Gastronomy and Wine Portal

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 […]

London, the drink culture capital of the world, will soon become the central location where the world’s best on-trade and off-trade professionals will gather to evaluate thousands of spirits based on quality, value and packaging. The London Spirits Competition is one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world. Drinks+ and the Wine Travel Awards are the information partners of this event.

The London Spirits Competition aims to recognize, evaluate and help promote spirits brands, each created and targeted to a specific audience. “For any alcohol brand to earn its place on a retailer’s shelf or restaurant’s liquor list, and then stay there (which is vital for any brand), it must be marketable and consumer oriented, and not just being produced in the hope that you will be able to find enough fans”, – say the organizers of the contest.

The judges of the competition are bartenders, head bartenders, mixologists, and bar managers of Soho House, Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Savoy, Harbor Hotels, The Donovan Bar, The Ritz, Stafford Hotel, The Cavoots, The Savoy, 12th Knot, and this is not a complete list of the professionals who are judges of the London Spirits Competition.

The competition will take place on March 22-24, 2023.

Every year, the London Spirits Competition becomes more and more prestigious, with a special, key focus on the judges, their names and track records.

The London Spirits Competition is currently one of the most important spirits competitions in the world, with brands from all over the world participating in it. The London Spirits Competition ranks products based on their quality, value and packaging, giving brands a powerful marketing tool.

The first London Spirits Competition took place in 2018.

You can register for participation here.

More detailed information about the competition and the judges can be found on the official website of the London Spirits Competition.

London, the drink culture capital of the world, will soon become the central location where the world’s best on-trade and off-trade professionals will gather to evaluate thousands of spirits based on quality, value and packaging. The London Spirits Competition is one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world. Drinks+ and the Wine Travel […]

It is the only competition in the world dedicated entirely to the variety of white wines, which is held under the patronage of the OIV. Registration is open until March 16, 2023.

The competition will present about 1,000 samples of the best white wines from 5 continents, and 25 countries will take part in it. The event will be held in the Strasbourg Congress Center.

Registration for wines from Ukraine is free!!!

We remind you that in 2021, the Ukrainian wine that received a silver medal at Le Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg was Riesling Rhine Limited ordinary white dry 2016 from Prince Trubetskoi Winery, a nominee of the Wine Travel Awards.

In the competition, white wines are divided into 12 categories:

• Chardonnay
• Chenin
• Gewürztraminer
• Muscat
• Pinot Blanc
• Pinot Gris
• Riesling
• Sauvignon
• Sylvaner
• Viognier
• Other White grape varieties
• Blended white wines

Le Mondial des Vins Blancs Strasbourg will take place on April 16-17. This year to celebrate our quarter of a century, in addition to the Grand Prix du Jury awards, trophies (VINOFED & Best Dry Wine by category) and medals (Grand Gold, Gold, Silver),

We will award 3 «favorites»:

• the favourite indigenous grapevariety
• the favourite white wine with maceration
• the favourite first entry.

More detailed information can be found here.

It is the only competition in the world dedicated entirely to the variety of white wines, which is held under the patronage of the OIV. Registration is open until March 16, 2023. The competition will present about 1,000 samples of the best white wines from 5 continents, and 25 countries will take part in it. […]

London Wine Fair – Official Exhibition Partner of the Wine Travel Awards has announced the registration for the London Wine Fair 2023. It is now open and you can register here.

London Wine Fair invites over 10,000 drinks industry professionals at the UK’s biggest live and digital drinks trade event. The event will traditionally take place at Olympia, London on 15-17 May 2023. 

The organizers premise: “This progressive fair will be rich with inspirational content, feature outstanding wines to taste from around the world and will have an abundance of networking opportunities taking place in person and on the Fair’s intuitive digital platform. There will also be products from over 400 top exhibitors, plus a packed schedule of impactful industry sessions, masterclasses and tastings.”

Moreover, this year’s London Wine Fair will put sustainability front and centre, creating an event which addresses and challenges the issues and opportunities around all things green in the wine industry.

After winning the 2022 WTA Award for the Most Effective Wine Event, and with inspirational plans, a fresh new look and an exceptional digital offering, the London Wine Fair can once again hold claim to be ‘the most intelligent wine event in the world’.

It is important to add that in this upcoming season, the WTA and LWF teams continue the fruitful collaboration! In May 2023, the WTA will hold a special event as part of the London Wine Fair presenting 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.

The event is open to sommeliers, retailers, importers, HoReCa, media, experts, critics and influencers from all over the world to be attended. WTA offers its partners a wonderful opportunity of presenting their businesses to top-notch decision makers of the wine industry without spending a tremendous amount of money. 

Interested in joining us as nominee, partner or sponsor? Need more details on the WTA 2022-2023 activities and offers? Please feel free to contact us at partnership@winetravelawards.com

London Wine Fair – Official Exhibition Partner of the Wine Travel Awards has announced the registration for the London Wine Fair 2023. It is now open and you can register here. London Wine Fair invites over 10,000 drinks industry professionals at the UK’s biggest live and digital drinks trade event. The event will traditionally take place at Olympia, London on 15-17 May 2023.  […]

The Drinks+ and WTA team was invited to take part at the virtual ProWein Media Summit 2023. This year, our media resources traditionally became the Information Partner of ProWein while ProWein got engaged in the WTA as its Exhibition Partner. So, we would like to shed light on some issues presented by the ProWein Press team in an-hour conference moderated by Monika Kissing.

The ProWein Media Summit began with the presentation of the press conference participants – Prof. Dr. Simone Loose, Head of the Institute for Wine and Beverage Business at Geisenheim University, Executive Director of ProWein Michael Degen, new Project Director of ProWein Peter Schmitz. They gave their review and conclusions on the post Сovid-19 ProWein 2022 and their rather positive evaluation of the results.

As Mr Michael Degen mentioned in his introduction speech, the focus of this year’s ProWein is going to be on alternative packaging, sustainability, rising costs on the glass and bottle production, impact of the alternative packages on the wine taste, design, low and the non-alcohol wines – the “World of 0” was specially created at ProWein.

Following ProWein Project Director Peter’s Schmitz presentation, Dr. Simone Loose, Geisenheim University, brought the Current ProWein Business Report 2022 to the table. The industry reaction, trends and a long list of challenges caused by rising costs and disrupted supply chains were among dominant topics.

Commissioned by ProWein, Geisenheim University polled experts from throughout the world across the entire value chain of the wine industry in late 2022, for the sixth time now. Participants include wine producers from the most important wine-growing countries in the Old and New World. Those are exporters, importers, specialist wine merchants as well as representatives from the food service, hospitality and hotel industries.

The ProWein Business Report 2022 follows on from ProWein unique, regular “Marktbarometer” (Market Barometer) for the international wine industry produced since 2017 and assesses the significance of the challenges facing the industry during the current economic crisis. This year, again 2,500 international experts from 47 countries have shared their insider knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Simone Loose commented: “Interesting to note here is that industry leaders are proactively responding to the economic crisis. They tap into new markets with their products and react to traders’ and consumers’ needs with very innovative solutions. These include – according to the survey – alternative wine packaging and low-no alcohol wines.”

The most important results

The industry entered 2022 with positive expectations. Producers and traders hoped for a recovery from the negative impact of Covid-19.

Like in the previous year, rising costs and disruptions to supply chains rank top in the list of threats and challenges for the wine industry. The degree to which the industry is affected has clearly increased.

The global economic upturn after Covid-19 already led to a greater demand for energy and rising energy prices in 2021. With the war in Ukraine and sudden collapse in energy supplies in 2022, prices in many parts of Europe have therefore often more than doubled compared to 2020. Due to their higher energy consumption, producers are significantly more affected by this than wine traders.

Almost all producers were affected by transportation issues and supply chain disruptions. From the industry’s perspective, transportation and supply issues will continue to present a major challenge for their business

Further information as well as the complete ProWein Business Report 2022 can be found on the website of ProWein at www.prowein.de

Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards continue their fruitful cooperation in the field of information partnership with the world’s leading trade fair for wine and spirits ProWein 2023, which opens its doors in Dusseldorf again to thousands of wine professionals from all over the world from 19 to 21 March 2023.

Do you fancy discovering Ukrainian wines? Join the wine tasting of 6 WTA nominees: Family Winery SHABO, Beykush Winery, 46 Parallel Wine, Stakhovsky Wines, Villa Tinta, Big Wines (Ukrainian branch of Vinos de La Luz) organized by the WTA team at ProWein on Tuesday, 03/21/2023 – 16.00 pm/hall 13 (Forum 13.2).

Big Wines (Ukrainian branch of Vinos de La Luz) – at ProWein on Tuesday, 03/21/2023 – 16.00 pm/hall 13 (Forum 13.2).

Moreover, the Wine Travel Awards Guide Special Edition (print & digital) will be distributed at ProWein exhibition hall and at the newly online trade press stand, a new digital platform of Messe Düsseldorf with extending the presence using the ProWein Portal.

The Drinks+ and WTA team was invited to take part at the virtual ProWein Media Summit 2023. This year, our media resources traditionally became the Information Partner of ProWein while ProWein got engaged in the WTA as its Exhibition Partner. So, we would like to shed light on some issues presented by the ProWein Press […]

If you’re looking for an experience that takes you to the heart of the authentic spirit of an Italian winemaking region, you simply must visit the birthplace of Asti 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, made fertile by Italy’s most important river, the areas of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti have for centuries been the home of the Moscato Bianco varietal. This is an ancient vine found in many parts of the world, but which shows a particular predilection for the climate and soil of Piedmont, yielding aromatic grapes that express rare and unique scents and flavors that lie dormant when the varietal is grown in other places.

The Moscato Bianco varietal, whose golden bunches are the only ones destined to become Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti, thrives on about 10 thousand hectares of vineyards stretched atop rolling hills in the provinces of Alessandria, Asti and Cuneo.

The origins of the local soil are stratified sediments of a primordial ocean basin, giving this area a special geological profile and resulting in a variegated environment that man’s hand has shaped without infringing on its beauty.

A land of ancient hamlets and towns, dotted with castles and period residences, where cellars and tunnels dug into the earth are still in use, aging wines and spumante of excellent quality, appreciated worldwide. After all, it was here that, over a hundred and fifty years ago, the first Italian sparkling wine was born: an Asti Spumante, naturally.

Among the marquee attractions in the land of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti, which in 2014 was the first of Italy’s premier winemaking regions to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the 50^th Italian site, there are Canelli’s Cantine Storiche, in the province of Asti, amazing underground cathedrals of wine, winding for kilometers under the city.

Another must-see are the breathtaking panoramas of the hills, geometrically blanketed by the rows of grapevines, and the medieval towers and strongholds that are scattered throughout the countryside, as well as the natural splendors waiting to be discovered by excursionists.

Last but not by any means least, there is the famously delectable cuisine of the area, which pairs artisanal cold cuts and cheeses and Asti Spumante or Moscato d’Asti, as well as healthy, farm-fresh meat and vegetables and classic Piedmont dishes like vitello tonnato, cold slices of roast veal in a creamy tuna sauce; agnolotti with “plin”, a traditional filled pasts in the shape of a classic candy, or old-time cakes like hazelnut torte and homemade pudding, made with eggs and cocoa.

Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti are therefore the ideal ambassadors for a land that boasts so many excellences and that fully meets the demands of eco-tourism: green, sustainable, up to date and mindful.

If you’re looking for an experience that takes you to the heart of the authentic spirit of an Italian winemaking region, you simply must visit the birthplace of Asti and Moscato d’Asti.