Agenda & Speaker Notes – Bulgaria 2024

Anthony Swift, the IWINETC Director, will enthusiastically inaugurate the IWINETC 2024 conference, joined by esteemed officials from Bulgaria to include Mr Alexander Iotsev, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food.

Embark on a vinous journey through Bulgaria's captivating wine regions. Discover the rich heritage of indigenous grape varieties like Mavrud and Rubin. From the Thracian Valley to the Danube Plain, explore diverse terroirs producing distinctive wines. Uncover the intertwining of culture and winemaking, from ancient traditions to modern (more…)

When one thinks of wine tourism, one usually thinks to France, Italy or Napa, somewhere like that. But there is wine produced all over the world! What does tourism look like in wine producing countries like Jordan,  Serbia or Bulgaria? During this talk we'll discuss how the experience of wine can be added to tourism by using the culture, history and proper market positioning.

Download the speaker notes for Wine Tourism in Non-Traditional Wine Spaces here>>

Network and connect during the IWINETC Coffee Break. Find the answer to the following question in the exhibition area. Which exhibitor can tell you about Kallmet, Shesh i Bardhe, and Shesh i Zi.?

No & low alcohol wine is a way to get younger consumers into wine, who are drinkers of tomorrow. It as an opportunity and exciting part of wine´s future. It is not a trend anymore, but a category which is here to stay. There is a market out there of which wine tourism should embrace too.

Download the speaker notes for Exploring the Impact of No & Low Alcohol Wines for Sustainable Growth in Wine Tourism here>>

Women in wine are shaking up the industry, redefining the narrative and elevating the experience. They are not just crafting exceptional wines; they are actively shaping the wine tourism sector, creating immersive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. Their passion, expertise, and storytelling abilities are attracting a new generation of wine enthusiasts, transforming wine tourism into a journey of connection, learning, and appreciation.

Nestled in Bulgaria's premier wine region, Katarzyna Estate offers an unforgettable wine tourism experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art of winemaking with tastings of their award-winning vintages, relax in the comfort of a luxurious 5* hotel and savour delectable cuisine at their on-site restaurant. Delegates will be able to (more…)

Network and build relationships with fellow participants while enjoying exquisite Bulgarian cuisine and award-winning wines from the Katarzyna Estate during the lunch break.

Explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence in wine tourism. Discover how AI, presented by technology expert Peter Syme, can elevate customer experiences, streamline operations, and optimize marketing strategies. Gain insights to leverage AI as a potent tool in the competitive wine tourism industry.

Download the speaker notes for How to Use AI to Supercharge your Wine Tourism Business here>>

A wine tourism experience, apart from visiting the vineyards and wineries accompanied by a wine tasting, may also include a participation in a cultural event. Often those events might be the principal motive for someone to decide on a visit. This session examines the impact cultural events may have on the brand visibility and perception.

Downlaod the speaker notes for Cultural Events in Wineries - a Potential for Brand Development here>>

Join Lilith on a captivating journey through the rapidly growing wine industry of Armenia, where premier wines consistently garner international awards and acclaim. Uncover the secrets of Armenia's five main winemaking regions, each boasting a combination of auspicious terroir, breathtaking landscapes, and a wealth of large and (more…)

Led by Nikoleta Dikova, a Bulgarian-born, Italy-based wine educator pursuing her Master of Wine qualification, and Dimitar Dimov, a renowned Bulgarian oenologist and international wine consultant and judge, this tasting promises a comprehensive exploration of Bulgaria's current wine scene. We'll delve into the country's key styles, with a spotlight on unique native grapes. The experience starts with a classic sparkling wine and progresses through (more…)

For tour operators and travel experts, the challenge often arises when customers request unique wine experiences in destinations where their contacts are limited. The time-consuming process of searching, emailing, and attempting bookings can result in minimal or no commission. On the winery side, despite potential business-to-business (more…)

Unlock the secrets to captivating both new and existing customers by mastering the art of the consumer journey. Every touchpoint, every message, is a golden opportunity to elevate your marketing campaign and turn it into a profit-generating powerhouse. In this dynamic session, Chris will guide you through a tailor-made strategy designed (more…)

Network and connect during the IWINETC Coffee Break

Tailored for winery owners and specialized travel agents seeking to enhance their products, this immersive workshop delves into the main components of a compelling consumer experience, offering practical examples and valuable tips. Through hands-on participation fostering creativity and strategic thinking, attendees will learn to curate unforgettable journeys that showcase the very best of wine-inspired destinations.

Download the speaker notes for Crafting Memorable Wine Tourism Experiences: Insights from Research & Practice here>>

With the announcement of Google’s new Ticket & Activities Editor, a way to list your tours on ‘Things to do’ directly through your Google Business Profile, your experiences have another chance of being found by your customers. Even if you’re very familiar with ‘Things to do’, this workshop will help you get up to speed with the latest developments.

This workshop does not include speaker notes, but a free course on the same topic is available from Chris and Peter. Workshop: Harness the Power of Google ‘Things to do” here>>

Situated in the heart of Europe, in a nation renowned for its beer culture, one can discover surprising yet captivating wine experiences rooted in a two-millennium-old winemaking heritage. The majority of wine production is centered in the southeastern part of the country, and the enchanting region of Moravia encompasses everything one could (more…)

Nestled in the heart of South Moravia, a region celebrated for its rich wine culture, awaits a treasure trove of unexpected and exhilarating wine experiences rooted in a time-honored winemaking tradition that spans centuries. The picturesque landscapes of South Moravia, adorned with vineyards, showcase the essence of this vibrant wine- (more…)

Conclusions, Key Takeaways, and Official Announcement of the Host Destination for the 16th Annual International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) 2025.

IWINETC brings together worldwide agents specializing in wine and/or culinary tourism with providers of wine tourism experiences, both from the host destination and internationally. This platform facilitates the establishment of valuable connections for both parties through meticulously arranged one-to-one meetings, carefully matched by (more…)