. The very name K’AVSHIRI, translated from Georgian as “union,” reflects the concept behind the wine: a harmonious blend of different grape varieties, regions, and vintages in a single coupage.

Today, we received confirmation of the cosmic level of these creations from none other than Richard Hemming MW. Robert Joseph himself responded to this high praise with a comment on his LinkedIn page: «…I’m really honoured/flattered/delighted to see Richard Hemming MW mentioning two of our first releases of K’AVSHIRI, and the second release of our white, alongside the €2,300 Penfolds/Jaboulet La Chapelle on JancisRobinson.com (even if our red and white scored a point less than that wine ;-))».

On this occasion, the author of nearly three dozen books on wine also spoke about the importance of rating systems and wine criticism in general:

«When I was a wine critic, I (naturally) cared about write-ups and scores. For the last 20 years, as a wine producer, I have (naturally) cared about write-ups and scores. Anybody who says scores don’t matter and/or that you can’t rate a wine out of 5, 10, 20 or 100 is talking nonsense. Our 90+ and Best Buy ratings for Le Grand Noir helped us get big listings in the US».

As we can see, today, the young (by wine industry standards) and innovative wine project K’AVSHIRI has taken off from the runway of fame.

We would like to remind you that during the recent Wine Travel Awards 2024–2025 Award Ceremony in London Wine Travel Awards Tasting: A Glass That Opens the World, the following wines were presented:

K’AVSHIRI White 2023 Assemblage

A unique dry wine crafted as a complex blend of 10 varieties Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Rkatsiteli Kakhuri, Krakhuna, Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Khikhvi, Aligoté, Muscat, Kisi. Its production involves a combination of techniques: qvevri (11.7%) – fermented in traditional Georgian clay amphorae, contributing distinctive tannic structure and texture; stainless steel – preserves the wine’s purity, freshness, and vibrant fruit character; French oak barrels (10%) – aged in second-use barrels, imparting delicate notes of oak without overpowering the wine’s natural expression.

K’AVSHIRI Red 2022 Assemblage

This elegant, deep-red wine is a stylish and ultra-complex blend (Saperavi, Ojaleshi, Aladasturi, OtskhanuriSapere, Merlot, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane), embodying the essence of innovation in Georgian winemaking. It brings together autochthonous grapes from multiple regions – Kakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo, and Racha. Two Georgian white grape varieties are co-fermented with Saperavi, meanwhile, a portion of rare Aladasturi grapes carefully dried for 10 days before fermentation.

The name K’AVSHIRI, meaning “union” in Georgian, reflects the wine’s philosophy: a harmonious convergence of grape varieties, regions, and even vintages into one bold, dynamic blend. The result is a wine that is not only deeply rooted in Georgia’s winemaking heritage but also forward-looking in its technique and expression.

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Robert Joseph – one of the most experienced and successful representatives of the wine world. He is the wine critic of the London Sunday Telegraph and award-winning author of more than 28 books on wine, including French Wines, Bordeaux and its Wines and The Complete Encyclopedia of Wine. He also contributed to the progress of winemaking by founding the world’s largest International Wine Challenge competition. Robert Joseph appears regularly on television and radio. Decanter magazine named him as one of the 50 people who would influence wine drinking in the 21st century. For many years, Robert Joseph served as an editorial consultant and columnist for Meininger’s Wine Business International.

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Photo: www.richardhemmingmw.com/portfolio, Robert Joseph Archive

Once again, we’re reminded of the value of wine criticism and ratings. A review article by Richard Hemming MW recently appeared on JancisRobinson.com, covering Vinexpo Asia in Singapore. As always, with eloquence and wit, Mr. Hemming reflects on the releases that left the strongest impression, focusing, as the subtitle suggests, on esoteric blends and exotics […]

A unique wine tasting event took place in Ukraine, organized especially for servicemen and women of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are currently defending the country against Russian aggression. The initiator and host of the tasting was Ivan Percheklii – Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2017 and Vice President of the Association of Sommeliers of Ukraine – who also serves in the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces. This gathering was more than just a tasting with an extraordinary audience:  in our view, it was a powerful expression of the unbreakable spirit and cultural resilience of the Ukrainian people.

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According to the organizer’s vision, the tasting aimed to introduce participants to Ukrainian viticulture and winemaking culture, including its history, native grape varieties, and leading domestic producers.

Staying true to the logic of the genre, the tasting began with a selection of sparkling wines.

An intriguing pairing served as a kind of aperitif: the light and approachable brut from TM “Leleka” (Aligote variety) and the more complex “Brut Nature” 2018 (Chardonnay, aged 49 months on the lees) from 46 Parallel Wine Group – a long-time nominee and winner of the international Wine Travel Awards. The second wine stood out for its sophisticated organoleptic profile, featuring bready notes and a vibrant freshness which, despite the extended aging, remained expressive, pleasant, and well-balanced.

The next set: white wines of Ukraine.

“Sukholymansky” (vintage 2023) from Villa Tinta was also featured. The attendees appreciated its light and delicate character, with distinct aromas of meadow herbs – as if the wine carried the very breath of Ukraine’s free and magical steppes…

The 2023 Albarinho from Beykush Winery proved to be a fairly complex wine that invited thoughtful reflection from the tasters. However, by the eighth minute, as it opened up, it revealed a sophisticated interplay of delicate fruitiness and subtle creaminess – a pleasant surprise for all present.

Following that, Ivan Percheklii presented a curated set of aromatic wines, featuring the following examples:

The 2023 “Johanniter” from Father’s Wine is an elegant expression, offering a delicate aroma of white fruits, a light body, and refreshing acidity. It was warmly received by all participants, who saw it as a true embodiment of summer.

The 2023 “Mushlya” (Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat) from the young Bakota Bay winery was unanimously recognized by participants as the most aromatic wine of the evening. Its vibrant bouquet served almost like aromatherapy, enchanting everyone present.

Finally, Ivan presented a selection of complex wines that required time to open up in the glass. While they were breathing, the commentator provided detailed descriptions of each.

The 2021 “Pinot Blanc” (aged 6 months in oak) from 46 Parallel Wine Group is a complex and well-developed wine, featuring characteristic aromas of vanilla and stone fruits. It is soft on the palate and finishes with a long, lingering aftertaste.

The 2022 “Feeria” (Muscat Holodryhi variety, aged on the marc for over four months) is a creation of the Lviv winery Yanchynski Pahorby. This wine offers a festive muscat aroma and a ripe flavor with gentle tannins. To Ivan Percheklii’s colleague from Colombia, it evoked memories of Christmas in his homeland.

And Christmas is a time when miracles happen – a miracle that Ukraine needs now more than ever. This Christmas note was the most optimistic way to conclude this special tasting. Thank you, Armed Forces of Ukraine, for every morning we live to see!

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A unique wine tasting event took place in Ukraine, organized especially for servicemen and women of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are currently defending the country against Russian aggression. The initiator and host of the tasting was Ivan Percheklii – Best Sommelier of Ukraine 2017 and Vice President of the Association of Sommeliers of […]

Despite aggressive shelling, the last May weekend witnessed the wine lovers’ most beloved event – BeWine 2025, a nominee for the Wine Travel Awards, took place in the capital of Ukraine.

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It should be emphasized that BeWine 2025 was attended by more than 500 local and international brands, hundreds of leading buyers, importers and sommeliers, retailers, restaurateurs, teachers, marketers and other representatives of the wine industry. Rozetka and Silpo, Novus and METRO, WineTime and OK Wine – leading chains and giants of the quality alcohol sales – all gathered there, in addition to almost 5 thousand guests who are wine lovers.

And most importantly, there was an incredible atmosphere! Amicable, optimistic, friendly toward everything good and bright – this is a signature behavior of youth. While we lack official statistics, it’s clear that young people comprised the majority of the event’s audience.

They came to the event with their friends, beloved ones, pets, and children.

They wore hats, tattoos, ties, veils, jeans and business suits – along with elegant dresses, and even disco-inspired outfits.

And the organizers of BeWine paid attention to everyone: in addition to educational lectures and guided tastings, the show offered master classes in drawing, floristry, makeup, and cooking; a photo zone; and various food courts featuring oysters, giant tuna, steaks, asparagus, and more.

And simply — a meditative view of the green slopes of the Dnieper River, washed by the last spring rain.

It’s worth emphasizing that Drinks+, our most established magazine in Ukraine (35 years old!), made a special return: we had been missing it ourselves – during the war, we reduced its frequency from ten issues a year to just two. Clearly, it brought joy to BeWine guests as well: the magazine could be seen in their hands (alas, not as often as their glasses!), resting on stands, peeking out of handbags, and waiting patiently for readers in the tasting rooms.

Interestingly, information was in short supply. Each location sold out – people lined up (yes, really!) for tastings, art spaces, stands, and sales counters. Looking at the smiling faces, it was impossible to imagine that every day of this weekend, which coincided with Kyiv’s holiday, was preceded by unsettling nights of enemy shelling. Most of these young, cheerful, and inspired people probably didn’t sleep through those nights. Some rocked children in building entrances, observing the “two walls” rocket protection rule, which has a placebo effect. Others hid in the subway or the nearest shelter. Some stayed home with elderly parents or the sick, trying to calm – them, or perhaps themselves – with whispered, clumsy prayers… But every morning, the halls of the Parkovy Center – where the wine show traditionally takes place – were filled with people animatedly discussing news, events, and opinions they had heard. Not a single complaint, not a word about the terrible nights. Only wine! And as for the wine – of course, there was plenty to talk about.

Personally, the Drinks+ editorial team highlighted several tastings:

— “California in Contrasts: Terroir, Style, Identity” with Kateryna Yushchenko, director of the Ukrainian Wine & Spirit School and provider of Capstone California and WSET in Ukraine;

— presentations from Wine Travel Awards nominees, including New Zealand’s “Cloudy Bay Wines — a separate form of art!” presented by Ivan Bachurin, brand ambassador of Moët Hennessy and president of the Sommelier Association of Ukraine;

— and Italy’s “Villa Sandi Prosecco: Impeccable quality, confirmed by the highest Gambero Rosso award for 15 consecutive years”, with Vitaly Kovach, renowned sommelier, brand ambassador of Villa Sandi in Ukraine, and founder of the Vitaly Kovach Sommelier School.

 

For us, the highlight of the year was the New Zealand brand Loveblock, introduced at the tasting “Loveblock — love in every drop.

Star premiere in the Ukrainian market!”, hosted by Oleksiy Obukhov, director of the “Wine Story” store and chief sommelier of “Vinfort”.

We would like to warmly acknowledge the personal appearance of Mr. Umberto Cosmo, head of the renowned Italian winery Bellenda, at the Kyiv show. He delivered a fascinating lecture titled “When Prosecco is Created Like Champagne”. Beyond the event’s undeniable professional significance, Mr. Cosmo’s courage – few foreigners today would dare to reach the banks of the Dnieper – and his strong desire to support Ukraine during these difficult times, were truly impressive. It is partners like him who deserve our appreciation. And it is their wines that we should proudly enjoy.

We also enjoyed tastings from Ukrainian producers including Prestige Group (FRENCH BOULEVARD AND TM ODESA), Vitis Group, Sikera, Leleka Wines, Adama, Shabo, and KOBLEVO. Additionally, a small stand was run by the Ukrainian team behind the project “No Whining Interviews” which is also part of the Wine Travel Awards community.

 

However, the world of wine is, above all, about people. That’s why Drinks+ didn’t just taste — we also connected with participants of this year’s wine show, gathering their impressions. What did they learn during these days? What was discussed? And what remains unfinished, waiting for the next BeWine…

Anna Peker, representative of California Wines in Ukraine:

This year’s BeWine once again proved what strong, courageous, and resilient people we have. Despite sleepless nights under shelling, both company representatives and guests were all present in the morning — full of optimism, energy, and a shared love of wine. Master classes were fully booked, reflecting a genuine desire to learn and dive deeper into the details. I felt how much wine is truly a social product that unites people, bringing joy and brightness to meetings and conversations. Champagne stood out this year — I discovered several pleasant surprises at the Cuvee stand. I also look forward to discussing with colleagues how climate change is affecting the wine world in practice: how it influences market demand, changes the range, which styles or regions are “disappearing,” and what new trends are emerging to replace them.

Kateryna Yushchenko, Director of Ukrainian Wine & Spirit School:

BeWine has proven to be much more than just a festival — it is a true wine hub. The master classes, which address important and timely topics, highlight everything the wine world needs to discuss. For consumers, it offers a valuable opportunity to navigate the market. For professionals, it provides a platform to connect and find partners. This concentration of a high-quality audience is what sets BeWine apart from other events.

This year, I had the honor of presenting California wines at BeWine for the first time — and at a very high level: among the guests were representatives of the US Embassy in Ukraine, including Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Bridget Brink. I am especially proud of the charitable initiative supporting the Superhumans Center, and glad to have contributed by donating the Capstone California course to the auction.

Alesya Poltoratska, Head of Department for Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, ROZETKA:  

During BeWine, I realized just how rapidly the Ukrainian wine industry is developing. It was encouraging to see the growing interest in non-alcoholic, still, champagne, and sparkling wines. I was also impressed by the high level of professional organization — the event is increasingly resembling leading European wine exhibitions. The new line from the Purcari brand was especially memorable — innovative wines that blend modern style with local character. Aimed at a younger audience, it emphasizes experimentation, new experiences, and a natural approach to winemaking.

Yelyzaveta Hryntsova, marketing expert with PRESTIGE GROUP:

This year’s BeWine revealed an important trend to me – Ukrainian wine is no longer “trying to be”; it has become a recognizable, high-quality, and stylish product. I was especially impressed by tastings of autochthonous varieties and the boldness of new blends – there is much to be proud of and even more to strive for. For TM French Boulevard and Odesa, this is further proof that we are moving in the right direction: creating modern Ukrainian wines with their own distinct character.

Natalia Blahopoluchna, president of the All-Ukrainian Association of Winemakers and Sommeliers, founder and teacher of the sommelier school “Master Class” – winner of the first season of the Wine Travel Awards:  

It’s hard to surprise me these days — 25 years of practical experience leaves its mark. But this time, I was pleasantly surprised. I want to highlight a very interesting new selection of wines from Rozetka, mainly from Italy, Spain, and Portugal, offering an excellent price-quality ratio. There were also strong new additions from WineTime — which is no surprise, given the professionalism behind the company. High-quality and renowned California wines from Chateau Montelena stood out, especially considering their rise to fame after the historic “Judgment of Paris.” However, what impressed me most was the new wave of California wines presented by Kateryna Yushchenko — particularly those experimenting with barrel aging after bourbon or rum. Previously unimaginable, these innovative wines were the true revelation, and after tastings like these, you realize just how limitless the world of Wine truly is. Many thanks to the event organizers for this incredible opportunity.

Serhiy Mazur, co-owner and director of Vitis Group:

I would like to highlight the strong interest of visitors, especially in the premium Louis Roederer champagne tasting, which featured the House’s flagship Cristal 2015. Places for this tasting were reserved within just a couple of hours after registration opened. Our other tastings, including Elena Walch, Masi, and Mazzei, were also in high demand. Notably, many visitors came to our stands afterward to explore different selections and purchase the wines they particularly enjoyed. In my opinion, this reflects a high level of visitor interest and engagement with the topic — which is very encouraging.

Bohdan Ducal, Category Manager, WINETIME:

I have known the BeWine team for a long time and am always impressed by their expertise, quick grasp of the situation, and keen eye for fresh ideas. I must say: tastings at BeWine are always outstanding. There’s never anything mediocre — it’s always top quality, trendsetting, or truly unique. I’d also like to highlight this year’s wonderful initiative by the organizers to hold charity auctions. That really hits the heart!)

Umberto Cosmo (Bellenda Winery, Italy):

Thank you to the BeWine team for organizing an event, where every detail reflected true excellence. Your professionalism allowed me to focus on what matters most: connecting through wine. Moments like these remind us that wine is more than just a drink — it’s a bridge between people, places, and traditions. To the vibrant spirit of Kyiv, to future wine discoveries, and to many more shared stories — let’s raise a glass and stay together!

Drinks+: From our side, we would like to add: “Let’s raise a glass to BeWine – and stay together !”

And finally a backtoast from the BeWine team:

“We have lived the story called “Age of Art” together — through tastings, lectures, and an indescribable wave of emotions. Every sip, every conversation, every glance at a glass of wine felt like a new discovery. We didn’t just taste – we created. And that’s what makes BeWine more than just an event. It’s a community. A culture. An art. Thank you to everyone who made it happen – together. It turned out absolutely unforgettable. See you at the fifth, anniversary BeWine – May 30–31, 2026. Until we meet again! Be Wine. Be Art. Be Inspired”.

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Despite aggressive shelling, the last May weekend witnessed the wine lovers’ most beloved event – BeWine 2025, a nominee for the Wine Travel Awards, took place in the capital of Ukraine. It should be emphasized that BeWine 2025 was attended by more than 500 local and international brands, hundreds of leading buyers, importers and sommeliers, […]

Touch down in Yinchuan and you can feel the city leaning forward, ready to be tasted. For one long weekend, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles – often called the “world tour of wine competitions” – has pitched its travelling tasting hall at the foot of the Helan Mountains. Founded in Belgium in 1994, the Concours packs up yearly and heads to a new host region, inviting an international jury to judge thousands of unlabeled bottles completely blind. A medal from this show is small – just a compass-rose sticker – but importers, sommeliers and curious drinkers around the globe treat it as a trust mark that a wine has cleared some of the most demanding palates on earth.

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Bringing the contest to Ningxia is more than a logistical coup; it’s a statement. China’s high-desert vineyards are still young enough to remember their first planting holes, yet confident enough to ask the world to appraise them on equal footing with Bordeaux, Barossa and the rest. Over the following few pages, we’ll swirl, sniff and decode what this “wine Olympics” revealed. The bottles, the people behind them, and the way ancient Chinese ideas of balance and harmony are quietly reshaped by the world’s perception of a glass of red or white.

How the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles runs

Before judges ever lift a glass, the organisation works through a checklist that has become its trademark:

• Entry vetting. Bottles are received months in advance, photographed, and stored under climate control. Each sample is assigned a random-code ID that stays with it until results are published.
• Panel design. Judges are grouped to balance skill sets – one producer, buyer, journalist, educator, and sommelier – so no single perspective dominates. Fluency in at least two languages is a baseline requirement because all scoring is logged in real time on a multilingual tablet.
• Calibration flight. Every morning begins with a short set of “control” wines previously analysed by the competition’s laboratory. This aligns palates and flags anyone scoring wildly outside the tolerance band.
• Scoring rubric. The scale is 0–100 but broken into weighted blocks: appearance (5%), aroma purity (15%), flavour accuracy (30%), structure and balance (30%), finish and overall impression (20%). A medal threshold is calculated only after all scores are in, ensuring the cut-off moves with the overall quality of the vintage.
• Immediate data review. As scores arrive, a statistics team screens for bias, fatigue patterns, or duplicate notes – helpful in spotting a tired panel or a judge who always grades high.
• Post-event verification. Medal winners are later bought at retail and retasted against the retained sample to confirm consistency.

That framework is why importers treat the Concours logo as a shortcut to due diligence: it signals that a bottle has already passed a rigorous, multi-layer filter covering authenticity, stability, and stylistic merit.

What Makes the Concours Different

Most wine competitions stay put; the CMB packs its tasting tables and moves yearly. The roaming format forces judges to know a place, not just its bottles, and it parachutes global attention onto regions that traditional trade routes often ignore. Credibility rests on three pillars:

• Blind tasting and diversity. Five-person panels mix nationalities so no one palate dominates. Bottles arrive with only a bar code; anything else – price, prestige, producer – is invisible to us.
• A medal with teeth. Fewer than a third of entries win, and after the show, the organisers secretly buy medal-winning wines at retail to ensure the public drinks what we judged. That extra step turns the compass-rose sticker into a consumer guarantee, not a souvenir.
• Digital feedback. Every score feeds an AI that translates our multilingual notes into aroma wheels and benchmarking reports. For a small estate entry fee, you buy hard-to-get market intelligence.

The result is a competition that behaves less like a beauty contest and more like a mobile standards agency—one that landed this year at the northwestern edge of the Gobi Desert.

Through the eyes of the leader

The president of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Mr. Baudouin Havaux, explains the meaning of one of the world’s leading wine competitions this way:

“The goal is to provide the consumer with a guarantee of quality and to open his horizons to new wines, to other countries… Quality comes first, curiosity comes second.

We are currently investing heavily in artificial intelligence, because it can help the consumer, the producer, the importer and the buyer. This is another reason for participating. After all, a small winery cannot hire a powerful agency to determine the fidelity of its style or course. So our report (the evaluation of organoleptic profiles) is its own marketing department for each participant. A competition like the CMB is an ideal marketing tool for a small producer. You pay an entry fee – two hundred and twenty euros – and if you get a medal, you get both analytics and your geolocation, so to speak, and at the same time – world fame.”

(Kateryna Yushchenko’s full interview with the President of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Mr. Baudouin Havaux, as well as the results of the competition, will be published in the following publications).

China through a Wine Glass

In Chinese thought, a drink is rarely just a refreshment; it is a ritual. Confucian banquets choreograph toasts that affirm hierarchy and respect, while Daoist writings praise harmony between heaven, earth and the human palate. Today’s guanxi culture still treats a gifted bottle as social currency. These layers colour how wine is perceived: balance reads as yin-yang, a golden label whispers prosperity, and texture – so admired in tea – often counts more than sheer power.

Ningxia taps those sensibilities. Cabernet Sauvignon shows desert herbs and disciplined tannin; Marselan offers violet perfume and velvet grip; and Chardonnay’s saline snap echoes the old salt caravans of the Yellow River plain. The flavours feel familiar and audacious, echoing China’s tightrope walk between heritage and reinvention.

When the CMB shares a stage with the China-Arab Expo, the symbolism deepens: wine becomes diplomatic shorthand, a “language of the world,” in the words of local Party Secretary Zhao Xuhui. Havaux likes that framing; it lets him call the glass a bridge rather than a trade weapon.

Market Currents beneath the Ceremony

China’s total wine consumption has fallen from its 2017 peak, yet premium sales have kept climbing as younger urbanites pivot from quantity to quality and from banquet reds to weekday whites, rosés, and sparklers. E-commerce and Douyin live streams now make or break a label faster than any trade fair.

Ningxia’s high-cost viticulture – every vine must be buried under soil each winter to survive –20 °C, adding roughly thirty per cent to production costs – naturally pushes the region toward the premium tier. That meshes with the consumer mantra “drink less, drink better.”

Yet challenges persist. Experts still note oxidation faults and hasty acid adjustments in some cellars; consistency, not ambition, is Ningxia’s next test. Geopolitics looms too: tariff skirmishes (remember the 2024 brandy probe) remind exporters and Chinese buyers alike that a customs form can cloud a glass overnight. The CMB’s neutral ground – where terroir trumps trade rhetoric – offers respite and perspective.

A Judge’s Reflections

Inside the tasting hall, the world shrank to the swirl of thirty anonymous glasses and two minutes of silence per wine. Yet between flights, the room buzzed with whispered revelations: a Danish buyer predicted Marselan shelf space in Copenhagen, and a Japanese sommelier convinced Ningxia Riesling would charm sake drinkers. Havaux is right: the competition turns judges into ambassadors. I left with sand in my shoes and a list of bottles to champion back home.

Wine is a mirror and a bridge. It reflects the soil that grew it and spans the distance to whoever finally raises the glass. Three days in Yinchuan proved that a vine buried under desert sand can speak in fluent globalese – and that a tiny compass-rose medal can still guide curious drinkers across continents.

Ningxia wanted belief; the Concours delivered attention. What happens next depends on whether the region can turn trophies into trust, livestream clicks into cellar visits, and poetic talk of bridges into boots-on-the-ground partnerships.

As for me, every future lecture, article or dinner party holds the chance to retell the story of a desert that learned to pour itself into a glass – and to remind listeners that, somewhere between Confucius and AI, wine’s most straightforward task remains the most radical: letting strangers taste the exact moment together.

Conclusion – Wine’s Own Olympic Moment

Stepping back from the tasting tables, it struck me how closely the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles mirrors the Olympic Games. Both events roam from city to city, lighting a symbolic torch that spotlights each new host; both gather competitors who have trained for years in quiet determination; and both rely on rigorously neutral judges to ensure that a medal is more than décor – it is proof of excellence under the world’s brightest lights.

Where athletes chase hundredths of a second, vintners chase fractions of a point, coaxing every nuance from vineyard and barrel to edge ahead of their peers. Where Olympians march behind national flags, bottles arrive stripped of labels, their origins anonymous, yet their cultural identities still whispering through aroma and texture. And when the final scores flash – be it on a stadium scoreboard or a tasting-room tablet – the shared hush is the same mixture of anticipation, pride, and reverence for human possibility.

Like the Olympics, the Concours does more than crown winners; it knits together a temporary village of languages and loyalties that dissolves into lifelong networks once the closing ceremony ends. Ningxia’s turn as host kindled a torch of curiosity that now travels home with every judge, importer, and journalist. This enduring flame will illuminate Chinese wine on shelves and in conversations far beyond the Helan Mountains.

If the Olympic ideal is Citius, Altius, Fortius – “Faster, Higher, Stronger” – then this “Wine Olympics” motto might read: Deeper, Truer, Closer. Deeper in understanding terroir, truer in guaranteeing quality, closer in bridging cultures one glass at a time. In that sense, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is not just a competition; it is a biennial reminder that, like sport, wine has the power to let the world taste its shared humanity.

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Photo: facebook.com/k.yushchenko

Touch down in Yinchuan and you can feel the city leaning forward, ready to be tasted. For one long weekend, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles – often called the “world tour of wine competitions” – has pitched its travelling tasting hall at the foot of the Helan Mountains. Founded in Belgium in 1994, the Concours […]

Each year, the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony – traditionally held during the London Wine Fair – offers far more than an awards presentation. It is a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of global wine culture, bringing together winners, industry professionals, and wine lovers from around the world. The event seamlessly blends recognition with experience, featuring not only the presentation of diplomas and trophies but also a convivial welcome drink and a final walk-around tasting.

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One of the highlights of every ceremony is the exclusive Wine Travel Awards Tasting – a curated showcase of exceptional wines that reflect the global reach and spirit of the WTA community. The 2024–2025 edition, marking the fourth season of the awards, was no exception. In fact, it vividly illustrated the broad and diverse geography of the project.

This year’s tasting featured outstanding wineries not only from renowned European wine countries such as Portugal, Italy, and Georgia, but also from as far afield as Thailand. The Wine Travel Awards team takes great pride in assembling this selection. There were presented native Georgian varietals, showcasing the birthplace of winemaking as well as complex blends, masterfully combining grapes, techniques, and traditions across styles and regions. And for the first time in WTA history, a pét-nat (pétillant naturel) joined the lineup – a sparkling milestone we proudly celebrate! Presenting such a vibrant and diverse range of wines, including those with Asian character, to the discerning British market was one of the most meaningful and carefully considered moments in the award’s history. We are thrilled to introduce our readers to this extraordinary collection. If you have the opportunity, we highly encourage you to visit these wineries in person and experience their wines firsthand. It will be a true discovery!

Quinta da Pedra – Portugal Opens the Ceremony

Symbolically, the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony was opened by Portugal – the homeland of legendary explorers. Representing this remarkable wine country was Fladgate Still & Sparkling Wines, part of one of Portugal’s most prestigious and influential wine groups. They offered guests an elegant white wine for the welcome drink, which could also be enjoyed during the ceremony’s walk-around tasting.

To revisit some history: The Fladgate Partnership, a powerhouse in the world of Port wine, owns four major Port houses, including the iconic Taylor’s. Beyond wine production, the group has made significant contributions to Portugal’s wine tourism, hospitality and distribution landscape. In 2010, it opened its first hotel in Porto, and during the pandemic launched the groundbreaking WOW (World of Wine) project – a cultural district in the heart of Porto featuring seven museums, twelve restaurants and bars, retail spaces, a wine school, and an exhibition gallery. WOW has become a major driver of tourism in the region and a landmark for wine lovers worldwide.

Fladgate Still & Sparkling Wines, the group’s important division, offers a refined portfolio of high-quality Portuguese wines capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with those from Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. The wine presented at the WTA ceremony came from Quinta da Pedra – one of the most historical properties in the Alto Minho region, dating back to the 17th century. This fresh, balanced, and vibrant white wine was a perfect ambassador for Portugal’s winemaking excellence.

GRAÇA DA PEDRA ALVARINHO 2022 BY QUINTA DA PEDRA. Vinho Verde DOC

The fresh and elegant dry white wine is produced in the heart of Monção and Melgaço, a subregion of the Vinho Verde appellation, where Alvarinho excels. Lightly chilled pre-fermentation maceration, gentle pressing. Fermentation in stainless steel with controlled temperature. After 6 to 9 months, the wine is finned, filtered and then bottled to be released to the market.

• Grape: Alvarinho (100%)
• Сolor: Bright yellow with greenish tinge
• Aroma: Pronounced aroma of fresh citrus, mandarine and stone fruits.
• Palate: Light to medium body, with a vibrant acidity that cuts through the entire palate. Silky texture and very long, mineral aftertaste
• Alcohol: 13%

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Italy Joins the Celebration: Ventiventi Winery

The second participant in the festive tasting was Ventiventi Winery from Italy – a modern and dynamic producer located in Medolla, in the Emilia-Romagna region, and a proud new member of the Wine Travel Awards community. Founded in 2020 by the Razzaboni family, Ventiventi set out with a bold mission: to offer a fresh interpretation of Emilia-Romagna wines. Rather than reducing the reputation of local grape varieties to a simple value-for-money proposition, Ventiventi aims to highlight their natural elegance. The name Ventiventi is no coincidence—translated from Italian, it means “twenty twenty” (20/20), marking the year the winery was born. The estate specializes in sparkling wines, most of which are crafted using the traditional Metodo Classico (Classic Method).

Sustainability lies at the heart of the Razzaboni family’s philosophy. Their approach emphasizes respect for the region’s native grape varieties – such as Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino, Pignoletto, and Ancellotta – while also cultivating international varieties like Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. This balance enhances Ventiventi’s ability to produce wines with distinctive character and depth.

Wine tourism is a cornerstone of Ventiventi’s identity. The team understands that sharing their story directly with visitors is key to building a strong brand and fostering lasting connections. For the Razzaboni family, hospitality goes beyond wine and food – it’s about engaging personally with wine lovers, journalists, and industry professionals, transforming each visit into a memorable experience. Ventiventi aspires to be more than just a stop along a wine route; it strives to create moments that visitors will take home with them as lasting memories.

At the London tasting, guests were introduced to Ventiventi’s wines by Riccardo Razzaboni, the eldest of the Razzaboni brothers. With a background in economics and marketing, Riccardo leads the winery’s sales and promotional efforts. He personally selected and presented the next lineup of wines.

1. Blanc de Blanc, PIGNOLETTO DOC, Metodo Classico

After 26 months on the lees (and soon 36!), the Blanc de Blancs offers complex aromas: ripe white fruit and delicate hints of baking intertwine harmoniously. Fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. Organically certified, it has earned high praise from critics, including Wine Enthusiast 90 pt and Gambero Rosso 2 bicchieri.

• Grape: Pignoletto (100%)
• Сolor: Straw yellow
• Aroma: Delicate and fine, with fruity scents
• Palate: Full-flavored and tasty, with remarkable minerality. The retained and persistent perlage highlights its freshness. On the palate, it is creamy and persistent, with an almond note in the finish. And no, it’s not a mistake. That almond note is the distinctive signature of Pignoletto, a mark of authenticity
• Alcohol: 11.5% 

2. La Vie, LAMBRUSCO ROSSO DI MODENA DOC, Charmat Method

La Vie is an organic sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, crafted to embody the essence of life itself. Its name, La Vie – French for “life” – symbolizes the entire journey, from the vine’s growth cycle to the joyful moments shared with loved ones.

“This wine is made to bring joy and bring people together,” say its creators.

Falstaff 90 pt and Star Wine List 90 pt among other awards.

• Grape: Lambrusco of Sorbara (100%)
• Сolor: Light ruby red with pink reflections
• Aroma: is characterized by varietal notes: red fruits, with strawberry and raspberries standing out, grapefruit and floreal sensations framed by some salty/mineral nuances, a gift by the high percentage of clay in soils
• Palate: Juicy. More vertical and tense in the first gustatory
• stage, but ending with softer notes: the perfect mix of sapidity, freshness and sweetness able to preserve drinkability without sacrificing creaminess. A true roller coaster of sensations: this is La vie, a convivial wine perfect in any situation
• Alcohol: 10.5%

3. Rouge de Noirs, LAMBRUSCO SALAMINO DI SANTA CROCE DOC, Metodo Classico

“A bubble that makes you smile. And when a bubble makes you smile, you’ve already won,” say about this wine its producers.

Organic certification, numerous awards, including 92 points from Wine Enthusiast.

• Grape: Salamino di Santa Croce (100%)
• Сolor: Intense ruby red
• Aroma: Fresh and fruity aromas are combined with a light balsamic touch that enhances the minerality and clarity of the wine
• Palate: Immersive and tasty, with a remarkable minerality. The fine and persistent perlage enhances its freshness
• Alcohol: 12% 

4. Happy Selvaggio Ancestrale, Ancestral Method

“Wild and fun,” say its creators – and Happy Selvaggio lives up to the name in every sense. This organically certified sparkling wine is crafted using the ancient Ancestral method, in which the wine is bottled before fermentation is complete, creating a naturally sparkling profile. With very low sulfite content and no added sugar, it offers a raw, authentic experience that truly excites the palate. But Happy Selvaggio is also a social project developed in collaboration with AstronaveLab, an association of young people with various disabilities. These young contributors were actively involved in every step of the process from the harvest and vinification to the bottling and label design. The result is a joyful wine with 12 unique, hand-drawn labels. AstronaveLab receives a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bottle.

Happy Selvaggio Ancestrale has received international acclaim, including the Gold Medal at Mundus Vini Biofach 2023.

• Grape: Lambrusco of Sorbara (100%)
• Сolor: This wine looks murky, as the yeasts are not removed during vinification, with light pink/salmon pink shades
• Aroma: Ever-changing perfumes. The main aromatic notes are red fruits, grapefruit, flowers and yeast, framing two fresher perfumes the remind of bakery notes. The clearer the wine,the stronger the fresh fruity notes; the murkier the wine,the stronger the yeast sensations
• Palate: The entrance is highly acid and crunchy, typical features of Sorbara wine. The yeast gives creaminess and a light softness expressed through stronger sapid notes. A wild drink, minimal human intervention: its goal is to express fully the work done in the vineyard
• Alcohol: 11%

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Shumi Winery – A Georgian Gem

Shumi Winery, one of Georgia’s most renowned wine producers, is nestled in the scenic village of Tsinandali in the heart of Kakheti. Since its founding in 1997, Shumi has masterfully combined Georgia’s millennia-old winemaking heritage with cutting-edge technology and a bold, forward-thinking vision.  The winery’s vineyards are located in some of the country’s most prestigious PDO zones and microzones, including Mukuzani, Napareuli, Kindzmarauli, and Tsinandali. Shumi is known for its rich selection of wines, from powerful traditional qvevri to fresh, modern styles made from autochthonous Georgian grape varieties.

Shumi has numerous accolades – particularly within the Wine Travel Awards. In fact, the winery has been a consistent winner across all four seasons of the WTA. And while we’ll admit a certain fondness for this remarkable producer (we’ve had the pleasure of visiting more than once), their repeated wins are far from biased. Quite the opposite: each award is decided by different respected judges, and each time, Shumi stands out on its own merit.

The 2024–2025 WTA season was no exception – Shumi Winery proudly won in three categories, and got a well-earned recognition of its excellence across wine tourism and production.

1. Kakhuri Mtsvane 2023

A distinctive dry white wine, ideal for those seeking something both tasty and unusual. Fermented and aged in a qvevri.

• Grape: Mtsvane Kakhuri (100%)
• Сolor: Straw yellow
• Aroma: This dry white wine gives generously quince, apple, pear and citrus notes shine through
• Palate: Harmonious, combining vibrant acidity with a full body and nuanced notes of fresh white fruit.
• Alcohol: %: 13

2. Kindzmarauli 2023

A red natural semi-sweet wine with no added sugar, crafted from grapes harvested at a natural sugar content exceeding 22%. It features a silky-smooth structure and a well-balanced, naturally sweet profile.

• Grape: Saperavi (100%)
• Сolor: Deep pomegranate
• Aroma: This late-picked Saperavi from Kindzmarauli micro-zone offers an exceptional bouquet of naturally semi-sweet notes with the typical Saperavi taste of ripe fruits.
• Palate: ripe candied fruits taste and a velvety structure
• Alcohol: 11%

3. Iberiuli Rkatsiteli Qvevri 2022

An elegant dry amber wine made from the Georgian Rkatsiteli grape, carefully selected from the prestigious Napareuli microzone. Following fermentation, the wine remains on the skins in qvevri for 4–6 months, before aging for an additional six months in French oak barrels.

• Grape: Rkatsiteli (100%)
• Сolor: Reveals a splendid amber color, clear and bright, the result of maceration on the skins
• Aroma: Its aromatic profile is intense, complex and elegant with notes of honey, dried fruit, pear, and quince.
• Palate: On the palate it is round and enveloping. The tannins are velvety and perfectly balanced by a subtle acidic vein that refreshes the palate. Good structure and a long and persistent finish.
• Alcohol: 13.5%

4. Iberiuli Saperavi Qvevri 2021

A dry red wine crafted from carefully selected Saperavi grapes, produced using traditional Kakhetian winemaking techniques in qvevri. After the wine is aged in French oak barrels.

• Grape: Saperavi (100%)
• Сolor: Dark Ruby
• Aroma: Cherries, berries, spices and violets
• Palate: It is full bodied and has a perfectly balanced taste with soft, velvety tannins and a pleasant long aftertaste
• Alcohol: 12.5%

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K’AVSHIRI, Georgia: A Visionary Union for Exelence in Wine

K’AVSHIRI is a groundbreaking Georgian wine project created by renowned wine experts Robert Joseph and Vladimir Kublashvili of Winery Khareba. The project’s mission is to unite centuries-old Georgian winemaking traditions with modern techniques. They specialize in crafting highly complex assemblages of red, white, and rosé wines, blending indigenous grape varieties from various Georgian regions to create unique, expressive, and finely balanced profiles.

1. K’AVSHIRI Red 2022 Assemblage

This elegant, deep-red wine is a stylish and ultra-complex blend, embodying the essence of innovation in Georgian winemaking. It brings together autochthonous grapes from multiple regions – Kakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo, and Racha. Two Georgian white grape varieties are co-fermented with Saperavi, meanwhile, a portion of rare Aladasturi grapes carefully dried for 10 days before fermentation.

The name K’AVSHIRI, meaning “union” in Georgian, reflects the wine’s philosophy: a harmonious convergence of grape varieties, regions, and even vintages into one bold, dynamic blend. The result is a wine that is not only deeply rooted in Georgia’s winemaking heritage but also forward-looking in its technique and expression.

• Grapes: Saperavi, Ojaleshi, Aladasturi, Otskhanuri Sapere, Merlot, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane
• Сolor: Deep red
• Aroma: Stylish wine has aromas of plums, cherries and wild berries, with the faintest hint of oak and violets
• Palate: On the palate, the flavours are similar, combining rich, dark berries with bright red cherries and subtle spices, with just a little vanilla. The tannins are present, but polished, and the flavour is very persistent.
• Alcohol: 13%

2. K’AVSHIRI White 2023 Assemblage

A unique dry wine crafted as a complex blend. Its production involves a combination of techniques: qvevri (11.7%) – fermented in traditional Georgian clay amphorae, contributing distinctive tannic structure and texture; stainless steel – preserves the wine’s purity, freshness, and vibrant fruit character; French oak barrels (10%) – aged in second-use barrels, imparting delicate notes of oak without overpowering the wine’s natural expression.

• Grapes: Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Rkatsiteli Kakhuri, Krakhuna, Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Khikhvi, Aligoté, Muscat, Kisi, Mtsvivane
• Сolor: Pale straw
• Aroma: Complex, notes of peach, flowers, orange
• Palate: Fresh, rich, long-lasting, with apricot and passion fruit notes; vanilla oak hint on the background as well as a tannic hint typical for qvevri
• Alcohol: 12.5%

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Monsoon Valley: A Tropical Revelation in the World of Wine

And finally – Monsoon Valley, Thailand! The unexpected highlight and perhaps the biggest sensation of the tasting. As Thailand’s leading winery, Monsoon Valley has achieved what once seemed improbable: marrying traditional winemaking techniques with the challenges of a tropical climate. Founded in 2001 near the coastal city of Hua Hin, Monsoon Valley was the first winery in Thailand to produce high-quality wines in tropical conditions. Since then, it has earned numerous international awards, becoming a symbol of Thai winemaking excellence and redefining perceptions of Southeast Asian wine. Monsoon Valley offers three distinct lines of wines, each reflecting a different expression of their unique terroir: Classic Range – a blend of international and local grape varieties cultivated at the Hua Hin vineyard. These wines are crafted specifically to complement Thai and broader Asian cuisines, offering bright, food-friendly profiles; Premium Range – an award-winning collection made exclusively from international grape varieties. These wines are expressive, well-balanced, and showcase the winery’s technical finesse; Flagship Range – produced in limited quantities from hand-selected grapes, these wines represent the pinnacle of Monsoon Valley’s portfolio. Elegant and distinctive, they hold their own alongside some of the most prestigious appellations from both the Old and New World.

1. Classic Range – Blended White

A light and refreshing white wine, thoughtfully crafted to pair seamlessly with Thai and Asian cuisine. Aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks, it preserves crispness and purity of flavor. Before bottling, the wine is blended and rested for at least a month.

• Grapes: Colombard, Chenin Blanc, White Malaga
• Сolor: Pale Lemon
• Aroma: Sweet stone fruits, green mango with a hint of green tea
• Palate: Off-dry. Light and refreshing crisp fresh fruit flavours balanced by a touch of juicy sweetness with smooth finish
• Sugar level: 8 g/l residual sugar
• Alcohol: 12%

2. Classic Range – Blended Rosé

A refreshing and aromatic rosé wine that combines local and international grape varieties.

• Grapes: Colombard, Chenin Blanc, White Malaga, Shiraz
• Сolor: Salmon
• Aroma: Fragrant aroma of wild red berries, strawberry, guava
• Palate: Medium-sweet. Medium bodied juicy tropical fruits with firm acidity and well-balanced sweetness
• Sugar level: 13 g/l residual sugar
• Alcohol: 12%

3. Classic Range – Blended Red

A light red wine with fruity aromas.

• Grapes: Shiraz, Dornfelder, Pokdum
• Сolor: Garnet
• Aroma: Succulent plum and fresh blackcurrant flavours with earthy qualities of spicy black pepper and developing smoky aroma
• Palate: Medium bodied with soft tannins and velvety texture lingers on the palate  with blackberry notes  and  leathery undertone
• Sugar level: 5 g/l residual sugar
• Alcohol: 13%

4. Premium Range Colombard

A dry white wine made from the Colombard grape variety. Juicy and punchy flavours of well ripened gooseberry, passion fruit and a hint of green apple with refreshing acidity and a velvety dry finish. Perfect for hot weather.

• Grape: Colombard
• Сolor: Lemon Gold
• Aroma: Lifted nose of well ripened gooseberry with a hint of green apple and passion fruit
• Palate: Light and crisp mellow in tannins with lively, refreshing acidity and velvety dry finish
• Sugar level: 4 g/l residual sugar
• Alcohol: 12.5%

5. Premium Range Shiraz Rosé

This is a blend of rosé wine obtained using two winemaking techniques: direct pressing and maceration on the skins. It offers an array of sweet red berry notes with subtle rose petal flavours, complemented by a fine acidity.

• Grape: Shiraz
• Сolor: Medium Salmon
• Aroma: An intriguing aroma of wild strawberry, red berries and confectionary with a touch of spices
• Palate: Fresh palate and up-lifted fruit, smooth acidity, round and good weight on the palate, long finish with some tannin structure
• Sugar level: 5 g/l residual sugar
• Alcohol: 12%  

6. Premium Range Shiraz

A dry red wine made from the Shiraz grape variety. It has a rich taste and aroma, making it a great choice for lovers of full-bodied wines.

• Grape: Shiraz
• Сolor: Dark ruby red, purple hue
• Aroma: Ripe nose of plum and wild dark berries with sweet subtle spices and toasty oak
• Palate: Medium bodied with good concentration of fruit with fine silky tannins and a seamlessly long finish softened by ageing in oak
• Sugar level: 4 g/l residual sugar
• Alcohol: 13.5%

7. Flagship Range Muscat

A premium dessert wine made from Muscat Hamburg grapes. Part of the Flagship Range, this limited-edition Monsoon Valley series features wines crafted from the most flavorful, deeply colored, and sugar-rich berries. The result is a wine with a rich, elegant, and distinctive profile, offering a truly unique tasting experience.

• Grape: Muscat de Hamburg
• Сolor: Salmon with an orange hue
• Aroma: Luscious aromas of lychee and rose petal
• Palate: Tight acidity and sumptuous sweetness gives wine a lovely concentrated core. A myriad of lychee and rose petal linger with a harmonising finish
• Sugar level: 93.16 g/l residual sugar
• Alcohol: 15%

The Monsoon Valley presentation not only reaffirmed that winemaking in the challenging conditions of a tropical climate is not only possible – it’s already a proven success – but also showcased the remarkable quality Thai wines have achieved. These wines go far beyond the simple pop style often associated with exotic origins. Instead, they offer originality, vivid character, and the kind of depth and complexity found in true vinous masterpieces.

Bravo, Monsoon Valley! Your wines were a dazzling finale to this year’s Wine Travel Awards Ceremony in London – a true fireworks display of flavor, craft, and vision. Together, we now look ahead to new horizons.

Perhaps the most profound lesson wine offers us is its power to open doors to new worlds. Every tasting is more than just an experience of flavor and aroma – it is a journey, a discovery, a celebration of culture and craftsmanship. The Wine Travel Awards tasting was exactly that: a moment of shared joy, exploration, and borderless connection.

The fifth anniversary edition of the Wine Travel Awards 2025–2026 launches this fall. The new season promises reunions with last year’s inspiring winners and exciting encounters with fresh members of our growing global community. Extraordinary wineries from every corner of the world await.

Join us – let the journey continue!

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Each year, the Wine Travel Awards Ceremony – traditionally held during the London Wine Fair – offers far more than an awards presentation. It is a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of global wine culture, bringing together winners, industry professionals, and wine lovers from around the world. The event seamlessly blends recognition with experience, featuring not […]