Travel Operator of the Year

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 (Australia) – Executive Editor at Pix, was previously Editor-in-Chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International, the world’s only global wine business magazine. Her work has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers, and The Guardian USA, among others. Based in Europe, she is an international wine judge and speaker. Felicity has also written several non-wine books and worked as a freelance romance novel editor, where her main editorial note was “this is not physically possible”. A distinguished jury member of the WTA since its inaugural edition.

felicitycarter.com.au

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 (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

Gergely Szolnoki (Greece, Germany) – 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) in the fields of wine economics and statistics. Since the beginning of the unique Wine Travel Awards project activity, Professor Szolnoki has been its respected judge.

Gergely.Szolnoki@hs-gm.de

Stéphane Badet (France) – 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 EPL Bordeaux. 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 NA, 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.

stephane.badet@formagri33.com

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 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 Wine Tourism Consultant for Expedia Cruise Ship Centers. Being the founder of Balzac Communications & Marketing, he has been 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.

https://www.paulwagnerwine.com/

http://www.rickandpaulwine.com/

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.

Paul Robert Blom (Netherlands) – Celebrated wine and spirits expert, started his distinguished career in Amsterdam in 1965 and has since become a pivotal figure in wine judging and education. From 1978 until 2009 Paul Robert was a lecturer at the Wine Academy for Central Europe. For over five decades, he has worked as a judge at major wine competitions around the world. 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.” He has been credited with prestigious recognitions such as the title of “Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau.” Paul Robert Blom was named the first ever “wine personality of the Balkans”. In 2008 Blom received the award of ‘Register Vinoloog of the Wijnacademie HONORIS CAUSA – Third person in Holland ever to receive this award.

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 (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

Filippo Magnani (Italy) – Italian wine travel expert. 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. An active member of several wine associations and serves as a judge at international wine contests. Founded company Fufluns Wine Tours, specializing in customized wine tours throughout Italy. As an independent wine writer, Filippo Magnani contributes to several esteemed publications, including Liz Palmer’s site and “The Beauty of the Wine in Canada”, “Wine Channel in China”, “Vinum in Croatia”, and “Decanter”. He has his own personal blog “Tales Behind the Wine”, where he offers extensive insights into Italy’s wine heritage. He is a proud member of the Circle of Wine Writers and the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers.

www.filippomagnani.it