Guide of the Year

Individuals with three years of experience, outstanding professional achievements, and knowledge in the field of enogastronomy may be nominated in this category. In addition, socially significant excursion programmes and tours implemented during the year preceding the current award year may be nominated

Nominees

Miguel Leal 1990

Miguel Leal

Portugal #123 View more Miguel Leal Portugal reservas@ml-privatetours.com +351 936 174 444 https://www.ml-privatetours.com/
Antonio Sferlazzo 836

Antonio Sferlazzo

Italy Tuscany #115 View more Antonio Sferlazzo Italy Tuscany info@tuscany-italy-wine-tour.com Ph./WhatsApp +393 354 73 688 http://www.tuscany-italy-wine-tour.com/
Laura Hadland 904

Laura Hadland

Great Britain #50 View more Laura Hadland Great Britain https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahadland/ https://www.facebook.com/extremehousewife Twitter and Instagram: @Morrighani https://www.extremehousewife.com/
Einat Klein 1065

Einat Klein

Israel #29 View more Einat Klein Israel https://www.facebook.com/einat.klein2 einat@inthetravellab.com https://www.einatwinery.com/

WTA Jury

Robert Joseph
British wine expert, consultant, producer, an editorial consultant for Meininger's Wine Business International

Robert Joseph (UK) – Acclaimed author and wine critic, founder of numerous competitions, and a respected jury member for prestigious events such as the London Wine Challenge and Decanter, as well as a distinguished jury member of the WTA since its inaugural edition.

https://winethinker.com/

Felicity Carter
The founder of Drinks Insider, Editorial Director of Areni Global

Based in Europe, Felicity Carter is the founder of Drinks Insider – a podcast, newsletter, and consultancy offering analysis and insight on the global drinks business. She is also Editorial Director of Areni Global, the London-based fine wine think tank, and a guest lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. Previously, she was the founding Executive Editor of The Drop at Pix, an editorial consultant for Liv-ex, and Editor in Chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International, which she built into the world’s leading wine trade publication. Her writing has appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and The Guardian US. A sought-after keynote speaker on global drinks trends, wine tourism, and the anti-alcohol lobby, she has judged wine competitions across Europe and was named a 2024 Industry Leader by WineBusiness Monthly and winner of the 2025 67 Pall Mall Global Communicators Award for Audio.

Yang Shen
Estate Director of Cloudy Bay

Mr. Yang Shen (China, New Zealand) – Estate Director of Cloudy Bay (one of New Zealand’s most outstanding wineries, part of the LVMH group – the world leader in the luxury industry). Born in China, he studied oenology at the University of Montpellier and wine marketing at the Montesquieu University Bordeaux, although his introduction to fine wine had begun long before that, in his native Chengdu. Throughout his career, Mr. Shen held top positions at Moët Hennessy, Diageo and Chandon China. “My mission at Cloudy Bay is to create wines of exceptional quality that highlight and express New Zealand’s distinctive terroir.” For the second year, Mr. Yang Shen has been an honorary member of the WTA jury.

www.cloudybay.com

Per Karlsson
Co-founder and wine writer of BKWine Magazine

Per Karlsson (Sweden) – Co-founder and wine writer of BKWine Magazine, one of the world’s leading wine tour operators, a co-author of twelve wine books (including “Biodynamic, Organic and Natural Winemaking: Sustainable Viticulture and Viniculture”), an internationally awarded, professional wine and travel photographer. Per Karlsson has been a distinguished jury member of the WTA since its inaugural edition.

www.bkwine.com

per.karlsson@bkwine.com

Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Gergely Szolnoki
Professor of Market Research at Geisenheim University
Gergely Szolnoki (Germany, Greece) – Professor of Market Research at Geisenheim University (Germany) and honorary professor of Wine and Beverage Management & Marketing at the University of West Attica (Athens/Greece). His research fields cover consumer behaviour, communication and social media, organic wines, market analysis and wine tourism. In addition to his scientific activities, Gergely is a delegated expert in the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), where he leads an expert group, as well as in Great Wine Capitals Global Networks. Since the beginning of the unique Wine Travel Awards project activity, Professor Szolnoki has been its respected judge.
Stéphane Badet
Lecturer at ISVV – Institute of Vine and Wine Science at the University of Bordeaux
Professor, wine economist and expert for AgroCampus Bordeaux Gironde Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. Lecturer at ISVV – Institute of Vine and Wine Science at the University of Bordeaux, one of the world’s leading educational institutions, as well as a lecturer at such a prestigious university as Bordeaux Sciences Agro. He specializes in wine economy, industry management, business, marketing and tourism for many years, has extensive experience as an expert and consultant in various cooperation and sustainable development programs in the field of winemaking around the world, together with Interco Nouvelle-Aquitaine, UN-FAO, Ministry of Agriculture and Food of France, French and German embassies… Since the first year of the WTA’s founding, Stéphane Badet has been an honorary member of its jury.
Paul Wagner
Senior Wine Tourism Consultant for Expedia Cruise Ship Centers. Co-host at "Bottle Talk With Rick and Paul". Adjunct Instructor, MacPherson Distinguished Teacher at Napa Valley College
Paul Wagner (USA) – Distinguished leader in the wine industry, celebrated for his strategic acumen, marketing innovation, and extensive involvement in wine tourism and education. He has been an instructor for Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Winery Technology more than Department for thirty years.  He is also a guest lecturer at many universities, such as the Wintour MBA program in Europe, OIV Wine Marketing Master Class at UC Davis, and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Paul Wagner now works as a Senior Advisor, Wine Tourism for Expedia Cruise Ship Centers. As the founder of Balzac Communications & Marketing, he was highly influential in boosting global wine brands through creative promotional campaigns. His book, “Wine Marketing & Sales,” co-written with Liz Thach and Janeen Olsen, addresses the complexities of a saturated market and sets industry benchmarks.
Richard Bampfield MW
Wine expert and consultant Lidl, Albert Bichot (Burgundy), Santa Rita Estates (Chile) and Château Brown (Bordeaux)

Richard Bampfield MW (UK) – Master of Wine with a rich background in international wine education and consultancy. He is a profound expert, writer and is regarded as an influential figure in wine commentary and evaluation. His early career in retail paved the way for a deeper involvement in the wine business, especially when he was managing Brown Brothers’ European operations. Richard advises numerous clients, including 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.

Dr. Ricardo F. Nunez
Head of the international group of companies Vinos de La Luz
Dr. Ricardo F. Nunez, Head of the international group of companies Vinos de La Luz, which unites wineries in Argentina, Spain, Italy, the United States and Ukraine. He was born in Argentina. As a grandson and son of winemakers, he grew up in the vineyards of the Andean Cordilleras and explored every corner of the Uco Valley. Dr. Nunez is an investor participating in the development of the wine-growing market of Ukraine, also thanks to his new company Big Wines. Dr. Nunez participates in the world’s leading annual conferences and international wine competitions and is actively involved in the development of winemaking. In 2025, he received the OIV Merit Award for his work in strengthening ties and integrating Ukrainian winemaking into the global professional community.
Dr. Matthew Horkey
Co-founder of Exotic Wine Travel, writer and profound wine expert

Dr. Matthew Horkey (USA) – Wine educator and content creator. He holds an advanced certification from WSET. Matthew’s deep understanding of the world’s wine regions has made him a sought-after judge for wine competitions in many countries. Dr. Matthew Horkey is the co-founder of Exotic Wine Travel, co-author of Uncorking the Caucasus: Wines of Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia and Sipping Santa Barbara: Recommended Wines and Producers. He is also the author of Travel Learn Earn: Let the World Be Your Guide to Freedom. He is currently traveling the world full-time, shedding light on the world’s exotic and unique wine regions. An experienced public speaker, he’s been a guest speaker at the American University of Rome, Life University, and various companies including Microsoft, TripAdvisor, Norton Rose, and JP Morgan.

www.youtube.com/@drmatthewhorkey

tiktok.com/@drmatthewhorkey

Marinela Ardelean
Executive MBA and PhD in Marketing. Global wine and spirits expert

Marinela Ardelean (Romania) – One of the most prominent promoters of Romanian wines. The owner of an efficient MBA and a PHD in Marketing and of various certifications in wine and business. The organizer of RO-Wine, the International Wine Festival of Romania, which is the first Romanian autochthonous wine festival exclusively oriented towards premium and luxury wine markets. Marinela Ardelean`s book compares Romanian wines with the Italian cuisine, demonstrates innovative approach to cross-cultural culinary pairings and underscores her deep appreciation for Italian culture. Her awards include: Winner of “Best Romanian Sommelier” Award in 2014; Gourmand Drinks Awards in 2015; the CONAF Gala “Women in Economy – Day by day Heroes” in 2023 and others.

www.marinelaardelean.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEwXYuCAq8g

Christian Zechmeister, MA
Managing Director, Wein Burgenland

Christian Zechmeister, MA, is the Managing Director of Wein Burgenland, the official wine marketing organization of one of Austria’s leading regions. Under his leadership, Burgenland has boosted its global visibility and strengthened its reputation for high-quality red, white and sweet wines, including renowned Blaufränkisch. With a background in communications and over 20 years of experience in wine marketing, regional promotion and international relations, he has built strategic partnerships with major wine events, tourism boards and professional associations, positioning Burgenland as a key player in European wine tourism. He is an active member of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board network, a speaker at international conferences and a jury member at global wine competitions, promoting innovation, sustainability and excellence in the wine sector.

zechmeister@weinburgenland.at

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