Gastronomy and Wine Portal

ProWein 2025, held from March 16 to18 in the German Düsseldorf, made a bold statement about innovation, fresh ideas, and staying ahead in tough times for the global wine and spirits industry, which is currently facing shrinking international sales and rising trade barriers. The fair wasn’t just about showcasing products  — it was about exploring future opportunities, focusing on new trends, and sealing plenty of business deals.

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A global meeting point

Around 4,200 exhibitors from 65 countries filled eleven exhibition halls with wines and spirits from all the key regions, including top industry players. Despite the challenging market, the energy was high, the professional level of participants and visitors, as well as organisational quality, were top-notch, and ProWein once again proved to be the place where the global wine world connects and does business. It is worth noting some changes in the organization: the pavilion layout has become more compact, and navigation more convenient for both exhibitors and visitors, wine connecting people.

Big business, big players

Around 42,000 industry professionals from 128 countries came to Düsseldorf to catch up on the latest trends, connect with key exhibitors, and lock in valuable deals. Nearly half of the top buyers — spanning food retail, specialty and online shops, as well as the hospitality sector — came from Germany, one of the world’s biggest import markets. But ProWein’s reach goes far beyond: it also draws high-level decision-makers from major European regions like Benelux, the UK, and the Nordic countries, as well as heavy-hitters from the USA, Japan, South Korea, and China.

While there was strong interest in German wines, the diverse global selection also grabbed attention. The verdict? According to the organizers, 94% of attendees rated their ProWein experience as a success — proof that it’s still the must-visit spot for serious wine and spirits business.

For Barbara Wanner, the co-founder of Organize Communications, one of Germany’s most successful wine marketing agency, it was the 30th ProWein: “This year we saw fewer trade visitors at some stands, but most exhibitors were pretty busy. Our surveys at the stands of our clients — Wines of Portugal, Wines of California, Cantina Terlan/Andrian, Vietti, Markgräfler Winzer and others — were mainly positive. It is clear that those who prepared well were able to make enough good contacts. We were particularly pleased with the good response to all our masterclasses and events. They were all well attended, no sign of a lull”.

“Particular highlights this year were the new sessions at the Wines of California booth and the new set-up of the Wines of Portugal in Hall 9, as well as master-classes for Wines of Greece, for which we received a lot of positive feedback,” sums up Ms Wanner.

I asked Barbara to share her vision and recommendations regarding the “homework” that participants should do, to be efficient at ProWein, or, for that matter, any international wine fair: “Simply going to a trade show has never been particularly efficient. It is especially important to take an analytical rather than an emotional approach to selecting a trade show and to make decisions based on facts. Everyone should ask themselves questions such as: which markets have potential or relevance for me? At which trade shows can the financial and time commitment be converted into sales? Where can I meet existing customers? Where is there realistic potential for new customers?” 

Mrs Wanner is sure that simply doing what others do has never been the best choice. She believes it is extremely important to see the trade fair as an important point of communication and to use it as such: “How do I prepare for a trade fair professionally? How do I approach customers or potential new customers? Do I want to meet journalists, and if so, how do I organize that? What do I have to talk about at the trade fair? Is my team prepared for these topics? And, of course, how efficiently and quickly can I follow up? Without these points, you can wait a long time for visitors, and I am also firmly convinced that you cannot expect a trade fair to do all this work for you”. 

Insights, Innovation, and the future of wine

ProWein 2025 kicked off with Meininger’s Wine Conference, setting the tone for an eventful educational and tasting program. The newly introduced ProWein Business Forum was a key highlight, with industry leaders discussing sustainability, digitalization, and the future of wine consumption. Over three days of the fair, experts shared practical strategies for navigating the evolving wine and spirits market. 

Thomas Brandl, the CMB’s Ambassador for Eastern and Central Europe, was very impressed by the level of organisation and attendance of ProWein’s educational events: “My masterclasses with Armenia and North Macedonia worked extremely well – underlining the growing interest for wines from the “unknown” Southeastern European countries. The Armenian event was overbooked! I’ve been marketing the country for two years, and I am very satisfied by the growing awareness of Armenia as a winemaking country. The master class for North Macedonia was almost full too. Organisation and support for educational events and tastings by Messe Duesseldorf could not have been better!”

Wine Travel Awards and Drinks+ hosted two successful events during ProWein 2025, one on the opening day and another on the closing day. On March 16, WTA, in collaboration with Drinks+ Media Group, presented a panel discussion on “Sustainable Wine Tourism.” The session delved into cutting-edge research and practical insights into the changing demographics of wine tourism and global wine consumers. The panel was moderated by Veronika Busel, Managing Partner for WTA, and featured Prof. Dr. Gergely Szolnoki from Geisenheim University and Adrian Bridge, Managing Director of The Fladgate Partnership and The Porto Protocol, who has significantly influenced the evolution of the Port industry. The discussion engaged a highly interested audience and prompted many questions for the distinguished speakers.

The second WTA / Drinks+ event, presentation “Paradoxes of Ukraine: Winemaking and Tourism in Wartime,” followed by a tasting of six wines made from Telti Kuruk, Sukholymansky, and Odesa Black, was also a great success, attracting nearly 50 attendees. This presentation was hosted by Natalia Burlachenko, CEO BIG WINES, and supported by Vinos de La Luz and its founder, Dr. Ricardo Núñez, an investor, mecenate and committed advocate of Ukrainian winemaking.

Wines of Ukraine shine at ProWein

The national booth for Wines of Ukraine showcased 12 wine and spirit producers from all around Ukraine. Visitors gave very positive feedback to the fine quality of Ukrainian wines featuring significant local varieties — Telti Kuruk, Sukholymansky, Odesa Black, as well as still and sparkling wines made from international grape varieties. Unique and authentic spirits by Honey Badger, a producer based in Kyiv region, caused tremendous interest.

Ukrainian exhibitors reported they were happy with the growing understanding of Ukrainian wines among professionals, as well as with the efficiency of business contacts at ProWein 2025. 

“We are witnessing a positive shift in how buyers and the media view Ukrainian winemaking,” says Svitlana Tsybak, CEO of Beykush Winery and ambassador for Wines of Ukraine. “Ukrainians are no longer seen simply as victims of Russian aggression; our wines are now recognized for their quality, diversity, and character. Despite Ukraine’s long winemaking history, we are considered to be a bold, emerging wine region, and we are proud of that.”

The diverse world of wines

The international representation of exhibitors at ProWein 2025 was as impressive as ever, introducing new wine regions and expanding the presence of the ever-successful headliners, such as Wines of Portugal, whose stand actually seemed to occupy half of the pavilion, offering multiple master-classes and tastings hosted by renowned speakers.

The national booths for Wines of Georgia and Wines of Macedonia were also big and busy, featuring a large number of participants and high-quality wines. 

As a matter of fact, I was surprised to discover the amazing wines by Tikveš Winery from Macedonia, which, apart from participating in the national stand, had a booth of their own. I was totally enchanted by elegant, sophisticated and powerful wines originating from the winery’s unique terroirs — Barovo valley, Bela Voda and Lepovo.

Wines of Turkey showcased 8 wineries at their national booth this year, including two of my long-term favourites, Paşaeli and Suvla. Turkish wines were also presented in two master-classes hosted by Caro Maurer MW and Wojciech Bońkowski MW, telling the story of unique indigenous grape varieties — Emir, Narince, Kalecik Karasi — which capture the soul of this ancient land and its timeless flavours.

The Austrian Wine booth looked professional and elegant — exactly as it should, showcasing the refined Austrian wines.

As always, it was a warm and pleasant meeting with Chris Yorke, CEO of Austrian Wine, and the party at the booth, where he also invited Ukrainian winemakers and members of the Wines of Ukraine team, was incredibly fun and lively.

Zero Alcohol, Zero Delight? The Mixed Reality of No/Low Wines

The low and zero-alcohol wine market is expanding rapidly, with both consumer demand and industry investment signaling a lasting shift toward these alternatives. This category is poised for further innovation and an increasing variety of products in the coming years. ProWein continues to lead in the no/low alcohol sector. With 40 international exhibitors and a curated tasting ZERO-zone by MUNDUS VINI, the event showcased this rapidly growing category.

However, despite the buzz, the quality of most No/Low wines remains underwhelming. The offerings at the ProWein ZERO zone were, for the most part, a bitter-sweet-sour disappointment for me and many other tasters.

All in all, exhibitors from 12 countries participated in ProWein ZERO, showcasing a diverse range of non-alcoholic alternatives to conventional wines. The best performers, in my opinion, were zero-alcohol sparkling wines, particularly from well-known producers such as Codorníu, Freixenet, and Rotkäppchen, as well as smaller players like Weingut Julius Zotz and Manufaktur Jörg Geiger.

Among the most notable exhibitors in the No/Low segment were:

• BIBO Runge (Germany): known for their innovative approach, BIBO Runge presented their ‘REVOLUZZER’ wines from the Rheingau region.
• Carl Jung GmbH Weinkellerei (Germany): A pioneer in the non-alcoholic wine sector, Carl Jung showcased a broad selection of de-alcoholized wines.
• Edenvale Beverages Pty Ltd (Australia): Edenvale highlighted their premium alcohol-removed wines, promising the same taste, aroma, and complexity as their traditional counterparts.
• Oddbird (Sweden): presented by the Schlumberger Group, Oddbird is Scandinavia’s leading non-alcoholic wine brand, known for its high-quality, de-alcoholized wines.
• Cognato (Sweden): sourcing grapes from South Africa, Cognato offers a range of non-alcoholic wines — including white, rosé, and sparkling varieties — crafted with a focus on quality and distinction.

These exhibitors represent the industry’s ongoing commitment to elevating the No/Low category. Yet, while the market is growing, one question remains: can zero-alcohol wines ever deliver the sensory satisfaction that wine lovers crave? Only time — and taste — will tell.

ProWein vs. Wine Paris: leading the global wine trade

How well does ProWein maintain its leadership compared to other international wine events, particularly Wine Paris?

Thomas Brandl shares his impressions: “Even though ProWein has seen a decline in exhibitors and visitors’ numbers, it still remains the most important and most international wine and spirits trade fair in the world. Although, in the rivalry between ProWein and Wine Paris the momentum currently seems to be on the French side, business is made in Düsseldorf. I spoke with many participants who did both shows, and they told me that they had much more international leads in Düsseldorf than in Paris six weeks ago.” 

According to Mr. Brandl’s estimation, around 70 percent of the exhibitors of Wine Paris 2025 were French, even though the organizers made huge efforts to internationalise their show and engage many international buyers there. “The diversity of exhibitors is much bigger in Düsseldorf, which makes more sense for international business”, he sums it up. “Yet in terms of logistics and accommodation Düsseldorf was beaten completely by Paris. In my opinion, Messe Düsseldorf did not make a serious effort in negotiations with the local hoteliers to bring down their outrageous room rates to a more or less acceptable level,” says Thomas Brandl, disappointed. “Prices are way too high. In the 15 times bigger French capital it doesn’t make a difference if there’s a trade show going on or not. In Duesseldorf the insatiable hoteliers are damaging the image of their local Messe!

Barbara Wanner, whose agency officially represents Wine Paris and has been handling communications for their clients at ProWein for many years, considers these two events the most important wine trade fairs in Europe with a truly international reach: “London Wine Trade Fair is quite important from a local perspective, but in terms of visitor numbers, it is no competition. Vinitaly is a large wine fair, but it is not really an international fair, as it is primarily focused on Italy. Then, of course, there are many emerging country-specific fairs, such as the Barcelona Wine Week, as well as local fairs with smaller and more regional approaches. However, for international business ProWein is unbeatable, at least for now.”

To sum it up, despite the fierce competition, ProWein continues to reign as the biggest and most significant international event in the wine and spirits industry. With such a powerhouse reputation, it would be easy to rest on its laurels — but ProWein refuses to do that. I want to thank the organizers for their dynamic approach, constant openness to innovation, trendwatching, and trendsetting, and for delivering unforgettable experiences and reliable business connections year after year. Until next time, ProWein! Bis bald!

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Photo credits: Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann, Wines of Ukraine, Wines of Türkiye, Wines of Portugal, ENTERPRISE GREECE, Thomas Brandl, Organize Communications

ProWein 2025, held from March 16 to18 in the German Düsseldorf, made a bold statement about innovation, fresh ideas, and staying ahead in tough times for the global wine and spirits industry, which is currently facing shrinking international sales and rising trade barriers. The fair wasn’t just about showcasing products  — it was about exploring […]

On the final day of ProWein 2025 — the world’s largest international wine and spirits exhibition — a tasting and educational event served as a fitting conclusion to the ProWein Business Forum’s masterclass series. Wine Travel Awards, Vinos de La Luz, and Ukrainian winemakers (WTA nominees) showcased Ukraine’s wine regions and indigenous grape varieties, offering tastings of wines made from three iconic Ukrainian grapes: Telti Kuruk, Sukholymansky, and Odesa Black.

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This event, organized by Drinks+ Media Group and Wine Travel Awards, was made possible with the support of the international winemaking company Vinos de La Luz and its founder, Dr. Ricardo Núñez. As a long-standing patron, investor, and partner of Drinks+, Dr. Núñez has continuously supported the development of the Ukrainian wine industry for many years.

The presentation and tasting titled “Paradoxes of Ukraine: Winemaking and Tourism in Wartime” brought together approximately 50 guests, including new faces and long-time friends of Drinks+ and Ukrainian wine enthusiasts. Dr. Ricardo Núñez shared the success story of BIG WINES, a winery that is part of Vinos de La Luz, emphasizing his commitment to sustaining investments and business growth despite the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. 

BIG WINES winery is located near Kyiv, their own vineyards are located in Odesa region. The winery produces both aged and young red and white wines — still and sparkling — focusing on indigenous and local grape varieties such as Odesa Black and Telti Kuruk. Recently, BIG WINES acquired 46 Parallel Wine Group, a successful producer of fine wines from classic international varieties, also based in Odesa region and renowned for its sparkling wines crafted using the traditional method.

Originally, BIG WINES planned to focus solely on producing high-quality wines. However, recognizing the growing demand for wine tourism, the owners decided to expand their vision. This led to a strategic shift in the project to include welcoming spaces for winery visits, tastings, and events, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Natalia Burlachenko, CEO of BIG WINES, provided insights into the history of Ukrainian winemaking, its wine regions, and grape varieties, focusing on the three showcased varieties. Further on, Natalia presented wines from 46 Parallel Wine Group and BIG WINES. 

The tasting also featured nominees of the Wine Travel Awards — Beykush Winery from Mykolaiv region, as well as Villa Tinta and Kolonist Wineries from the Danube Bessarabia. Beykush, Kolonist, and Villa Tinta are true gems of wine tourism in southern Ukraine. Notably, Villa Tinta and Kolonist are part of the Ukrainian Bessarabia’s Wine and Taste Route, which previously won the Wine Travel Awards in the Region of the Year category.

Despite the challenges of war, Beykush, Kolonist, and Villa Tinta continue to welcome visitors, albeit in limited numbers and by prior arrangement only. During the ProWein tasting, Alla Plachkova, co-owner of Kolonist, and Kostiantyn Tintulov, co-owner of Villa Tinta, gave a vibrant presentation of their wines and shared insights into the challenges Ukrainian winemakers face during wartime.

The tasting lineup included the following wines:

• Welcome Drink: Grand Admiral Brut Nature 2018 from 46 Parallel Wine Group (Gold Medal, MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025). This elegant sparkling wine, crafted using the traditional method and aged on lees for 49 months, set a sophisticated tone for the event.
• Telti Kuruk 2023 (Beykush Winery): A fresh and vibrant wine from Mykolaiv region, featuring aromas of citrus, fresh herbs, quince, and acacia, with a light mineral finish and crisp acidity.
• Telti Kuruk 2023 (BIG WINES): Aged in oak for six months, this version offered a delicate floral-honey bouquet with notes of white fruits, dried herbs, and stone fruit, balanced by refreshing acidity.
• Kolonist Sukholymansky 2024: A distinctive example of this unique local grape, showcasing aromas of fresh apples, wild herbs, sweet pears, and exotic fruits. This full-bodied wine featured a noticeable acidity and a mineral-driven finish.

The red wine segment included:

• Villa Tinta Premium Collection Odesa Black 2022 (Gold Medal, MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025): Made from Ukraine’s flagship Odesa Black grape and aged in stainless steel, this wine boasted intense color, lively tannins, and aromas of dark fruits, blackberries, blueberries, mint, black pepper, and spices, with a hint of plum jam.
• Big Art Odesa Black Ivan Marchuk Limited Edition 2022 (Grand Gold and Best of Show Ukraine, MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025): Aged in oak for 12 months, this complex and elegant wine featured rich aromas of blackberries, blueberries, black pepper, chocolate, and violets, delivering both intensity and finesse.

The presentation’s dynamic atmosphere and the outstanding quality of the wines left a lasting impression on the attendees. Many guests stayed afterward to engage with the winemakers and share their compliments and feedback. Natalia Burlachenko commented: “Events of this scale provide an excellent opportunity for Ukrainian winemaking to make a statement on a major international business and networking platform, which ProWein has been for many years. Our goal is to highlight the unique character of Ukrainian wines and to demonstrate that even in these challenging times, our winemakers continue to craft wines of exceptional quality. BIG WINES, 46 Parallel Wine Group and Vinos de la Luz are dedicated to promoting Ukrainian winemaking both nationally and internationally, and we will continue doing our best to support our colleagues and to develop the brand of Ukrainian wine”.

This event marks another milestone in promoting Ukrainian winemaking and positioning Ukraine as a serious contender on the international wine scene. Drinks+ Media Group extends its gratitude to Vinos de La Luz for their partnership and support in organizing this event and to ProWein for their impeccable coordination and professionalism.

With pride in Ukrainian winemakers, the Drinks+ team remains committed to fostering the global reputation of Ukraine as a producer of exceptional wines.

See you at the next big international wine event!

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On the final day of ProWein 2025 — the world’s largest international wine and spirits exhibition — a tasting and educational event served as a fitting conclusion to the ProWein Business Forum’s masterclass series. Wine Travel Awards, Vinos de La Luz, and Ukrainian winemakers (WTA nominees) showcased Ukraine’s wine regions and indigenous grape varieties, offering […]

Hungary and Poland have rich winemaking traditions, now actively revived by blending history with modern technology. 

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Hungary, one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing nations, is renowned for its diverse terroirs and indigenous grape varieties. Tokaj is a legendary region famous for its sweet wine, once praised by kings, while Villány is known for its bold Cabernet Franc. Poland’s wine industry has seen rapid growth since the 2000s. The main wine regions – Małopolska, Lower Silesia, and Podkarpacie – focus on cold-resistant varieties like Seyval Blanc, Regent, and Solaris. Polish wines are gaining recognition and winning prestigious awards. Talented influencers and ambassadors, including AI-powered applications, help put Hungary and Poland on the global wine map, promoting them as top wine tourism destinations. Meet the nominees and vote in the WTA!

Tomasz Prange-Barczyński – Wine & Food Influencer/Expert Opinion

Renowned wine critic, editor, and writer, Tomasz Prange-Barczyński has worked in the wine industry for over 20 years. He is the editor-in-chief of Ferment magazine and hosts a wine show on Radio 357. A founder of Magazyn Wino, he has contributed to Playboy, Newsweek, Voyage, and Marie Claire.

Tomasz has authored several books, including “Riesling and Tapas” (2023), “Italy: A Wine Guide” (2022), and “The World on Wine Trails” (2020). He has translated multiple wine publications into Polish and produced wine-related documentaries. As an international wine judge, Tomasz participates in top competitions (Mundus Vini, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Best of Riesling). In 2019, he was named a Riesling Fellow and has been lecturing at the German Wine Academy since 2022.

Beyond wine, he writes about travel, skiing, and cycling tourism. His latest book, “Riesling and Tapas: About Unusual Combinations of Food and Wine on the Routes of Europe” (2024), explores unique food pairings discovered across Europe.

Kristian Kielmayer – Wine & Food Influencer/Expert Opinion

Kristian Kielmayer, a wine educator, consultant, and cultural ambassador, makes the world of wine engaging and inspiring. He teaches at Weinakademie Österreich and Hungary’s leading wine school, following the “learning by teaching” approach. His expertise spans winemaking, economics, sommelier studies, beer, sake, and spirits.

A co-author of “Hungarian Wines: Terroirs and Varieties”, Kristian also writes for Vince magazine and explores the intersection of wine and culture. His unique food pairing of Hungarian wines with Mexican chocolate in Mexico City showcases his creative vision. As a consultant for Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture, he helped establish new PDO wine regions (Mura, Kőszeg, Sümeg, Füred). He is also a judge at prestigious wine competitions (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Mundus Vini).

Kristian merges wine with photography, winning the OIV Centenary Photo Contest with an image highlighting climate change. His talks at OIV Volcanic Wines Conference and Prowein span continents.

Holding a Master’s in international wine marketing, he aspires to pursue a PhD in sensory wine analysis, exploring tasting nuances. His mission is to make wine a source of knowledge, culture, and connection.

Tomasz Witkowski – Ambassador/Ambassador of the Year

Tomasz runs the wine store and online platform 2Bratanki/Hungarian Wines, the leading importer of Hungarian wines in Poland. His portfolio includes over 200 exclusive Hungarian wines, and his partnerships with restaurants, bars, and retailers help promote them among Polish consumers.

His passion for Hungarian wines began during his first visit to Eger, evolving into years of exploring wine regions. Tomasz frequently travels to Hungary, discovering new producers and attending major wine events like Franc&Franc Conference and Winelovers Wine Awards.

He actively promotes Hungarian wines in Poland through tastings, speaking at fairs (Enoexpo, Warsaw Wine Experience), and writing about wine culture. His article “Budapest by the Glass” in Trybuszon highlights the top wine bars of the Hungarian capital.

Convinced that modern Hungarian winemaking deserves global recognition, Tomasz’s dedication and customer loyalty confirm his outstanding work.

Országos Bortúra – Ambassador/Creative Strategy and Wine & Food Influencer/Expert Opinion

Országos Bortúra is an innovative app that unlocks Hungary’s rich wine culture for enthusiasts. It offers seamless booking for winery tours and a platform for wine lovers to connect. Expanding beyond Hungary, Bortúra also features Spanish and Slovakian wine tastings, catering to both amateurs and professionals.

The app includes two key tools:

• Boradmin – A B2B system utilizing AI to automate and promote wineries.
• Bortúra App – A B2C platform helping users find wineries, book visits, and explore new wine routes.

Free to use, the app provides bookings, reviews, interactive quizzes, and events. It has won prestigious awards, and its founders actively develop wine tourism, collaborating with Semmelweis University.

Országos Bortúra is shaping the future of wine tourism by blending digital innovation with cultural heritage!

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Hungary and Poland have rich winemaking traditions, now actively revived by blending history with modern technology.  Hungary, one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing nations, is renowned for its diverse terroirs and indigenous grape varieties. Tokaj is a legendary region famous for its sweet wine, once praised by kings, while Villány is known for its bold Cabernet Franc. Poland’s wine industry has seen […]

Traditionally, the Czech Republic is considered a country of beer, but in recent years, it has been gaining increasing popularity as a place offering unique wines and related experiences.

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The true star on the country’s wine map is South Moravia. Local winemakers combine traditional craftsmanship with modern gastronomic trends. However, the world of South Moravian vineyards hides much more than just excellent wine. Among the endless greenery of the vineyards, impressive architectural gems are hidden. South Moravia has much to amaze its visitors – from the mystery of traditional wine cellars to modern buildings that take your breath away. Tourists are offered a unique combination of wine and music frozen in stone.

During a journey through this region, you can leisurely admire the buildings with a glass in hand or book a tour with an expert to see the wonderful interiors and experience how architecture influences the impression of wine tasting.

Thanks to its unique offer of vibrant experiences, South Moravia has earned a well-deserved place among the nominees for the Wine Travel Awards 2025. We invite you to vote! ⇓

South Moravia –The Visiting Card of the Country/Region of the year

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Another proof that the Czech Republic is gradually earning its place among the wine-producing countries of Europe is the hosting of IWINETC 2025. In just two weeks, Mikulov (a wine subregion of South Moravia) will host one of the most important global events dedicated to wine tourism for the first time in the country’s history. This will give professionals and journalists from around the world the opportunity to present the Czech Republic as an exciting destination for enogastronomic tourism.

The International Wine Tourism Conference, held since 2009, gathers professionals, including tour operators and media representatives. The event offers the chance to learn from the successful experiences of experts in wine tourism and gastronomic travel, providing a space for business meetings and networking during official and informal events to exchange ideas. The cherry on top of the cake is the excursions to wineries or other interesting places related to wine tourism, this year – South Moravia.

IWINETC is a vibrant and significant event that has earned a reputation as the leading global wine tourism forum. The main goal of the event is education, promoting developing destinations, and providing business opportunities. We look forward to your vote for the WTA 2025 nominee. ⇓

International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) – Education in Enotourism/Cultural Mission

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Traditionally, the Czech Republic is considered a country of beer, but in recent years, it has been gaining increasing popularity as a place offering unique wines and related experiences. The true star on the country’s wine map is South Moravia. Local winemakers combine traditional craftsmanship with modern gastronomic trends. However, the world of South Moravian […]

This year’s Amarone Opera Prima 2025 coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Valpolicella Consortium and was marked by grand tastings – a virtual journey through the world’s finest restaurants and a historic tasting of record-aged wines – along with elegant evening parties, a Michelin-starred lunch, and a gala dinner featuring 191 wines on the astonishing wine list.

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From January 31 to February 2, Verona hosted this prestigious Amarone premiere, showcasing nearly 80 of Valpolicella’s leading wineries. More than 100 journalists from top wine media across 26 countries and every continent arrived for the event. For Drinks+ and Wine Travel Awards, it was an honor to be invited to such an outstanding wine occasion.

Naturally, the highlight of the event was the grand unveiling of the Amarone 2020 vintage. Unlike previous years, the tasting was blind, with the list of participating wineries only revealed after the session. Organizers provided journalists and invited partners with a calm, professional setting – free from external commentary – to explore the Amarone offerings from 77 wineries. Of these, 33 came from the Classico zone, 39 from extended areas, and 5 from the Valpantena subzone.

While the extensive tasting session unfolded, stretching over several hours due to the sheer number of samples and participants, a press conference was held for journalists and wine market professionals. Speakers included the Minister of Agriculture, industry leaders, and, of course, Christian Marchesini, President of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium. Meanwhile, on another floor of the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, where Amarone Opera Prima reigned supreme, a grand walk-around tasting was taking place. Here, in addition to the newly released vintage, guests could explore other Amarone vintages and Valpolicella wines while engaging directly with the producers. This was precisely what Drinks+and WTA journalists did: discussing the natural conditions and key factors that shaped the much-anticipated Amarone 2020.

Now, let’s talk about the main protagonist of the event – the Amarone 2020 vintage. Its creation unfolded under rather unusual circumstances. It was the peak of the pandemic, and Valpolicella’s vineyards basked in an eerie silence, undisturbed and pristine in every sense. The first half of the growing season was rather favorable for winemakers, with an extended flowering period lasting into May. However, summer brought a fair share of concerns. Several weeks of extreme heat were followed by prolonged rains. These dramatic weather swings – some observers compared them to a rollercoaster – accelerated grape ripening across all Valpolicella zones. As a result, harvest began earlier than usual, both along the shores of Lake Garda and in the valleys of Valpantena, Fumane, and beyond.

As a result, the 2020 harvest demonstrates outstanding characteristics and remarkably uniform ripening, despite the diverse landscape of the Valpolicella region. The sugar concentration in the grapes across all territories and microzones was nearly perfect, which is an essential factor for the success of Amarone della Valpolicella’s signature appassimento process. Interestingly, I was somewhat surprised by a comment from Andrea Lonardi MW, Vice President of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium. He noted that while appassimento has long been the defining technique behind Amarone, the Consortium now sees it as a double-edged sword. There is a growing consensus that Amarone should be increasingly recognized as a world-class fine wine, with a stronger focus on the region’s unique terroir rather than just the technical aspects of its production.

Wine journalists attending Amarone Opera Prima 2025 witnessed firsthand that, thanks to favorable weather conditions – and despite variations in microclimate, soil, altitude, and winemaking styles – the showcased vintage maintained a remarkable consistency in quality. Perfectly ripened grapes contributed to the development of red fruit aromas and even floral notes, not only in wines from Valpantena and Fumane (where this profile should be expected), but also in samples from other areas. Additionally, many Amarone 2020 wines exhibited complex flavor profiles reminiscent of top-tier fine wines, featuring notes of licorice, fig, balsamic herbs, and chocolate.

Another striking characteristic of the 2020 vintage was its unexpected drinkability. For a wine as noble as Amarone, five years is still considered young, yet most samples demonstrated an unusual approachability and a refined lightness that aligns with the evolving modern style and consumer preferences. Importantly, this evolution does not come at the expense of the signature depth and intensity that Amarone connoisseurs seek. In conclusion, the 2020 vintage arrives as a true gift for the 100th anniversary of one of Italy’s most esteemed wine organizations — the Valpolicella Wine Consortium. It is a dazzling addition to the century-old collection that Amarone producers have meticulously built over time.

By the way, Valpolicella has been nominated for Region of the Year in the Wine Travel Awards. We encourage you to visit the awards website and cast your vote for this remarkable winemaking region and its outstanding producers!

Epilogue to an Extraordinary Wine Showcase

As a spectacular conclusion to this remarkable wine show, we invite you to watch a video featuring a special commentary from one of the participants of Amarone della Valpolicella — co-owner of the Fasoli Gino winery. This esteemed estate, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a proud nominee for the Wine Travel Awards.

Show your support and cast your vote!

Tasting Notes: A Glimpse into the Spectacular 2020 Premiere

Fasoli Gino – a refined, soft, and beautifully rounded Amarone that unfolds with a rich spectrum of dark fruit aromas, intertwined with a medley of fragrant herbs. As it evolves in the glass, subtle notes of barnyard and fine leather emerge, adding depth and intrigue.

Secondo Marco – the first nose offers a stunning interplay of tar and rose, gradually revealing layers of dried berries – blackcurrant, cherry – followed by sage and even a hint of night violet. As the wine opens up, mature notes of leather and tobacco leaf make a final, elegant appearance. On the palate, it is powerful and juicy, displaying perfect acidity and a structure that delivers pure pleasure.

Zýmē – a luxurious expression of Amarone with an unforgettable profile of blackberries and blackcurrants, gently accented by vanilla. Its bold character is unmistakable, while vibrant tannins hint at an outstanding aging potential.

Villa Bertani – another remarkable nominee for the Wine Travel Awards, this wine boasts an intriguing aromatic spectrum. Ripe cherries and mineral notes transition seamlessly into a kaleidoscope of chocolate, tobacco, and dried fruits. A highly elegant Amarone with a masculine edge, yet a rounded body and a long, fresh finish.

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This year’s Amarone Opera Prima 2025 coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Valpolicella Consortium and was marked by grand tastings – a virtual journey through the world’s finest restaurants and a historic tasting of record-aged wines – along with elegant evening parties, a Michelin-starred lunch, and a gala dinner featuring 191 wines on the […]

The results of MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025 have been officially announced, showcasing outstanding wines from around the world, while jury members shared their impressions of the competition.

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In late February — early March, the prestigious MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025 brought together top international wine professionals, showcasing exceptional wines from around the world. Nearly 250 wine experts from 55 countries gathered for a six-day tasting at the traditional Saalbau in Neustadt-an-der-Weinstraße, located in the heart of Germany’s Palatinate region, the country’s second-largest wine-growing area. 

Drinks+ Communication Media Group was honored to once again participate in this renowned competition, continuing our long-standing tradition of being invited as international judges. We are immensely proud of this collaboration and our contribution to the global wine community.

 

Global Wine Excellence: MUNDUS VINI 2025 Awards

This year at Mundus Vini, the presence of the younger generation of journalists, winemakers, and wine marketing professionals was more noticeable than ever. Their fresh outlook and innovative approach are gradually reshaping the way wines are assessed, taking into account new global challenges and market trends.

The growing involvement of young professionals not only enriches the competition with diverse perspectives but also reflects the ongoing evolution of the wine industry. As consumer preferences shift and sustainability becomes a key focus, having new voices in the jury helps ensure that wines are evaluated not just for their traditional qualities but also for their relevance in an ever-changing market.

This transformation opens up new opportunities for winemakers, allowing them to adapt to modern trends while maintaining the authenticity and heritage of their wines. In the last couple of years, Mundus Vini has been making a stronger focus on engaging wine influencers as jury members and panel presidents — Dr. Matthew Horkey, a famous US wine expert and digital creator, founder of the amazingly popular YouTube wine blog, and the WTA judge for Wine Travel Awards 2024-2025 campaign, is one of them, sharing his impressions of the reputable contest: “I look forward to attending Mundus Vini every single year. What makes it stand out from a lot of other competitions is the true family-like atmosphere. With just over 100 judges per session there is enough diversity to meet new interesting people, yet it’s small enough to feel like you know everyone. One of the most important impressions this year is that the organizers are doing their best to bring more women and younger people into the fray. I applaud MV in their efforts! The quality of wines presented in Mundus Vini is also very high. I judge around 6 to 8 wine competitions a year, and two of my highest scoring wines ever were at Mundus Vini — including an aged Madera and a Tawny port from 1976”.

Simone Roveda DipWSET, Wine consultant & Digital Strategist, Founder @ Winery Lovers and a WTA nominee, told us about his impressions of joining the MUNDUS VINI family: “MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025, my first time here. I had the pleasure and honour of taking part in the recent competition held in the picturesque Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany. Over six exhilarating days, I dived into the evaluation of around 200 great wines across two dynamic juries. The quality of the wines ranged from good to very good, making every tasting a thrilling adventure.

But what truly made this experience unforgettable were the amazing people I met along the way. The inspiring conversations and lively exchanges added so much depth to the event. And a huge shoutout to the incredible MUNDUS VINI team—their hard work and dedication brought this whole experience to life. It truly felt like one big, vibrant family!”

In terms of results, the award-winning wines hail from 37 countries, including emerging regions like Poland and the Netherlands. Overall, the competition awarded 2,089 Gold medals, 1,632 Silver medals, and 73 Grand Gold medals. A total of 3,321 still wines, 400 sparkling wines, 35 lightly sparkling wines, and 38 fortified wines were evaluated, with prices ranging from €2.99 to €50.

The largest category by price range included wines priced between €5 and €9.99, highlighting the strong presence of high-quality yet affordable wines in the competition. The most successful wine-producing countries this year include Italy with 930 awards, Spain with 754, Portugal with 359, France with 303, and Germany with 223 awards. Moldova also made an impressive showing, securing 3 Grand Gold, 96 Gold, and 66 Silver medals.

“This year’s spring tasting once again set new standards for wine quality. The fresh wines from the 2024 vintage, along with reds and whites from older years, truly impressed our international jury of experts,” said Christian Wolf, Degustation Director for Mundus Vini. “We are eagerly anticipating ProWein in mid-March, where we’ll present the ‘Best of Show’ awards. The MUNDUS VINI board will personally hand out the certificates to the top winemakers attending.”

All competition results can be found here.

We are also excited to share our impressions of the event, along with insights into the wines we had the opportunity to taste during the competition.

Olga Pinevich-Todoriuk, Editor-in-Chief of Drinks+ Magazine: “This time, my tasting panel consisted entirely of female experts, led by Bernard Karl, Technical Director of Domaines Vinsmoselle. Our team was exceptionally united – we worked in harmony, shared similar evaluations, and, importantly, encountered almost no wines with defects. I would particularly like to highlight the elegant Merlots from Moldova, which stood out for their finesse, as well as the powerful, tannic wines made from the Vranec grape variety from North Macedonia. Additionally, we had the pleasure of tasting remarkable Silvaner wines from Germany, known for their characteristic crisp acidity, and fresh, vibrant sparkling wines, all of which were featured in our panel. Additionally, we had the opportunity to taste our Ukrainian Odesa Black, which will be discussed in more detail below.”

Iryna Diachenkova, the co-founder of Drinks+ Media Group and Wine Travel Awards: “For me, Mundus Vini has always been synonymous with precise organization, an incredibly diverse range of wine samples of consistently high quality, and well-curated judging panels. These panels typically include representatives from the countries whose wines dominate the tasting flights, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation. Moreover, the competition fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere, not in a way that relaxes judges too much, but rather in a manner that creates the perfect environment for professional tasting, networking, and friendly communication during the additional programs. This unique atmosphere is, first and foremost, the result of the efforts of the Mundus Vini organizing team. I cannot miss the opportunity to once again, on behalf of all Ukrainian judges and winemakers, express our deep gratitude to the Mundus Vini Organizing Committee for their continuous support of Ukraine. We were particularly touched by an act of solidarity initiated by Robert Joseph, a longstanding judge at Wine Travel Awards, a great friend of our Drinks+ Media Group, and a Board Member of Mundus Vini. In his usual creative way, Robert suggested taking a traditional group photo of his tasting panel, and all the judges from different countries held the Ukrainian flag instead of their national flags. Thank you, dear friends! Our judging panel had only one wine from Ukraine on the tasting list. It was a dry pet-nat from Zakarpattia, with residual sugar up to 15 g/L, leading a short flight of six sparkling wines, all made from Muscat varieties, most of which had sugar levels ranging from 40 to 80 g/L. I personally rated this worthy sample at 87 points, and the panel’s average score of 85 meant it was eligible for a silver medal. However, only 40% of wines receive medals, making competition in the silver category extremely tough, and usually, medals go to wines with even higher scores. Nevertheless, I am confident that this producer has a promising future ahead. Each of our three tasting days began with Greek wines. The modern, elegant, mineral Assyrtiko wines from Santorini (2023–2024) all received high scores, with five out of twelve wines earning gold medals. Among the fourteen fresh, high-acidity Malagousia wines from the 2024 vintage, mostly produced in Peloponnese and Drama, six wines were awarded gold medals. The Greek Sauvignon Blancs were slightly less successful, but still, two out of six samples earned gold medals. Greece has long held a special place in my heart. Our team organized Northern Greek wine tastings in Ukraine well before they started receiving recognition from the world’s top wine critics. I have had the privilege of visiting wineries in Santorini, Macedonia, Thrace, Drama, Euboea, and Nemea, where I now live. This deep connection makes me incredibly proud to see Greek wines receiving well-deserved recognition at such a prestigious competition.”

Altogether, this year’s MV Spring Tasting welcomed a record number of 6 judges from Ukraine, integrating them perfectly into the diverse international panel fabric of the competition.Their expertise and passion were a testament to the growing recognition of Ukrainian talent in the global wine industry.

Victoria Makarova, Wines of Ukraine representative and our regular author, comments: “It was my 3d time at the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting, and I must admit it is amazing to feel the warm welcome and support for us Ukrainians both from the organizers and from the whole MV family. I’ve had the pleasure of judging with a German-speaking panel, and it was a good challenge, boosting my German skills and widening my knowledge of the German wines. With the panel President from Sweden, and colleagues from Austria, Germany and Chile (living in Germany), we made a dream-team, efficient and fun.

No Grand Gold in this session for us, but we’ve enjoyed lovely Grüner Veltliners, mostly Austrian, very decent German Rieslings (still wines and sekts), as well as amazing Tempanilo from Navarra. Sauvignon Blancs and Cabernet Sauvignon blends from Moldova were very impressive, demonstrating exceptional terroir features. A flight of reds from the local German varieties — Dornfelder, Lemberger, Trollinger, Schwarzriesling and Acolon — was an interesting experience, too. And, traditionally, the most exclusive tastings happen during Mundus Vini afterparties.

My new discoveries: amazing reds (Baga 2023, Jaen 2021) by Elias Macovela, a prominent young winemaker from the Dao region in Portugal; sophisticated, elegant Nativo Reserva (a blend of Alvarinho and Avesso) and a fresh, mineral Alvarinho Flor de Linho from the Vinho Verde DOC by Antonio Sousa, the winemaker and owner of 3 Rostos Winery; a lovely Weiss Cuvée from Sebastian John, a brilliant young winemaker and the son of Frank John, of the well-known Weingut Frank John in Pfalz. Suffice it to say, all three winemakers were the judges in the MV Spring Session 2025!“

Kateryna Yushchenko, DipWSET, founder of Ukrainian Wine & Spirit School and international wine judge, the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2025, describes her first time at Mundus Vini as a very positive experience: “After years of participating in international wine competitions, I can confidently say Mundus Vini stands apart in its methodical approach and dedication to fairness. The panel composition immediately impressed me, each panel featuring professionals from multiple countries, bringing diverse perspectives that prevent regional biases from influencing the results. My panel included judges from Germany, Italy, France, Northern Macedonia, Switzerland, Lebanon, and the USA, creating balanced evaluations that no single wine culture could dominate. The efficiency of the organisation deserves special mention. The flow of wines, clear scoring guidelines, and time management allowed us to give proper attention to each sample without fatigue compromising our judgments. 

Perhaps most valuable was the immediate feedback system. After completing each flight, judges received visualisation diagrams showing our scores against the panel average — a transparency measure I’ve rarely seen elsewhere. This real-time feedback loop improved consistency and highlighted when personal preferences might affect my evaluation. The quality of wines presented was exceptional across categories. The blind-tasting protocol was rigorous. Beyond concealing labels, the thoughtful flight organisation prevented pattern recognition that might hint at origins or producers. This commitment to objectivity elevated the entire process.

I would say the combination of transparency, international perspective, and methodological rigour sets Mundus Vini apart. While other competitors may excel in individual areas, few effectively combine all these elements.”

 

Ukrainian Wines Make Strong Impression at MUNDUS VINI 2025

This year marked a significant milestone for Ukraine at MUNDUS VINI, with 9 wineries participating in the tasting competition.

Ukrainian wines performed remarkably well, earning an impressive set of 11 medals. The majority of the awards included prestigious Grand Gold and Gold medals, with many accolades going to wines made from Ukraine’s flagship grape variety, Odesa Black. This remarkable success highlights the quality and potential of Ukrainian winemaking on the international stage.

So, Ukrainian wines achieved a record number of the highest awards at MUNDUS VINI for the flagship Ukrainian red grape variety, Odesa Black. Wines made from Odesa Black won all possible top-level medals. Our partner and Wine Travel Awards nominee, Big Wines, celebrated yet another triumph with Odesa Black: 6 medals in total, including 1 Grand Gold Medal, 4 Gold Medals, and 1 Silver Medal, as well as the most honourable award in the contest — The Best of Show Ukraine for Big Wines Big Art Odesa Black Ivan Marchuk Limited Edition 2022!

High praise also went to the wines from 46 Parallel, which became part of the Big Wines, a subsidiary of the international holding Vinos de La Luz in Ukraine. 

Additionally, Villa Tinta earned a Gold Medal for their Odesa Black, while Chateau Chizay were awarded Gold for Furmint Late Harvest.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners! 

Below is the list of the awarded Ukrainian wines:

Grand Gold and Best of Show Ukraine 2022 Big Wines Big Art Odesa Black Ivan Marchuk Limited Edition

• Gold 2018 Villa Tinta Merlot VIP Wine Selection
• Gold 2023 BIG WINES BIG ART ODESA BLACK 6 MONTH IN OAK
• Gold 2021 BIG WINES BIG ART ODESA BLACK Ivan Marchuk Limited Edition12 month in OAK
• Gold 2023 BIG WINES BIG ART ODESA BLACK Ivan Marchuk Limited Edition 12 month in OAK
• Gold 2023 BIG WINES BIG ART ODESA BLACK
• Gold 2016 Grand Admiral Merlot – Cabernet Sauvignon – 46 Parallel
• Gold 2018 GRAND ADMIRAL BRUT NATURE – 46 Parallel
• Gold 2022 Villa Tinta Premium Collection Odesa Black
• Gold 2022 Chateau Chizay FURMINT Late Harvest
• Silver 2024 BIG WINES BIG ART PINOT NOIR

It so happened that the wines made from the Odesa Black grape variety were evaluated by a tasting panel that included Olga Pinevich-Todoriuk, Editor-in-Chief of Drinks+ Magazine. Following the outstanding results achieved by these wines, we naturally asked our panel members for their thoughts on this flagship variety and the overall level of the MUNDUS VINI tasting competition. Their insights provided valuable perspectives on the exceptional quality of Ukrainian wines and the professionalism of the competition’s organization.

Michaela Gabriel, Johanniterkeller, Switzerland: “Last week I had the pleasure of tasting and evaluating some wines from Ukraine at the MundusVini wine awards. I was impressed by the outstanding quality of these wines. I was particularly excited about the Odesa Black grape variety, which was previously unknown to me. The wines we tasted received consistently high ratings from the entire jury, which clearly shows the potential of Ukrainian wine production”.

Eleni Blouchou, Bonello Athens, head of Marketing Communication, Greece: “The 36th Mundus Vini Spring Tasting was once again a fascinating event, featuring a highly representative selection of wines from around the world. Our glasses were filled with both well-known varieties and a remarkable number of new ones, most of which stood out for their above-average quality and lack of noticeable flaws. Among them, Ukrainian wines made from the Odesa Black variety were particularly impressive, earning exceptionally high scores and highlighting the immense potential of the country’s winemaking industry”.

Katerina Kostovska, Co-Founder Wine Escape, Republic of North Macedonia: “Mundus Vini shows diversity of varieties and styles of wines from around the world. This year for the first time we had over 250 non-alcoholic wines being judged along with specific local varieties from different countries including Odesa Black. The wines made of it exhibit pronounced red fruits with subtle floral aromatics, full bodied wines with silky but high tannin texture, acidity to cut through and elevate the fruit on palette and long finish of lingering elegance”.

More information about the participation of Ukrainian wines in MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025 will be available in our next article.

We have some good news for the visitors of ProWein 2025, who will have the opportunity to taste wines from 46 Parallel, Big Wines, Beykush, Kolonist and Villa Tinta during a joint event by the Wine Travel Awards and the international wine company Vinos de La Luz, together with leading Ukrainian winemakers. The event will feature a discussion on how the domestic wine industry is developing amid on-going russian aggression and showcase the finest wines made from native and local Ukrainian grape varieties. The event is titled “Paradoxes of Ukraine: Winemaking and Tourism in Wartime.”

Wines of Ukraine will showcase 12 wineries at the national booth at ProWein this year. Don‘t miss the chance to taste wines and spirits from all around Ukraine!

Messe Dusseldorf, Hall 9, A89, Wines of Ukraine.

 

MUNDUS VINI: More Than Just a Wine Competition

MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025 was not only about wine competitions and tastings – it also featured a vibrant program of activities organized by the event’s team. One of the highlights of this year’s event was a visit to the picturesque town of Bad Dürkheim, home to the iconic World’s Largest Wine Barrel.

This unique attraction, locally known as the “Dürkheimer Riesenfass,” is not just an enormous barrel but also a fully functioning restaurant with a rich history. During our tasting days, we had the extraordinary experience of enjoying dinner inside this legendary venue. The atmosphere was filled with charm and history, creating the perfect setting to savor delicious food and exceptional wines. Guests were treated to a remarkable selection of German Rieslings, showcasing the diversity and quality of this classic variety. Paired with a gourmet dinner, the evening became an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Beyond the competition, MUNDUS VINI continually enriches its program with cultural and culinary experiences like this, providing wine professionals with not only a platform to evaluate wines but also opportunities to explore and connect with the heart of Germany’s wine culture.

We are grateful to the organizers for such thoughtful programming and look forward to future experiences that combine world-class wine tasting with unique cultural discoveries.

Cheers!

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Photo: AD LUMINA, Matthew Horkey

The results of MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025 have been officially announced, showcasing outstanding wines from around the world, while jury members shared their impressions of the competition. In late February — early March, the prestigious MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025 brought together top international wine professionals, showcasing exceptional wines from around the world. Nearly […]

As the countdown to ProWein 2025 begins (the clock is ticking – just 3 days left!), with its grand opening on Sunday, 16th March, the wine world turns its attention to the Meininger’s Wine Conference.

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This one-day, high-impact industry event hosted by the pprestigious German wine industry media group, “Meininger,” on March 15 promises to gather the brightest minds in the industry to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities. With ProWein as the main sponsor this year, the event is set to unite industry leaders to discuss innovations that are reshaping the market. The central question driving this year’s dialogue is: “How to Find the Best Ways to Sell Wine?” Wine Travel Awards and Drinks+ are honored to be official information partners for this dynamic event and to support the Meininger Award 2025, honoring “Excellence in Wine & Spirit.” Keep an eye on our updates, as we’ll be capturing the essence of this year’s event as it takes shape.

Taking place at the Hotel Kö59 in Düsseldorf, the conference will feature a roster of top international experts who will offer insights into the latest market trends, with a particular focus on emerging markets and innovative strategies for reaching new consumer groups. The speakers will present data-driven insights, shedding light on how the industry can engage with these evolving demographics effectively. On the agenda are innovative retail strategies, creative marketing techniques, and experiential concepts that could revolutionize business approaches within the industry.

The conference also marks an important moment to honor achievements in the wine industry with the Meininger Award 2025. Initiated by Meininger Verlag, which has been an influential voice in the wine and beverage sector since its foundation in 1903, the award celebrates outstanding contributions to the wine world. Past recipients include renowned figures such as Gina Gallo and Miguel A. Torres, highlighting the award’s prestige.

Meininger Verlag’s legacy as a cornerstone in wine and beverage journalism is well known. Operating from Neustadt, Germany, the company has been instrumental in shaping the wine industry narrative through its comprehensive trade journals and impactful industry events that not only highlight trends but also set the agenda for future developments in the entire wine industry.

This year’s Meininger’s Wine Conference arrives at a pivotal moment, poised to dissect the most pressing challenges facing the wine industry, from shifting consumer tastes to the broader economic currents reshaping global markets. Discussions will explore the integration of digital innovations and the role of sustainability in product development, with particular attention to the demands of younger, more environmentally conscious consumers. The day promises to be rich with engaging discussions and high-level networking opportunities, all set against the backdrop and the looming anticipation of ProWein 2025.

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As the countdown to ProWein 2025 begins (the clock is ticking – just 3 days left!), with its grand opening on Sunday, 16th March, the wine world turns its attention to the Meininger’s Wine Conference. This one-day, high-impact industry event hosted by the pprestigious German wine industry media group, “Meininger,” on March 15 promises to […]

In its sixth year, Wine Paris demonstrated record participant and visitor numbers, along with a range of key trends, including strengthening global wine tourism through a strategic partnership with the Wine Travel Awards.

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This year, the Wine Paris exhibition solidified its position as a leading global event in the wine and spirits industry, attracting a record 5,500+ exhibitors and 52,622 visitors, 45% of whom were international guests from 154 countries. It’s no coincidence that the first day of the forum was held under the slogan “All roads lead to Paris.” Despite global challenges, such as political instability, declining alcohol consumption, and environmental issues, the exhibition became an important source of inspiration and innovation for the future of the industry. Even the numbers speak for themselves: the exhibition area increased by 80% compared to last year (116 international pavilions), and attendance from leading buyers representing key markets grew by 35%.

Thus, it can be acknowledged that over the past six years, Vinexposium has risen from a respected, but national, communication platform to an international level, becoming an important economic and political meeting point with participation from global alcohol market operators, French ministers, officials, members of parliament, and over 30 official government and public delegations. Today, both market observers and competitors – leaders in exhibition centers – unanimously highlight the rapid rise in popularity of Wine Paris as a key driver for the industry, fostering collaboration, constructive discussions, and creating opportunities for business development and growth in trade relations.

This year’s event featured dozens of conferences with experts, including sessions from the French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters (FEVS), OIV, Moët Hennessy, and the Wine Origins Alliance. Additionally, the Academy held 250 presentations from international experts across 130 sessions. Vinexposium also launched the “Voice of the Industry” platform, providing valuable insights from key industry players.

The popular Be Spirits section also showed significant growth: 34 producing countries, 37% more than in 2024, and over 300 exhibitors. Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, summarized the exhibition’s results, stating: “In times of uncertainty, economic crises, and the loss of meaning, isolationism is not an option. By combining strengths and promoting innovation, involving all industry players, and linking the economic and political spheres, we successfully implemented our strategy. Over the years, Wine Paris has established itself in the global consciousness as a vital source of influence. More than ever, the 2025 exhibition played a decisive role for national and international stakeholders in the wine and spirits sector.”

Here’s a reminder of the upcoming events in 2025: Vinexpo America (May 7-8 in Miami), Vinexpo Asia (May 27-29 in Singapore), Vinexpo India (October 11-12 in Mumbai), and World Bulk Wine Exhibition (November 24-25 in Amsterdam). By bringing together exhibitors and visitors at several events throughout the year, Vinexposium acts as an ambassador for the industry, focused on expanding sales. This is why its flagship forum, Wine Paris, was nominated in the prestigious Wine Travel Awards category “Enogastronomic Events/Event of the Year,” further confirming its role as a key player in the wine and wine tourism sectors. Voting continues throughout March, and every supporter of the Paris exhibition has a chance to vote for their favorite.

Once again, Wine Paris demonstrated a fruitful strategic partnership and collaboration with WTA and the award’s founder, Communication Media Group Drinks+, strengthening its influence on the global wine tourism landscape. The Wine Travel Awards Guide, published annually and successfully distributed at Wine Paris 2025, became an important resource showcasing leading trends, key ideas, and significant achievements by members of the WTA community.

To gain deeper insights, we asked our strategic partners and members of the WTA community for their thoughts on the exhibition. Here’s what they had to say.

Robert Joseph, a seminal figure in wine journalism and a trusted member of the Wine Travel Awards jury since its inaugural year, shared his perspective:
“Wine Paris was an extremely successful event for me as an exhibitor—particularly with le Grand Noir in Hall 7.2 and K’AVSHIRI in Hall 4. We saw a range of high-quality visitors in the Wines Unearthed area of Hall 4 where we were pouring K’AVSHIRI. From conversations with other exhibitors, the only complaints came from those who hadn’t scheduled meetings before the fair. The only minor issue was the relative shortage of Asian visitors, likely due to Chinese New Year and the growing success of regional events.”

Vladimer Kublashvili, from Winery Khareba, reflected on his experience:
“Winery Khareba has been part of VinExpo exhibitions for many years, and this year’s Wine Paris was particularly impressive. The organization was exceptional, and the convenience for participants was outstanding. The exhibition attracted producers from diverse countries, and the event offered masterclasses, tastings, and insightful discussions. For us, it was a rewarding experience with fruitful meetings and tastings. Wine Paris continues to be an invaluable platform for showcasing our wines and connecting with professionals from across the globe.”

Salome Lomsadze, Commercial Project Manager and a representative of SHUMI Winery, which has been WTA Winner & Nominee and is this campaign`s nominne in the

• Enogastronomic Events/Magnet of the Region
• The Visiting Card of the Country/Must Visit
• The Visiting Card of the Country/Art & History Object
• The Visiting Card of the Country/Brand – the Visiting Card of the Country
• The Visiting Card of the Country/Progressive Approach
• Education in Enotourism/Cultural Mission

shared:
“Wine Paris 2025 was an outstanding event showcasing the evolving global wine industry. The fair provided an excellent platform for producers to connect with international buyers, media, and influencers. We saw a surge of interest in Georgian wines, especially those from the Kakheti region. The exhibition proved highly fruitful commercially, with new partnerships and agreements that will expand our international reach. It’s been an excellent platform for highlighting Georgian wines and forging valuable connections in the global wine market.”

Dr. Ricardo F. Nunez, Head of the international group of companies Vinos de La Luz:

The arrival of COVID-19, which paralyzed the world and radically changed many of the habits humanity had been cultivating for years, turned out to be a snapshot of what was already happening in the world of international wine fairs. Prowein in Düsseldorf was the undisputed leader, London Wine was a shadow of its legendary past, VINEXPO in Bordeaux was disappearing, Vinitaly in Verona had become a championship among Italians visiting each other’s stands, Alimentaria in Barcelona shed the wine sector to return to the food-focused fair its name implied, and exhibitions had begun to emerge in Asia, which still failed to fully convince Western exhibitors, even though they were driven by major global wine media outlets. If there’s one phrase about the tragedy of that virus that seems made for wine fairs, it’s that “nothing was the same after the pandemic.” In these past three years, everyone has made some kind of move to step away from the position in which they were caught in that snapshot, each for different reasons. PROWEIN expanded its surface and internal spaces – crowds are no longer well-regarded since the pandemic – and as a result, increased stand prices, once again driving up already expensive hotel rates in a city that, additionally, is boring. But for an absolute leader with no competition in sight, price wasn’t a deciding factor: countries had no alternative but to attend a fair focused exclusively on business between supply and demand, making exhibitors and visitors feel that anyone not at Prowein simply didn’t exist. That need to be seen and to see others remains in 2025, but over the past three years, it has slowly been giving way to the result of the smartest move by a player that had lost ground due to location, event duration, and internal and external conflicts: Vinexpo. Between 2019 and 2022, the French made a series of mergers: the Vinisud show merged with Vinivision to create Wine Paris, which then merged with Vinexpo to become “Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris” (although the name Vinexpo will soon fade to allow Wine Paris to grow). Today, Wine Paris is the main competitor to Prowein, partly replicating Prowein’s model, but adding some very interesting internal elements such as five thematic segments – Wines, Spirits, New Wineries, Organic Wines, and the Tech sector – and using as its venue hyper-connected Paris, not because the wine world needs it, but because it modernizes almost daily to serve the millions of tourists arriving from all over the world, most of whom are unaware that a wine fair is taking place there in February. Wine Paris began timidly, with imbalances between local and foreign producers, which justified the opinions of those who said one should wait and see how it evolved before deciding to exhibit. And the decision to go or not go as an exhibitor is not a minor one. Big producers of major brands can’t go with a tiny stand: the association between global brands and large stands is immediate, and everyone, at some point while walking the fair, “measures” them with their own perception of what that brand should do. But it’s also a big decision for medium or small producers, who need to take that step toward internationalizing their products. Many who attend are subsidized by organizations from their own countries, but not all cover airfare and accommodation, and this part of going or not going often ends with the decision not to attend, because even though Paris is cheaper than Düsseldorf, the cost of two people attending still represents a budget that can’t be easily reflected in the wine’s price. In 2025, Wine Paris has outdone itself in every aspect that exhibitors or visitors can perceive. It’s no longer a labyrinth to move from one pavilion to another, there were no long queues to enter, there was more staff available to assist visitors, French producers bet more strongly on their fair, they further diversified the themes of their conferences – now with better speakers – and an important detail: many countries significantly expanded their presence, as if they had decided to show their acceptance of the new format. Many of us agree that – at least this year – the traditionally self-centered French attitude of presenting France as the center of the wine world has changed. It’s almost logical that the gathering of many exhibitors and the presence of new countries in the International sector, combined with the public discourse around the uprooting of French vineyards to maintain inflated prices, and the retreat of Champagne in international markets in favor of cheaper and more popular sparkling wines, have led them to realize that the wine world today neither begins nor ends in France. Instead, it shares the spotlight with traditional players based on vineyard area or volume, and it is no longer heresy to taste a Champagne, a Cava, and an English sparkling wine (which claim to be superior) side by side. And something very important: both events now give equal importance to Spirits, which continue to grow in both space and innovation. Among these novelties is the visibility given to “mixology,” which is the foundation of the “on trade” spirits market and fills the world’s bar agendas with competitions and demonstrations. We’ll have to see now if Vinitaly picks up the challenge and opens its international pavilion with a level of space and visibility it currently lacks. They say they will. We’ll see soon in Verona. Spain has separated food in general from wine as a beverage and has regained its wine fair identity, which had been lost to Alimentaria, through the resurgence of the Barcelona Wine Week. They made the right choice. It was the first international fair of the year and filled the halls with people. But it remains a Spanish beverage fair, open to professional visitors from around the world who either come on their own or are brought in. Still, they’ve done a good job. Not many people have heard of or remember the London Wine Fair. It used to be a must-attend event for top palates, producers, and distributors. Today, it’s run by a highly professional and generous team. Through them, producers from Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, and Lebanon came to London to showcase wines that would otherwise be very difficult to discover. The London Fair’s attitude toward Ukraine deserves a separate paragraph, opening its doors to young producers grouped in young associations and freely offering space and time. Great Britain has been and is a very important consumer market for wines from several European and Latin American countries, and they have a significant number of professional opinion-formers known to all wine lovers.

Amid these struggles to be the “leading fair,” others are emerging that begin as competitions but become tastings of all participating beverages when it’s time to award prizes. They are either regional or product-specific (rosé wine, for example), or for sparkling wines or mixed categories. These are not commercial events, but the producers who enter the competitions and then share their products with visitors hope to eventually play in the league of Prowein or Wine Paris. Maybe one day they will. In the meantime, these competition-tastings offer them visibility and confidence in their product. In the second half of the year in Italy, there’s a clear example: CERVIM, an association that brings together producers of “extreme” or “heroic” wines – ither because of the challenging geography or their own personal stories. There you learn how much artisanal Pisco Peru produces or that on the Island of Fire in Cape Verde – home to an active volcano – they make volcanic red wines that are, indeed, heroic. By the time you read this, Prowein 2025 will be open or just finished. Let’s take note of what’s good and what needs improvement. Everyone has room to grow, and we should support them – because the ones who benefit are us: the wine producers and consumers, a brotherhood with a documented 7,000-year history.

Florence Authier Meuric, wine expert, WTA Nominee in the Ambassador of the Year category, reflected on her participation:
“Wine Paris has grown into a dynamic, international experience. This year, I organized a shared stand with diverse winemakers and estates – 12 different winemakers and châteaux – which exceeded my expectations. The diversity and international reach of the stand fostered an exceptional synergy, making the event ideal for high-quality exchanges. The stand brought together French winemakers from different regions, Spanish producers from Rioja, British exhibitors offering canned wine, an Italian estate located at the foot of Mount Etna, as well as spirits producers. This diversity created a particularly dynamic environment conducive to networking. The only downside was the location, which was somewhat difficult to access due to poor signage, causing us to miss a few scheduled meetings.”

Why is Wine Paris generating so much enthusiasm?
Several factors explain the growing success of this event. Paris, as an iconic city, naturally attracts wine professionals thanks to its outstanding selection of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options. Additionally, the capital is extremely well-connected by transport, making it easy for buyers to attend the event and enjoy the city after the show. Wine Paris also holds the advantage of being the first major international wine fair of the year. Until this 2025 edition, I had only attended as a visitor, and I must say that the organization has improved tremendously. From an exhibitor’s perspective, many tools are available, including networking platforms, a generous quota of exhibitor badges, and visitor invitations – all valuable assets that maximize visibility and business opportunities. Finally, for French professionals, Wine Paris offers a logistical advantage, as exhibiting and organizing participation is much easier when based locally.

Florence Meuric concluded:
“A promising event with room for improvement. To sum up, Wine Paris is an unmissable event—dynamic, high-quality, and held in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It provides early insight into the year’s key trends, thanks to the diversity of attendees and industry exchanges. Of course, some aspects still need improvement, particularly the signage, which could be optimized to facilitate navigation and prevent missed appointments. However, the overall impression is highly positive. See you in 2026 for another promising edition!”

Wine Paris 2025 has undoubtedly proven its significance in the global wine tourism and wine industry sectors, providing valuable platforms for collaboration, innovation, and new business opportunities. The event continues to strengthen its role as a key meeting point for industry professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

As the Wine Paris 2025 event continues to captivate industry professionals, we are excited to see its lasting impact on the global wine and tourism markets. Together with the Wine Travel Awards, Wine Paris continues to showcase and nurture the connections between the world’s wine producers and the international wine tourism community, paving the way for future successes.

Looking forward to more remarkable moments in Wine Paris 2026 and beyond.

See you at Prowein. My booth is 10J69.

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Photos: Social media pages and https://wineparis.com/

In its sixth year, Wine Paris demonstrated record participant and visitor numbers, along with a range of key trends, including strengthening global wine tourism through a strategic partnership with the Wine Travel Awards. This year, the Wine Paris exhibition solidified its position as a leading global event in the wine and spirits industry, attracting a […]

From March 16–18, Düsseldorf, Germany, will host ProWein 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for wine and spirits. We have already announced that on the opening day, Wine Travel Awards (WTA), in partnership with Drinks+ Media Group, will welcome guests and participants to an expert session titled “Introducing the Wine Consumer of the Future.”

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Now, we are pleased to share that we have also prepared a remarkable closing event. On the final day of ProWein 2025, March 18 at 4:00 PM, Wine Travel Awards and the international wine group Vinos de la Luz, together with leading Ukrainian winemakers, will discuss the resilience and growth of Ukraine’s wine industry amidst ongoing Russian aggression. The event will also present exceptional wines crafted from Ukraine’s indigenous and local grape varieties.

Presentation & Tasting:

“Paradoxes of Ukraine: Winemaking and Tourism in Wartime”
When: March 18, 2025, 4:00–5:00 PM
Where: Hall 12, D02

This exclusive tasting will feature both renowned, award-winning Ukrainian wineries and emerging producers who have already earned prestigious national and international accolades.

Tasting Lineup:

• Welcome drink – Grand Admiral Brut Nature 2018 by 46 Parallel Wine Group, Gold Medal, MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025
• Big Wines Telti-Kuruk 2023
• Beykush Telti-Kuruk 2023
• Kolonist Sukholymanske 2024
• Villa Tinta Premium Collection Odesa Black 2022, Gold Medal, MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025
• Big Wines 2022 Big Wines Big Art Odesa Black Ivan Marchuk Limited Edition (Grand Gold and Best of Show Ukraine MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2025).

This tasting is made possible due to the generous support of Dr. Ricardo Núñez, owner of Vinos de La Luz. Dr. Núñez will address the guests, along with Rodrigo de Casas, President of the OIV Committee on Culture, Education, and Heritage.

The tasting will be moderated by Nataliia Burlachenko, CEO and owner of Big Wines, a Ukrainian winery and distribution company that is part of the Vinos de La Luz international wine group, globally recognized for its philanthropy, support of innovative wine projects, and investment in Ukraine.

Pre-registration is recommended via the following link.

More Ukrainian wines will be available for tasting at the Wines of Ukraine booth (Hall 9, Stand A89).

Additionally, Wine Travel Awards will unveil the latest WTA Guide 2023–2024, featuring a print and digital catalog of nominees.

See you at the Wine Travel Awards events!

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From March 16–18, Düsseldorf, Germany, will host ProWein 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for wine and spirits. We have already announced that on the opening day, Wine Travel Awards (WTA), in partnership with Drinks+ Media Group, will welcome guests and participants to an expert session titled “Introducing the Wine Consumer of the Future.” Now, we […]

In  just a few weeks, on March 16-18, the German Düsseldorf will be welcoming the visitors and participants of ProWein 2025, the biggest international  trade fair for wines and spirits.

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ProWein is the most important meeting point for the international industry professionals, providing boundless opportunities for business contacts, exchange of opinions, sharing expertise, signing new contracts, discovering new wine regions and unique wines, and, of course, enjoying the friendly and festive atmosphere of the global wine and spirits event. 

So what’s on the program? Drinks+ Media Group, the long-term media partner for ProWein, made a review of some innovations and activities offered by the organizers of the fair this year.

Exciting program lures international wine and spirits industry

When March arrives, Düsseldorf transforms into the epicenter of the global wine and spirits industry as ProWein takes over the city. For six days, the Rhine metropolis will be buzzing with successful business deals, high-energy events, and the latest industry trends.

The excitement kicks off early with ProWein goes City on Thursday, March 13 — an evening program inviting wine lovers to explore exclusive tastings in restaurants, bars, and wine shops across the city.

Then, on Saturday, March 15, the spotlight shifts to Meininger’s Wine Conference. Hosted in collaboration with ProWein, this annual event delivers valuable insights into emerging trends and the future of the wine industry. This year’s theme, “The Best Ways to Sell Wine,” brings together top experts to discuss key challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. The conference will conclude with the prestigious Meininger Awards, celebrating excellence in the industry.

Three dynamic days at ProWein

Under the theme “Discover the Taste of Tomorrow,” ProWein 2025 will once again showcase an unparalleled selection of wines and spirits from over 60 countries. From March 16–18, exhibitors will present the latest innovations and global trends in the industry.Nine of the eleven exhibition halls will showcase an extensive selection of wines from all major wine-growing regions across the globe. Meanwhile, two dedicated halls under the ProSpirits label will offer decision-makers in retail and gastronomy a curated selection of spirits from around the world.

Beyond the outstanding exhibitor line-up, ProWein delivers a top-tier supporting program throughout all three days. Highlights include the brand-new Business Forum with insightful sessions, diverse exhibitor-led activities, exclusive tastings at the Masterclass Forum, the urban gastronomy experience in the Gastro-Area featuring Michelin-starred chefs, the Champagne Lounge, the special ProWein Zero showcase, a presentation by the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, the Packaging & Design special exhibition, and Organic World — just to name a few.

ProWein Vibes for Wine Enthusiasts

While trade professionals engage in business and networking on the fairgrounds, the “ProWein goes city” program brings excitement to wine lovers across Düsseldorf. From March 13 to 18, the city will be buzzing with wine and spirits tastings, exclusive restaurant menus, and cultural events. With more than 100 events planned, it’s the perfect opportunity for consumers to explore the world of wine. More info here. With this dynamic and diverse offering, ProWein 2025 reaffirms its status as the must-attend event for all wine and spirits industry professionals. For details and tickets, visit www.prowein.com.

Fair Match: Smart Networking for a More Productive ProWein Experience

    Photo: ProWein

ProWein introduces Fair Match, an innovative digital matchmaking tool designed to streamline connections between trade visitors and exhibitors. This platform optimizes trade fair visits by suggesting tailored business contacts, enabling direct appointment scheduling, and offering an intuitive chat function for seamless communication.

As the leading international meeting point for the wine and spirits industry, ProWein is committed to enhancing networking efficiency. For the first time, Fair Match will be available via the ProWein Portal and ProWein App, allowing participants to connect selectively based on their professional interests and product focus. By analyzing visitor preferences and exhibitor offerings, the tool recommends relevant matches, making every interaction more valuable.

Fair Match is packed with features designed to enhance the trade fair experience. Users can save business contacts for future engagement, schedule meetings directly within the platform, communicate effortlessly through the integrated chat function, search and filter exhibitors, products, industries, and professional roles to find the most relevant partners.

“Digitalization is a key driver of successful trade fairs. Fair Match creates a smart, intuitive platform where trade visitors and exhibitors can connect efficiently, helping them meet the right partners, discover relevant products, and maximize their time at ProWein,” says Peter Schmitz, Director of ProWein.

Designed with user-friendliness in mind, Fair Match is instantly available to anyone registered on the ProWein website — no additional sign-ups required. A personalized profile allows users to specify their interests, products sought or offered, and industry affiliation, ensuring the best possible networking experience.

Click here to access Fair Match (visitors).

Pairing food and wine at ProWein

• Food & Wine at ProWein 2025

This year the fair will place a special focus on the theme of food and wine pairing this year. The food service Lounge, “urban gastronomy by #asktoni,” will be dedicated to this theme, and the diverse supporting program will also highlight the perfect pairing of food and wine through various events.

The “urban gastronomy Lounge by #asktoni” will return in 2025, continuing its role as a key destination for restaurateurs, from newcomers to seasoned professionals. This year’s focus will be Food & Wine Pairing. In four workshops each day, host Toni Askitis (#asktoni) will demonstrate in an engaging manner how food and wine come together to create unforgettable taste experiences.

• New Live Cooking Concept

For the first time, the urban gastronomy Lounge will be presented by METRO, with a new concept developed in collaboration with the international food wholesaler based in Düsseldorf. Dr. Steffen Greubel, CEO of METRO AG, and Martin Behle, Chief Horeca Officer, have secured the participation of renowned chefs Björn Freitag, Alina Meissner-Bebrout, and Bobby Bräuer, who will each prepare exciting dishes live on different days during ProWein. Toni Askitis, named the best sommelier of 2024 by Rolling Pin magazine, will select the accompanying wines. Registration for individual workshops is not required.

Workshop Program at Urban Gastronomy by #asktoni

• How to ProWein: Practical tips for both beginners and professionals on making the most of ProWein.
• Food Pairing Basics: Introduction to the fundamentals of food and wine pairing.
• Food & Wine Pairing: Chefs will prepare dishes live while guests sample wine pairings from vintners.
• Music in a Glass: A fusion of wine and music, featuring vintners, DJs, and chefs.
• Wine.Match: A live, interactive session where matching dishes for selected wines are developed with audience participation.

• Why Food & Wine Pairing?

As a focal point of the food service industry, the perfect pairing of food and wine is the cornerstone of any exceptional culinary experience. At an international trade fair like ProWein, this topic is not just a trend but an essential aspect of the wine and food service sector. “Food & wine pairing offers significant potential for the wine and food service industry, as it goes beyond the simple presentation of products. It combines the sensory experiences of food and wine into a harmonious whole that evokes emotions and creates lasting memories. This art of pairing is not only enriching for guests but also a key differentiator in a highly competitive market,” says Peter Schmitz, Director of ProWein.

Food & Wine Pairing Across ProWein

In addition to the urban gastronomy Lounge, numerous other areas of ProWein will offer inspiration for food and wine pairing, including seminars on Wines of Portugal, ICEX/Wine from Spain, Palatinate wines, and ICE/Vini d’Italia. A special highlight on ProWein Sunday at 11:30 am will be a food & wine pairing event led by Curly, host of the Terroir & Adiletten podcast. At Pavillon France, Stand 10F120 (Le Forum #BonjourProWein), Curly will explore the perfect wine and food pairings.

WTA and Drinks+ Media Group hosting two events at ProWein

On March 16, the prestigious opening day of ProWein 2025, Wine Travel Awards (WTA), an international wine tourism initiative representing members from 44 countries, in collaboration with Drinks+ Media Group, will present a dynamic event as part of ProWein’s meticulously curated educational program: WTA Panel “Sustainable Wine Tourism”.

This session will explore cutting-edge research and practical insights into the evolving demographics of winery visitors and wine consumers worldwide. The panel will be led by Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki of Geisenheim University, with another distinguished guest speaker to be announced soon.

On March 18, WTA and Drinks+ are organising the Closing Day Event in collaboration with Wines of Ukraine: “Paradoxes of Ukraine: Winemaking and Tourism in Wartime”.

We will host a compelling presentation and guided tasting of wines from Ukrainian WTA nominees and participants of the Wines of Ukraine national booth. This tasting was made possible thanks to the generous support of Dr. Ricardo Nunez, owner of the international wine group Vinos de La Luz and a passionate advocate for Ukrainian winemaking.

Save the dates!

• WTA Panel: “Sustainable Wine Tourism”

• When: March 16, 15:15–16:15
• Where: Business Forum ProWein – Hall 16, K05

• Presentation and Tasting: “Paradoxes of Ukraine: Winemaking and Tourism in Wartime”

• When: March 18, 16:00–17:00
• Where: Hall 12, D02

• Exclusive Preview: The WTA Guide 2023–2024

During ProWein 2025, the Wine Travel Awards will also unveil the latest edition of the WTA Guide 2023–2024, featuring vibrant print and digital catalogs of this year’s nominees.

Stay tuned for updates on speakers, featured wines, and registration details for these unmissable events. Don’t miss your chance to be part of these extraordinary moments at ProWein 2025!

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In  just a few weeks, on March 16-18, the German Düsseldorf will be welcoming the visitors and participants of ProWein 2025, the biggest international  trade fair for wines and spirits. ProWein is the most important meeting point for the international industry professionals, providing boundless opportunities for business contacts, exchange of opinions, sharing expertise, signing new […]