Wine Travel Awards 2024-2025: Launching the Fourth Campaign with an Esteemed Panel of Judges
The WTA Organizing Committee is excited to launch the fourth edition of the Wine Travel Awards for the 2024-2025 season. As we begin this new chapter, we are proud to reintroduce our trusted judges and excited to expand our panel with distinguished new experts. Please take a moment to get to know this incredibly exciting panel. Their collective expertise and fresh perspectives are instrumental in driving the evolution and success of the WTA.
Our Esteemed Judging Panel
Returning Judges:
Robert Joseph (UK).
Robert Joseph has worn multiple hats as a critic, writer, and wine competition founder. His expertise and insights have helped shape modern wine criticism and marketing. Robert’s foundational work includes launching the International Wine Challenge, which has become a benchmark for wine quality assessment worldwide. He is also known for his educational role, having delivered lectures on wine business and marketing at various international platforms. Robert’s innovative streak is evident in his founding of Wine Intelligence, which analyzes consumer wine trends and behaviors, helping the industry navigate its future.
Felicity Carter (Australia).
Felicity Carter’s career as a wine journalist spans over a decade, establishing her as one of the leading voices in wine media. She has held prominent editorial roles, including serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International, a major wine trade publication based in Germany. Currently, she is the Executive Editor for The Drop, the online magazine of Pix, a digital wine discovery platform. In her editorial leadership, she has transformed her publications into essential platforms for both emerging and established wine writers. Her work goes beyond traditional wine topics, exploring the intersections of wine with technology, sustainability, and global market trends. Known for her rigorous approach to wine criticism and her ability to explain complex issues in an engaging way, Felicity is a respected figure in both wine education and journalism.
Per Karlsson (Sweden).
A renowned wine communicator and wine tourism expert, Per Karlsson has significantly shaped the landscape of wine tourism through his work as editor and contributor to BKWine Magazine and Forbes. His company, BKWine, sets the standard for wine travel and gourmet experiences, recognized for its exceptional offerings. His influential work “Framtidens Vin” received the OIV Book Award, underscoring his commitment to promoting sustainability in the wine industry and educating a global audience on the importance of environmental stewardship in viticulture.
Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki (Greece, Germany).
Professor Gergely Szolnoki is a renowned authority in the fields of wine market research and sustainable wine tourism. Currently a Professor at Geisenheim University in Germany and an Honorary Professor at the University of West Attica in Athens, his research covers consumer behavior, social media communication, organic wine trends, and market analysis. Gergely’s dedication to sustainable wine tourism has earned him international acclaim, including OIV Book Awards for his co-authored works on innovative wine tourism models. Additionally, he serves as a delegate for the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), contributing to global discussions on wine economics and wine tourism sustainability.
Stephane Badet (France).
Stephane Badet combines academic prowess and practical expertise as a lecturer at the University of Bordeaux and EPL Bordeaux, where he teaches future wine professionals about the nuances of the wine industry. His consultancy roles include working with international organizations like Interco NA and the FAO, and national bodies such as the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food, where he focuses on sustainable development in winemaking. Stephane also works closely with the French and German embassies, advising on wine-related diplomatic initiatives and projects.
Yang Shen (China, New Zealand).
Yang Shen, originally from Chengdu in Sichuan, China, serves as the Estate Director at Cloudy Bay, renowned for its exceptional wines in New Zealand. Yang’s journey into the wine world began with an early introduction to the historical ChangYu winery, further inspired by his uncle’s exposure to French viticulture. He studied viticulture and enology in France’s prestigious institutions before embarking on a career that led him to key positions at Moët Hennessy and Diageo. His notable tenure at Chandon China is credited with significantly advancing their operations. Fluent in three languages, Yang’s leadership at Cloudy Bay continues to uphold its reputation as a premier name under the LVMH portfolio.
New Additions:
Paul Wagner (USA).
Paul Wagner is a distinguished leader in the wine industry, celebrated for his strategic acumen, marketing innovation, and extensive involvement in wine tourism and education. As the founder of Balzac Communications & Marketing, he has been instrumental in boosting global wine brands through creative promotional campaigns. His influential book, “Wine Marketing & Sales,” co-written with Liz Thach and Janeen Olsen, addresses the complexities of a saturated market and sets industry benchmarks. Paul also serves as a judge at numerous prestigious wine competitions, brings his expertise to wine conferences worldwide, and acts as a senior consultant, shaping wine tourism and marketing strategies across the globe.
Richard Bampfield MW (UK).
As a Master of Wine with a rich background in international wine education and consultancy, Richard Bampfield stands out as a leading figure in wine commentary and evaluation. His early career in retail paved the way for a deeper involvement in the wine business, significantly during his time managing Brown Brothers’ European operations. Richard’s own consultancy practice now serves an impressive roster of clients, including notable wine producers and retailers. He is a fervent advocate for sustainability, contributing to global initiatives such as the Sustainable Wine Roundtable, which aims to foster more collaboration between all links in wine’s value chain to ensure a more sustainable future for the business. Additionally, Richard’s influence extends through his roles as a presenter and writer, where he brings clarity and insight to the complex world of wines.
Paul Robert Blom (Netherlands).
Paul Robert Blom, a celebrated wine and spirits expert, began his distinguished career in Amsterdam in 1965 and has since become a pivotal figure in wine judging and education. For over five decades, he has served as a judge at major wine competitions across continents – from Europe to North America and South Africa. Beyond judging, Paul Robert Blom has dedicated over 33 years to educating aspiring wine professionals, focusing on underappreciated wine regions and varieties. Paul Robert’s collaborations with notable figures like Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson have enriched influential wine publications, including the “Pocket Book on Wine” and the “World Wine Atlas.” Among others. His contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions such as the title of ‘Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau’ and the distinction of being named the first ever ‘wine personality of the Balkans.’
Matthew Horkey (USA).
Dr. Matthew Horkey – a wine educator and content creator, began his wine career in 2015 during a worldwide sabbatical and has since become a prominent voice in the wine community. He has written extensively, including three influential wine books and numerous articles, and produced a vast array of videos available on his YouTube channel. Matthew’s deep dive into the world’s wine regions has made him a sought-after judge for wine competitions globally.
Marinela Ardelean (Romania).
Marinela Ardelean, armed with an executive MBA and a PhD in Marketing, is a prominent figure in the wine industry, recognized for her extensive contributions beyond her roles at the London Wine Competition and the Wine Travel Awards. Her pioneering book, which pairs Romanian wines with Italian cuisine, showcases her innovative approach to cross-cultural culinary pairings and underscores her deep appreciation for Italian culture. This publication, along with her strategic efforts in promoting Romanian wines, has significantly elevated their international profile. Marinela’s educational and advocacy efforts are further highlighted by her extensive experience in leading professional development courses in sensory analysis and wine and food pairings at the Italian Chef Academy. Her academic prowess and industry expertise have been instrumental in fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of underrepresented wine regions, making her a key advocate and a respected voice in the global wine community.
Filippo Magnani (Italy).
Filippo Magnani, an Italian wine travel expert, founded Fufluns Ltd, a wine travel concierge service, in 1999. A graduate of the University of Economics in Florence, he later earned his MBA from Brighton University. Magnani holds credentials from the prestigious Le Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux and WSET in London. As a revered wine writer, he contributes to several esteemed publications, maintaining a robust online presence through his blog “Tales behind the wine.” Magnani is an active member of several wine associations and serves as a judge at international wine contests. His contributions to the wine community span across education and marketing, emphasizing the richness of Italian wine culture.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to judges Nina Basset and Florence Cathiard, who significantly contributed to making the 2023-2024 WTA, the third edition of the awards, so powerful and all-encompassing. We also appreciate all our judges from previous years and the friends of the awards who have greatly contributed to ensuring that our project reflects the wine tourism sector and benefits WTA members. A huge thank you to Dr. Ricardo Nunez, Tim Hanni MW, Ester Garcia Adrados, Javier de las Muelas, Fiona Morrison MW, Philippe Massol, Olga Bussinello, Einat Klein, Saverio Savio, and Maximilian Tafel.
As we finalized our stellar panel of world-class wine experts for this year’s Wine Travel Awards, we’re preparing for what promises to be a spectacular season. Our diverse group of international authorities is set to ensure that our accolades reflect the expansive and varied world of wine tourism without borders.
We encourage you to stay in the loop – don’t miss out on our latest updates! We see wine tourism as an opportunity for the entire wine business industry to engage with people of different backgrounds and profiles. We’re committed to making the WTA a highlight of the wine tourism year, celebrating the expertise, passion, and hard work that drive the whole industry.
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