Five Reasons to Be in Beaune on 17 June
Bourgogne Welcomes Global Wine Tourism Day 2026 on 17 June, Setting New Trends for International Wine Tourism and the Wine Market
This summer, the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne will host the inaugural Global Wine Tourism Day, a landmark gathering designed to shape the future of wine tourism and strengthen cooperation between wine regions worldwide.
Initiated by the Wine Travel Awards, in partnership with the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne and supported by the Bourgogne Wine Board, the event will bring together more than 150 industry leaders, experts, journalists and ambassadors from five continents.
The day will combine high‑level conferences, round‑table discussions, masterclasses, curated tastings and guided tours – culminating in the Wine Travel Awards 2026 Winners Ceremony and gala dinner overlooking the vineyards.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the birthplace of terroir philosophy – Bourgogne – we invite you to continue the journey with us. With the support of the Bourgogne Wine Board, the Wine Travel Awards team will embark on a seven‑day exploration of this iconic region. Join us for an inspiring tour through the world’s most celebrated wine landscape.
Program* of Global Wine Tourism Day 2026
Morning – Vision & Heritage
Welcome coffee and institutional opening session, followed by a curated conference series exploring wine heritage as a pillar of human civilisation, regional identity, tourism and contemporary global challenges.
Midday – Networking
Standing cocktail lunch with international professionals and award nominees.
Afternoon – Tailored Program
Participants select 3 to 4 sessions among workshops, masterclasses and thematic conferences, including:
– guided tours of the Cité
– masterclasses led by Masters of Wine and experts (with invited wines from different countries made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay)
– tastings of Bourgogne and international wines
– round table discussions on key sector issues (Women in Wine)
Evening – Celebration
18:00 – Official Wine Travel Awards Ceremony
Gala Experience: a panoramic aperitif at the Belvedere overlooking the vineyards, followed by a premium cocktail reception.
*Program presented as a draft outline and is subject to refinement.
Five compelling reasons to attend
Global Wine Tourism Day
– even if you are already an expert
Why Wineries Should Not Miss This Opportunity?
For producers and wine‑focused companies seeking visibility, influence and new markets, Global Wine Tourism Day offers a rare strategic advantage. Several factors make participation particularly compelling:
1. A Stage in Bourgogne – One of the World’s Most Respected Wine Regions
Bourgogne, with its UNESCO‑listed Climats and 84 AOCs, represents the pinnacle of terroir‑driven winemaking. Presenting wines on this stage places emerging and established producers alike in a context associated with excellence, heritage and global prestige.
2. A Platform for Countries Rising on the “Wine Olympus”
The mission of the event is clear: to give developing wine regions the chance to showcase their flagship varieties on a Bourgogne platform – just as California once did when it drew global attention by comparing its wines with the finest from Bordeaux and Bourgogne. For wineries seeking international recognition, this is a unique moment to demonstrate identity, quality and ambition – and, of course, their distinctive flagship and indigenous varieties.
3. Direct Access to Global Decision Makers
The event will gather:
- leading figures in wine and wine tourism
- sommeliers and educators
- international media
- experts in innovation and visitor experience
- ambassadors and influencers
- key buyers and distributors
For wineries, this means direct dialogue with those who shape opinion, trends and purchasing decisions.
4. A High‑Impact Tasting Format: Wines of the World
The Wines of the World walk‑around tasting will offer a curated introduction to distinctive wines from a wide range of global terroirs, presented alongside one another for meaningful comparison and discovery. This comparative format naturally attracts attention, encourages discovery and creates a powerful information springboard for lesser‑known regions or distinctive wines.
5. A Chance to Align With the Future of Wine Tourism
Conferences and round tables will explore:
- changing expectations of international visitors
- innovation in wine tourism experiences
- the role of heritage and landscape
- new models of interregional cooperation
For wineries developing or refining their tourism strategies, this is an invaluable source of insight.
This is not simply an event – it is a defining moment for the future of global wine tourism.
Practical Information
Tickets available via the Cité website:
€190 – Full Day (without Gala Experience part)
Welcome coffee, cocktail lunch, access to all sessions and Awards Ceremony.
€290 – Full Day (including Gala Experience)
Full program + gala experience.
Partnership & Sponsorship Opportunities
Packages are available for:
– wineries, hospitality and tourism businesses (luxury hotels, SPAs, restaurants, cruise companies, real estate and development agencies, tourism offices)
– companies from adjacent sectors (glass and cork producers, design studios and others)
All participating brands will be featured in the official Global Wine Tourism Day digital catalog, including detailed information about the winery and its wines. Following the event in September 2026, the catalog – together with the event report and profiles of all participants – will be distributed to WTA’s curated professional audience of 25,000 contacts, including Wine Travel Awards nominees, leading influencers, global brand ambassadors, wine‑tourism operators and distributors. The catalog will also be posted on two websites. This is a unique opportunity to position your brand among the most distinguished representatives of the industry.
If you would like to explore participation options or discuss a customized partnership format, we would be happy to provide further information.
To participate as a partner or sponsor, please contact:
partnership@winetravelawards.com
About the Organisers
Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB)
The professional body representing all winegrowers and négociants producing Bourgogne AOCs. It defines technical, economic and marketing strategy and leads promotional activities.
The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne – a hub for knowledge and culture
A three‑site cultural project (Chablis, Beaune, Mâcon) dedicated to education, transmission and the international outreach of the Bourgogne vineyard.
Located in the heart of Beaune, the Cité is a contemporary cultural centre dedicated to understanding Bourgogne’s terroirs.
With purpose‑built conference spaces, tasting rooms and an international educational mission, it provides an ideal setting for a global professional gathering.
Wine Travel Awards
Founded in 2021 by Drinks+ Communication Media Group, a leading Eastern European wine & travel media company with 35 years of international expertise, the Wine Travel Awards is an annual global initiative recognising excellence across 6 nominations and 16 categories.
WTA is more than an award – it is a vibrant international community spanning 48+ countries, fostering collaboration, visibility, and professional growth. The annual WTA Guide, published in print and digital formats, is distributed at major global events such as ProWein, Wine Paris, London Wine Fair, IWINETC conferences, and others. The WTA judging panel includes world-renowned experts such as Robert Joseph, Felicity Carter, Dr Ricardo Nunez, Fiona Morrison MW, Yang Shen, Dr Gergely Szolnoki, Per Karlsson, Richard Bampfield MW, Sarah Abbott MW, among others.
Photo: Antoine Martel, © BIVB-Aurélien IBANEZ
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