News

Wine Travel Awards 2025–2026 Voting Is Coming to an End – Time to Choose Your Favourites

The whole world

Public voting for the Wine Travel Awards 2025–2026 nominees closes on 31 March at 24:00 CEST. Over the past weeks, we’ve been introducing you to the brightest members of our community – those who shape the culture of wine tourism today. Ahead lies the final choice. You can browse news, videos, interviews or simply open each nominee’s profile – and feel which of them resonates with you most.

As for us  – we remain in love with every single one of them. And we truly believe: the world of wine opens itself to those who travel, explore and stay curious about every detail of this universe. It is for people like you – restless, passionate about wine and enotourism – that we created the Wine Travel Awards.

Meet our community – it is genuinely unique.

 

What’s Next?

 

The Yeatman

 

In early April, we will announce five finalists in each of the 16 categories. Then the judging panel will take over and determine the winners by 1 May.

And on 17 June in Beaune, at the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, we will host the Awards Ceremony and the first‑ever Global Wine Tourism Day.

We invite wine experts and wine‑tourism enthusiasts to join this professional celebration.

Einat Klein

Leading Guides and Explorers of the Wine World

• BKWineTours – Britt Karlsson & Per Karlsson – visionary pioneers of global wine tourism, blending deep expertise, award-winning wine writing, and immersive travel experiences into journeys that redefine how we discover wine.
• Madalena Vidigal – an inspiring voice in modern wine tourism, blending education, storytelling, and digital influence to make wine culture accessible, engaging, and truly global.
• Oleksandra Minenko-Decamps – WTA 2024–2025 winner in the “Top Guide” category.
• Kjell-Gabriel Hendrichs, the charismatic “Norwegian Wine Guy” who turns wine into a playful, story-driven adventure, blending history, media flair, and immersive travel to inspire a new generation of curious wine lovers.
• Nello Gatti – an Italian wine ambassador whose artistic presence turns presentations into full theatrical stories.
• Einat Klein – founder of Vino&Co and a compelling storyteller, designing immersive journeys through Africa and the Middle East where culture, history, and human connection take center stage.
• Lotte Peplow – This year, among our nominees, we have not only trendsetters of the world’s wine routes – but even the queen of Beer Storytelling.

!!!And many more – discover them all here.

Places That Shape Wine Experiences (and Innocent Pleasures))

• Casa Ruffino – Tenuta Poggio Casciano – an iconic Renaissance estate in the heart of Chianti, where heritage, haute cuisine, and world-class wines come together to create an unforgettable Tuscan art of living experience.
• The Yeatman (Portugal) – a landmark of luxury in Porto where Portuguese wine, Michelin-starred gastronomy, and panoramic views merge into an unforgettable experience of culture, wellness, and elegance & WOW – Cultural District of Porto – a one-of-a-kind cultural wonder where history, art, gastronomy, and interactive experiences come together, offering visitors from around the world a truly immersive journey through Portuguese heritage.
• The legendary Château du Clos de Vougeot, one of the most emblematic sites of winegrowing Bourgogne.
• SHUMI Winery – The Cradle of Georgian Wine and Culture SHUMI Winery & Tourist Complex in Kakheti is where Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition comes to life. From the world’s largest private grape collection to rare Qvevri wines, immersive cultural experiences, and gourmet Georgian cuisine, SHUMI is a destination for connoisseurs, culture lovers, and travelers seeking the essence of Georgia in one extraordinary place.

Winemakers Opening New Horizons

• Antonio Arrighi – on Elba, Antonio Arrighi crafts unique wines, including the extraordinary underwater Nesos, where grapes rest beneath the sea before becoming a rare, ancient-style wine.
•  Château Feely – In the heart of Dordogne, Château Feely invites you to taste more than wine – immerse yourself in a world of organic vineyards, serene landscapes, and eco-luxury experiences. From hands-on wine courses to yoga among the vines, every visit is a journey for the senses.
•  Egge Gård, On Norway’s rugged landscapes, Egge Gård turns extreme northern conditions into a canvas for innovation. Cold-resistant vines, sparkling precision, and sustainable practices prove that world-class wine can thrive where few would dare to plant a grape.
•  Fasoli Gino, Valpolicella, celebrating over 100 years of winemaking, Fasoli Gino blends heritage with bold innovation. Organic, biodynamic, and now pioneering disease-resistant PIWI grapes, the estate crafts wines that honor the past while shaping a sustainable future.
•  California – a Whole Wave of Innovators. California isn’t just a region, it’s a legend in motion. From the historic Judgment of Paris to today’s trailblazing estates, the Golden State dazzles with world-class wines and unforgettable personalities. Our Wine Travel Awards nominees showcase the spirit, innovation, and sheer brilliance that make California a global wine destination.
•  All Nominations and the Full List of Participants. Every nominee at the Wine Travel Awards shines in their own extraordinary way. From iconic wineries to visionary personalities, each participant brings a story, a spirit, and a dedication that is truly one of a kind. Explore the full list of nominees and discover the diversity, passion, and excellence that make this year’s awards so exceptional.
California