Industry & Trends

The 15th International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) will be held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on April 9-10, 2024. The conference, exhiibition and B2B Workshop will be held in the DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.

Plovdiv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Europe. It is home to a rich history and culture, as well as a thriving wine industry. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for wine tourism professionals from around the world to learn about the latest trends in the industry, network with their peers, and explore the city of Plovdiv and Bulgari.

Why attend?

The 15th International Wine Tourism Conference will feature a variety of speakers and panel discussions on topics such as:

• The future of wine tourism
• Sustainable wine tourism
• Marketing wine tourism destinations
• Wine tourism experiences
• Wine tourism and technology

The conference will also include a number of networking events, such as a welcome reception, Wines of Bulgaria Grand Tasting, a gala dinner and post conference wine tasting tours

In addition to the educational and networking opportunities, the conference will also be a great way to experience the best of Plovdiv. The city is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, as well as a vibrant culinary scene.

Who should attend?

The 15th International Wine Tourism Conference is designed for wine tourism professionals from all over the world. Whether you are working in a winery, a tourism marketer, or a travel writer, this conference is for you.

How to register?

Registration for the 15th International Wine Tourism Conference is now open. The early bird registration fee is €195, and the regular registration fee is €250. To register at the early bird rate, please click here>>

About Plovdiv

Plovdiv is a city in southwestern Bulgaria, located on the banks of the Maritsa River. It is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, after Sofia, and is the capital of the Plovdiv Province.

Plovdiv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Roman Forum and the Ancient Theater. The city also has a number of other historical and cultural attractions, such as the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Kapana District.

Plovdiv of course is also a major winemaking region and is home to a number of wineries that offer tours and tastings. The city is a popular tourist destination and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly people.

View all the attendance options at www.iwinetc.com

Discover the Ultimate Wine Tourism Experience: Join Us at the 15th Annual International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) in Enchanting Plovdiv, Bulgaria

We’re thrilled to unveil the much-anticipated 15th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC), set to unfold against the captivating backdrop of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. This prestigious event is a cornerstone in the world of wine tourism, connecting global professionals and experts. Mark your calendars for April 9th to 10th, 2024, as we embark on a journey of wine, culture, tourism, and gastronomy like never before.

Bulgaria’s Wine Wonderland

Nestled amidst a rich winemaking legacy and diverse terroirs, Bulgaria has emerged as a thrilling destination for wine tourism professionals. The 15th IWINETC promises to cast a spotlight on Bulgaria’s burgeoning wine industry, with a specific focus on the enchanting wine regions around Plovdiv. Get ready to explore picturesque vineyards, savor exquisite wines, and relish the local culinary marvels that harmonize with the wines’ flavors.

A Confluence of Knowledge and Delight

Prepare to be enthralled by a captivating lineup of sessions, workshops, and tastings, all guided by renowned wine professionals and experts. Gain unparalleled insights into the latest trends in wine tourism, sustainable practices, and innovative strategies for marketing wine tourism. Immerse yourself in networking opportunities that pave the way for meaningful connections and valuable partnerships within the realm of wine and tourism.

Anthony Swift, a revered personality in the global wine tourism community, shares his excitement, “The 15th IWINETC’s choice of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, as its host city is absolutely delightful. The dedication of this region to crafting exceptional wines and curating unforgettable wine tourism experiences makes it a perfect canvas for this esteemed event. Attendees will undoubtedly be captivated by the allure of Bulgarian wine regions and the genuine warmth of its people.”

Plovdiv: Where History Meets Hospitality

Plovdiv, with its millennia-spanning history, presents a tapestry of culture, architecture, and natural splendor. The old town’s quaint charm, the vivacious arts scene, and the welcoming ambiance form the perfect stage for the IWINETC.

Register your Interest

Registration for the 15th Annual International Wine Tourism Conference will be opening very soon on the official conference website, www.iwinetc.com. In the meantime register your interest and be the first to get news as it happens here>>.

We’ve compiled all of our favourite IWINETC highlights in one short video.

Here you can get glimpses of the IWINETC Welcome reception held in Tarragona’s El Seminari, our inspiring keynote speakers, relive the grand wine tastings (Cava and Wines of the Czech Republic), networking events, and post conference wine tasting tours and Fam Trips.

We look forward to welcoming you at IWINETC 2024!

Days 4 and 5 of the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) saw 47 conference delegates participate in 4 different post conference tours with visits to the following wine regions: Empordà, Penedès, Priorat, Tarragona and Terra Alta.

Attendees got to participate in a number of wine tourism experiences such as extreme wine tourism 4×4 at L’Encastell Porrera, walk and wine at Mas Vincenç and also at Atavus Priorat, climb steep slate strewn slopes at Vinícola del Priorat, barrel tasting at the Perinet Winery, get to grips with calçots (Calçotada) also at the Vinícola del Priorat, wine and gastronomy pairing at Herencia Altes, rustic lunch with local products with panoramic views at Clos D’Agon, tasting with a view at Clos Obac, stories from the past at Jean Leon, sea view wine pairing dinner at the Eurostars Hotel Sitges (formely Dolce Sitges) and extraordinary Cava at Cellers Carol Vallés to name just a few places visited. They say a picture paints a thousand words so here are 12,000 from the IWINETC visit programme:

The conference programme of talks began with 3 industry presentations given by Gold sponsor Winalist which looked at the use of OTA’s to boost bookings and revenue, Wine Travel Awards which looked at how awards in wine tourism can generate greater awareness and credibility and Armenian based Wine & Grapes Spa discussed the place of Spas and wine cosmetics in wine tourism.

David Mora Coordinator of the Master’s degree in Gastronomy Tourism, Basque Culinary Center showed us what makes people happy on a wine and/or culinary tourism experience and the importance of the guide and visit environment.

Coffee break was followed by a talk by Judith Lewis (yes more chocolate thrown at the audience in exchange for questions) who showed how to do simple and easy digital marketing for small tourism businesses and wineries and this was followed by an inspiring talk on the Czech Republic as a a grape escape destination with Šárka Nádvorníková, project manager of the Czech National Wine Centre leading a Masterclass Wines of the Czech Republic highlighting the follow wines and producers: Veltlínské Zelené 2021 VOC Znojmo, Grüner Veltliner – the most planted variety , Winery: ZNOVÍN ZNOJMO, Pinot Blanc Austerlitz 2019, Winery: Spielberg, Ryzlink Rýnský 2020, Riesling – “The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings”, Winery: SALABKA, Ryzlink Vlašský 2020, Welschriesling – the key grape variety for the region, Winery: Volařík, Pálava 2020 VOC Mikulovsko, Pálava – the original Czech grape variety, Winery: SONBERK Frankovka 2019 VOC Modré Hory, Blaufränkisch – our national red treasure, Winery: Horák.

The IWINETC Director, Anthony Swift closed the IWINETC Conference Talk programme with a few words of thanks to all the supporters of the event and hinted on where the 2024 edition of IWINETC would take place.

In the afternoon it was time for business. 28 wine tourism experience providers from diverse countries such as Armenia, Croatia, France, Montenegro Portugal and of course Catalunya and the rest of Spain. 30 international agents specialised in wine and/or culinary tourism took part in a B2B Wine Tourism Workshop, enabling both parties to make business connections.

The day ended with Networking event – The Vermouth Experience at Casa Vermouth Padrò

The Opening plenary session included welcome speeches from Anthony Swift, IWINETC Director and Narcís Ferrer, General Manager at the Agència Catalana de Turismo and this was followed by a presentation of the The Wine & Culinary Tourism Marketing Strategy for Catalunya 2022-2027 delivered by Damià Serrano I Miracle, Experiential Marketing and Research Director at the Catalan Tourist Board. Roberta Garibaldi concluded the opening plenary session with a talk titled Wine Tourism Future. Between Sustainibility & Attention to the Local Community which looked at the current and future challenges in tourism and highlighted the importance of being connected with local wine heritage. Many wine tourism matching options concluded the talk showing just how wine matches with virtually all types of tourism and tourists except maybe coffee!

During the morning coffee break conference delegates were able to discover a variety of grape escape destinations such as Armenia, Czech Republic (Bohemia and South Moravia), Rhône Valley, Porto and Tarragona as well as a host of others through the Winalist OTA.

The day continued with inspiring talks from industry experts and IWINETC regular keynote speakers: Chris Torres showed delegates how to harness the power of user generated content, Peter Syme demonstrated live how to produce unique writing and photography with AI and Judith Lewis who threw out to the audience several bars of chocolate in exchange for questions delved into the world of connecting brands to markets. Of particular interest was the round table led by Ariadna Ribas, Wine & Food Tourism Brand Manager at the Agència Catalan de Turisme where representatives from 4 active wine routes (Armenia’s Vayot Dzor Wine Route, the Empordà Wine Route, the Penedès Wine Route and the Wine Roads of Northern Greece) discussed the business of marketing a wine route.

Day 1 of talks ended with a “D.O. Cava MasterClass” led by Silvia Culell who looked at the history of Cava, the Cava making process, permitted grape varieties and quality requirements. Sivlia made a specific focus on the Cava de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado and 3 of the producers (of 6) included in the Grand Tasting were in this category. Conference delegates were amazed by the quality of Cava included in the tasting.

In the evening many of the conference delegates attended the Torres Wine Tourism Experience and Gala dinner with others staying local for a networking event in the historic centre of Tarragona at Casa Balcells.

IWINETC 2023 uncorked with new connections made while on an afternoon walking tour of the Tarragona UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conference delegates embarked on an interactive tour visiting the oldest Roman walls in Spain and discovered through a stroll along narrow city streets, the great Provincial Forum and the Circus recent excavations. The tour then took delegates inside the vaults that support the stands of the stadium where thousands of spectators used to enjoy the ludi circensis or chariot races. Finally, the tour finished up at the Mediterranean sea view amphitheater.

The IWINETC Welcome Reception at the Seminario “Centro Tarraconense” proved very popular! Narcís Ferrer, Director of the Agència Catalana de Turisme gave a few words of welcome followed by Anthony Swift, IWINETC Director, Marta Farrero, Director of the Patronat de Turisme de la Diputació de Tarragona and Victor Franquet Director of Tarragona Turisme.

Thanks were give to the Agència Catalana de Turisme, the Patronat de Turisme Costa Daurada and to the Tarragona Turisme for their support in IWINETC 2023. Thanks too were given to Gold sponsors Winalist and Torres. Wines served at the IWINETC Welcome Reception were provided courtesy of the D.O. Tarragona Wine Route with culinary delights provided by Moon Catering Cooking Show.

Inspiring speakers Jana Humpolíková and Šárka Nádvorníková will unlock the wine and culinary tourism secrets of the Czech Republic through a presentation and masterclass at the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) 2023 titled: Czech Wine Escapes – Where Wine Pairs with Folklore, Heritage and Design

Destination Prague,Vineyards & the Enchanting Moravia Wine Region  

Jana Humpolíková invites you to discover Imperial Courts as far away as Vienna to Czechia local hobbit-like alleys and the Moravia wine region, nestled in the southeast corner of Czechia where 96% of the country’s wine production is concentrated. Jana gives a taste of her presentation: “The dreamy, scenic region of Moravia is idyllic including folkloric wine alleys, heritage castle wine cellars as well as stunning architecturally designed state-of-the-art wineries offering movie-like scenery that is laced by a picturesque landscape. Weaving through the castles and charming historic towns, stories and secrets of family history are sure to enchant.”

To fully appreciate what this hidden-gem destination has to offer, the destination presentation will be followed by a delightful Czech Wine Masterclass lead by Šárka Nádvorníková 

Czech Wine Masterclass   

Šárka Nádvorníková — as a project manager of the Czech National Wine Centre and a professional wine taster, she organizes training courses and seminars, participates in the publishing of educational and promotional materials and helps with the managing of the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic wine tasting exhibition as well as the Grand Prix Vinex international wine competition. During her Czech Wine Masterclass, participants will be introduced to winemaking in Moravia and Bohemia and will taste six representative wines from different wineries. Three more Czech wines will be available to taste at the Exhibitor Table during the conference.

Šárka Nádvorníková and Jana Humpolíková have extensive knowledge of the wine industry and have helped many wineries and vineyards to increase their visibility and attract more visitors. Their masterclass at IWINETC.com will focus on the latest trends and innovations in wine tourism, as well as best practices for creating unique and engaging wine tourism experiences.   

The (IWINETC) International Wine Tourism Conference program, selection of outstanding speakers, evening networking events and pre and post conference winery tours set the stage for one of the largest gatherings of wine and travel professionals from around the world.

To register for IWINETC here>>  

IWINETC 2023 – Masterclass  Wines from Czechia‘s Bohemia & Moravia Wine Regions.

The following wines and producers included in the Masterclass are as follows: 

Veltlínské Zelené 2021 VOC Znojmo, Grüner Veltliner – the most planted variety , Winery: ZNOVÍN ZNOJMO  

Pinot Blanc Austerlitz 2019, Winery: Spielberg  

Ryzlink Rýnský 2020, Riesling – “The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings”, Winery: SALABKA  

Ryzlink Vlašský 2020, Welschriesling – the key grape variety for the region, Winery: Volařík  

Pálava 2020 VOC Mikulovsko, Pálava – the original Czech grape variety, Winery: SONBERK

Frankovka 2019 VOC Modré Hory, Blaufränkisch – our national red treasure, Winery: Horák

Article: Jessica Stockwell

The DO Cava ‘IWINETC Grand Tasting’ features long-aging Cava de Guarda Superior Gran Reserva as well as a breathtaking selection of winery tour experiences led by professional sommelier Silvia Culell at the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC), Tarragona – Costa Daurada, Spain 23 and 24 March 2023.

If you are a wine lover or a connoisseur of fine beverages and involved in wine and/or culinary tourism, you cannot miss the opportunity to attend the upcoming ‘Grand Tasting’ organized by DO Cava, in Tarragona, Spain. The DO Cava ‘Grand Tasting’ event promises to be a memorable experience for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike. IWINETC Day 1 March 23  from 4:15pm to 5:30pm.

Tasting EleganceSilvia Culell will introduce a selection of DO Cava Guarda Superier Gran Reserva by winemakers dedicated to emphasising the importance of terroir, long-aging, and full production that is carried out by the same winery from start to finish. The results are the production of outstanding and presigious Cavas from Spain.

Winery Visits & Trendy Experiences

Silvia Culell will also introduce some of the majestic tour experiences in the region. From sophisticated evening events viewing the Catalan Pre-Coastal Mount Montserrat to casual walking among the vines in the midst of the Serralada de Marina Natural Park, a step from the Mediterranean Sea. Conference delegates will learn about the grape varieties as well as hear some of the generational family stories and secrets. Then step into the cellars where Cava is produced. Each tour and visit tells the story of family heritage, special attention to sustainable practices to protect the grapes and personal care throughout the year.  

From blind wine tastings with local food pairings to a sunny afternoon with DJ-led Juke Box Vinyls sessions at Alta Alella, to visits with gastronomic delights and vineyard strolls at sunset, there is something for everyone to discover in the DO Cava family of wineries across Spain. 

The (IWINETC) International Wine Tourism Conference program, selection of outstanding speakers, evening networking events and pre and post conference winery tours set the stage for one of the largest gatherings of wine and travel professionals from around the world. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a world-class wine tourism event. To register here>>

The following producers and Cavas included in the Grand Tasting are as follows:

Alta Alella, LAIETÀ Gran Reserva, Cava de Guarda Superior Gran Reserva

Cavas Hill, Cavas Hill Panot Gaudi Reserva Brut, Cava de Guarda Superior Reserva

U MES U, Larus – Rara Avis Collection, Cava de Guarda Superior Reserva

Segura Viudas, Segura Viudas Brut Rose, Cava de Guarda

Giró Ribot, UMa Brut Gran Reserva 2016, Cava de Guarda Superior Gran Reserva

Vallformosa, Vallformosa 150, Cava de Guarda Superior Gran Reserva

Article: Jessica Stockwell

Discover Europe’s Vineyards, Wine Secrets and Meet the Winemakers with Winalist.com as your Wine Experience Destination Guide at the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) 23 & 24 March 2023.

Each country in Europe has its own unique wines, and with Winalist.com, you can explore the best wineries in each country. From the crisp whites of Spain and sparkling Cavas of Catalunya to the bold reds of France, you’ll find something to suit your taste. In Italy, you can explore the famous Chianti region and in Portugal you can sample the famous port wines. With Winalist, you can easily find the perfect winery for your wine-tasting trip.

Finding the perfect wine tour is not an easy task, says Nicolas Manfredini, CEO and founder of Winalist. During the pandemic, worldwide tourism stopped, “Our Winalist team decided to use this time to join efforts to increase the number of experiences more globally, in Europe”. The first year, 2020, the concept was tested in the Champagne French Wine Region, where Nicolas quickly established a winning solution for both prestigious wine estates and international visitors looking for a film-like wine estate experience.

Wine Lovers

Browse freely, and dream of your trip to Europe and then add your cirteria for your personalized interary and book your wine-tasting adventure in Europe. It’s that easy.

Did you know there was so much to discover? Now it’s easy for vineyards and winemakers to reach out to wine lovers through Winalist.com. Unique exeriences from food and wine pairings to intimate wine tastings, and also walking tours through the vineyards where you can touch, learn and you even talk to the old vines if so inclined.  Don’t want to walk—there are eco-vehicles, 4x4s and even helicopters that can deliver you, your family and friends to the wine estate and vineyard of your choosing. Maybe you have a wedding party in mind, a 50th birthday, or a graduation to celebrate. Winalist’s Vineyards and Winemakers of Europe have many secrets to share.

Wine Professionals

Winalist.com is an innovative platform for wine professionals and enthusiasts. With its state-of-the-art technology, Winalist.com provides an interactive and winelover-friendly experience for its visitors to the site.

Winalist resources provide visitors to the site with the tools they need to develop their wine knowledge and skills. One of the most exciting features is its wine discovery tool. This tool allows you to discover new and exciting wines from around the world, as well as track your favorite wines and producers.  The platform offers a wide range of tools that are designed specifically for wine professionals, including wine tasting notes and wine ratings. These easy to use features allow wine professionals to keep track of the wines they have tasted, as well as share their insights and knowledge with others. And as an added bonus—Winalist offers a wine trading platform, allowing wine professionals to buy, sell, and trade wine with other professionals from around the world.

Winemakers and Wineries

Winalist.com has built trusting relationships with over 1200 wineries throughout Europe. The Winalist team brings together today’s winemakers and wineries who have a unique-know how to share and a story to tell. Winalist now offers wineries a platform to list their winery, activities and prices—all for free—to broaden their reach to the international wine tourism market including wine enthusiasts, the wine education sector and wine and culinary arts industry professionals.

Winalist.com is the perfect tool for anyone looking to take their wine knowledge and appreciation to the next level. So why not join us at IWINETC 2023 Tarragona and come and meet Nicolas and his team in the IWINETC Exhibition Area and/or join him for a talk within the conference learning programme