IWINETC 2019 has been great! A whole year of planning resulted in a truly memorable event for all involved. We wanted to thank delegates, speakers, exhibitors, agents and media for taking the time to attend, and a special mention goes to our sponsors (El Gobierno Vasco, La Diputación Foral de Alava, El Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz y la Ruta del Vino de la Rioja Alavesa) for their continuous support.

Here are a few highlights:

Check out our photo gallery – you might spot yourself or someone you know feeling the Basque and embracing the #iwinetc

We look forward to seeing you at IWINETC 2020 in Trieste 24 & 25 March!

Here are a few highlights from the IWINETC 2019….

We had some fantastic sessions taking place in the Palacio de Congresos Europa, giving delegates plenty of food for thought not only for professional development but also valuable business ideas and tips. Keynote speakers Judith Lewis, Alicia Estrada, Felicity Carter, Paul Richer, Andre Morgenthal, Robin Shaw, Sarah Jane Evans MW together with 18 more world class speakers gave sessions to inspire us to get to grips with wine and culinary tourism issues under 5 key content themes (Research, Professional Development, Branding and Marketing, Grape Escape Destinations and Networking

The Grape Escape themed talks provided tour operators and agents with several diverse grape escape destinations to consider such as Croatia, Italy, Greece, Hungary and of course hosts Basque Country.

The exhibition area proved once again a popular spot to discover grape escape options while simultaneously networking with fellow professionals over wines from Armenia, France, Hungary, Priorat, Rias Baixas, Rueda and of course Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí.

The closing plenary session saw Lucio Gomiero reveal Friuli Venezia Giulia as the 2020 destination for IWINETC and this was immediately applauded by the audience.

And finally…

We wanted to say a personal thank you for attending IWINETC this year, and to key sponsors: The Basque Government, The Diputación Foral de Alava, the Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz and the Ruta del Vino Rioja Alavesa and to the numerous supporters for supporting the IWINETC winery visit programmes and the Sarah Jane Evans Grand Tasting Wines of the Basque Country.

Before you get busy with the wine tourism season, have a look at our pick of the highlights from this year’s IWINETC. Check out our photo gallery – you might spot yourself feeling the Basque and embracing the #iwinetc

See you in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy in 2020!

BYOB (or TTPB – Traer Tu Propia Botella)  is back by popular demand at IWINETC 2019. A small group of IWINETC-goers will meet at El Portalón for a unique evening of wine sharing, conversation, and tasting delicious Basque tapas – picoteo!. Here’s the idea … delegates bring a bottle of wine that is special to them – whether because it’s from their country, they just absolutely love it (and want others to know it), or they are just curious about it themselves. Upon arrival bottles will be opened and shared! El Portalón will provide delegates with a beautiful room and lay on a selection of local tapas to accompany their wines. It’s a great networking event and conjures up some great wine stories!

About the venue: El Portalón, named after its large entrance door is a 15th century building which was built as an Inn for merchants. It used to have a ramp to access the basement or the stable, where merchants stored their goods and carriages to protect them from bad weather and thieves.Since then and throughout its history the building has had several purposes.The building was restored in 1957 and nowadays houses one of the city’s best-known restaurants.

Further info and tickets here>>

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.

In this fascinating Masterclass IWINETC conference delegates will have the unique opportunity to discover the wonders of the Basque Country and taste a variety of fines wines from 4 different designations of origin namely DOC Rioja Subzone Rioja Alavesa, Arabako Txakolina (Álava), Getariako Txakolina (Getaria) and Bizkaiko Txakolina (Bilbao). Excellent vintages will be showcased from 9 different estates:

• Hiruzta Berezia 2017 (85% Hondarrabi Zuri. 15% Gros Manseng) Hiruzta Bodega (Getariako Txakolina)
• Berroja 2016 (80% Hondarrabi Zuri  20% Risling) Bodega Berroja (Bizkaiko Txakolina)
• Malkoa 2015 (Hondarrabi Zuri) Bodega Astobiza (Arabako Txakolina)
• Viña Real Rosado 2018 (Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura) C.V.N.E – Viña Real (DOC Rioja Subzone Rioja Alavesa)
• Martelo Reserva 2014 (95% Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo and even Viura) Torre de Oña (DOC Rioja Subzone Rioja Alavesa)
• El Ribazo 2014 (Tempranillo) Viñedos y Bodegas de la Marquesa (DOC Rioja Subzone Rioja Alavesa)
• Baigorri de Garage 2014 (Tempranillo) Bodegas Baigori (DOC Rioja Subzone Rioja Alavesa)
• Ysios Reserva 2012 (Tempranillo) Bodegas Ysios (DOC Rioja Subzone Rioja Alavesa)
• Gloria de Ostatu 2010 (Tempranillo) Bodega Ostatu (DOC Rioja Subzone Rioja Alavesa)

“I’m really excited to be presenting to IWINETC delegates a delicious taste of the diversity of the wines of the Basque country.  From the windswept Atlantic, there will be the unique, refreshing wines from the Txakoli denominations. Then from Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine region, there are fine wines to discover and enjoy. I’ve also chosen these particular wineries as they are excellent for wine tourism, definitely worth putting on your ‘to visit’ lists.” Sarah Jane Evans, Master of Wine.

Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or simply want to learn a bit more about wine, IWINETC’S Masterclass offers conference delegates a truly unique experience,

The 2019 edition of IWINETC is supported by the following institutions: Departamento de Turismo, Comercio y Consumo del Gobierno Vasco; Departamento de Fomento del Empleo, Comercio y Turismo de la Diputación Foral de Álava; Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz y Ruta del Vino de Rioja Alavesa.

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.

This year’s International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) Basque Country, Spain is fermenting nicely, with a world of incredible new ideas to set your imagination alight. This year’s programme includes:

AI, IOT and All That – A Future Perspective on Tomorrow’s Wine Tourism Technology
Paul Richer, founding partner of Genesys Digital Transformation explains how are technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet Of Things going to impinge on wine tourism

The Importance of Media in Wine Tourism
Felicity Carter, editor-in-chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International will discuss with case studies low- to no-cost ways to get media attention, from crafting a perfect pitch through to leveraging media relationships.

And much, much more.

See the IWINETC Conference programme>>

The 2019 edition of IWINETC is supported by the following institutions: Departamento de Turismo, Comercio y Consumo del Gobierno Vasco; Departamento de Fomento del Empleo, Comercio y Turismo de la Diputación Foral de Álava; Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz y Ruta del Vino de Rioja Alavesa.

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.

Our Pre-IWINETC Networking Events are being held on Monday 11 March 2019.

IWINETC Walking Tours

The afternoon walking tours allow you to explore Vitoria-Gasteiz, network with colleagues from around the world and to get to know City. Each tour begins at 14.30 and runs until 16.00.

Tour 1 Santa María Cathedral & Bell Tower

Open for Repairs is the humorous catchphrase as the Cathedral is currently undergoing a serious renovation plan which actually makes for a more fascinating tour. Initial excavations show that Vitoria- Gasteiz has probably been around since the 8th century and the tour will show, by means of a series of models how the town has changed over the ages. The view from the Tower will enable you to see the almond shape of the Centro Histórico and some of the palaces and museums.

Tour 2 Centro Histórico (Old Town)

Guided tour of the quaint and compact almendra (almond shaped city centre) taking in Machete Square, St Michaels Arches, City Walls, Palacio Escoriaza-Esquivel and the Palacio de Montehermoso and the Farmer’s Market to name just a few of the highlights.

IWINETC Walking Tours courtesy of the Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz

IWINETC Welcome Reception

At 19.30 in the Artium Museum is the IWINETC Welcome Reception followed by a selection of delicious Basque Pintxos and wines from the region. + a few entertaining surprises!

The Artium Museum main lobby houses two stunning works of art: the Mural Céramico by Joan Miró  and Llorens Artigas and the monumental sculpture A piece of Crystallised Sky (Un Pedazo de Cielo Cristalizado), by Javier Pérez – involving over 15,000 glass bulbs hanging like tear drops from the ceiling.

The 2019 edition of IWINETC is supported by the following institutions: Departamento de Turismo, Comercio y Consumo del Gobierno Vasco; Departamento de Fomento del Empleo, Comercio y Turismo de la Diputación Foral de Álava; Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz y Ruta del Vino de Rioja Alavesa.

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.

The Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz has kindly offered two sponsored walking tours of Vitoria’s delightful Centro Histórico (Old Town – declared a Monumental Site in 1997) for conference delegates attending the 11th edition of the annual International Wine Tourism Conference, Exhibition and Workshop (IWINETC).

Highlights on the two itineraries include a visit to the Santa Maria Cathedral, the old city walls, palaces (Renaissance palatial architecture) with stories to tell, churches, convents and chapels, Baroque sculptures and paintings and a visit to the Farmers’ Market (Mercado de Abastos).

Tour 1 Santa María Cathedral & Bell Tower. Open for Repairs is the humerous catchphrase as the Cathedral is currently undergoing a serious renovation plan which actually makes for a more fascinating tour. Initial excavations show that Vitoria- Gasteiz has probably been around since the 8th century and the tour will show, by means of a series of models how the town has changed over the ages. The view from the Tower will enable you to see the almond shape of the Centro Histórico and some of the palaces and museums.

Tour 2 Centro Histórico (Old Town). Guided tour of the quaint and compact almendra (almond shaped city centre) taking in Machete Square, St Michaels Arches, City Walls, Palacio Escoriaza-Esquivel and the Palacio de Montehermoso and the Farmer’s Market to name just a few of the highlights.

Both tours will be available for conference delegates on Monday 11 March at 14.30

The 2019 edition of IWINETC is supported by the following institutions: Departamento de Turismo, Comercio y Consumo del Gobierno Vasco; Departamento de Fomento del Empleo, Comercio y Turismo de la Diputación Foral de Álava; Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz y Ruta del Vino de Rioja Alavesa.

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.

The ARTIUM Museum of Contemporary Basque Art (Museo Vasco de Arte Contemporáneo de Vitoria-Gasteiz) will be the venue for the Official Welcome reception for the 11th edition of the annual International Wine Tourism Conference, Exhibition and Workshop (IWINETC).

At the Welcome Reception (Monday 11th March 2019) conference delegates from around the world will be greeted and warmly welcomed by our Premium Sponsors and the IWINETC team and will be treated not only to a range of pintxos and wines from the region but also to traditional Euskedi music and dance.

The Artium Museum main lobby houses two stunning works of art: the Mural Céramico by Joan Miró  and Llorens Artigas and the monumental sculpture A piece of Crystallised Sky (Un Pedazo de Cielo Cristalizado), by Javier Pérez – involving over 15,000 glass bulbs hanging like tear drops from the ceiling.

The 2019 edition of IWINETC is supported by the following institutions: Departamento de Turismo, Comercio y Consumo del Gobierno Vasco; Departamento de Fomento del Empleo, Comercio y Turismo de la Diputación Foral de Álava; Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz y Ruta del Vino de Rioja Alavesa.

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.

Regarded as Australia’s foremost wine tourism expert, Robin Shaw has an extensive wine and tourism industry background that includes cellar door management, sales and marketing, membership management, strategic planning and experience development. She has worked for some of Australia’s leading brands and industry organisations, including Jacob’s Creek, South Australian Tourism Commission and Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, and is a current board member of Wine Industry Suppliers Australia and Adelaide Hills Tourism.

We are delighted to announce that Robin will be one of several keynotes speakers at the upcoming IWINETC 2019. She will be lending her experience and background to an important area of the marketing mix, namely place:

Win my Heart, Win my Wallet

Unlock the power of transformative wine tourism experiences and discover why Gen Y and Z are changing the way we create and market experiences.

Robin consults globally on wine tourism and her sharp industry insights and dynamic presenting style has led to her emergence as a highly regarded international public speaker. She has been the recipient of a prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship to study global wine tourism innovation, after which she developed a suite of industry resources including ‘The Australian Wine Tourism Toolkit’ and the innovative Wine Tourism Workshop Program which she successfully delivered throughout Australia, South Africa and Chile.  In 2018 she successfully developed and delivered the program for Australia’s inaugural Wine Industry Impact Conference and developed content for Wine Australia’s Growing Wine Tourism Program. She also hosts wine tourism study tours for industry professionals to locations around the world that epitomise best practice and service excellence.

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.

Nos complace anunciar que Alicia Estrada, Filóloga y Máster en Márketing del Turismo y Directora de Marketing del Guild of European Business Travel Agents (GEBTA), formará parte del elenco de nuestro XI edición de IWINETC 2019 como conferenciante destacado en IWINETC Basque Country 2019.

Alicia impartirá dos ponencias de utilidad para los profesionales del enoturismo. El primero se titula: Enoturismo para el sector MICE (Eventos empresa): Cómo enfocarnos hacia este sector – Dentro del mundo turístico, seguramente será el sector MICE el que exige un mayor nivel de especialización por parte de los prestatarios. Son muchos los componentes que diferencian este sector del clásico enoturismo vinculado al ocio vacacional. Analizaremos estos factores y expondremos algunos enfoques que pueden ayudarnos en la conversación tanto con clientes de empresa como con los operadores MICE.

El segundo se titula Vender enoturismo a través de canales digitales: Herramientas para empresas y territorios – Los canales clásicos de venta del enoturismo, tanto venta directa como intermediada, se han visto complementados por múltiples herramientas de comercialización efectivas a través de canales digitales. En este nuevo escenario, no solo las empresas pueden actuar, también los territorios de vino tienen mucho que decir para dinamizar la comercialización de las empresas de su territorio.

Alicia nació en el País Vasco y es profesora universitaria en el Master de la OMT (Organización Mundial del Turismo) “Alta gestión de destinos turísticos”, en el área de “Destinos y distribución de productos turísticos”. Es socia de la consultora VINOTURISMO especialista en formación del enoturismo, eriodista de vinos en diferentes medios y autora de la guía anual “Los 100 mejores vinos por menos de €10” Editada por Planeta.

Junto con los ponentes destacados ya anunciados (Sarah Jane Evans Master of Wine, Felicity Carter y Paul Richer), contamos de muchas otras apasionantes sesiones diseñadas para aumentar el desarrollo profesional, generar conocimientos y establecer contactos comerciales que, anunciaremos muy pronto. El programa estará estructurado en cinco grandes ejes temáticos. El Congreso contará con traducción simultánea de inglés a castellano y de castellano a inglés.

Register here to attend IWINETC 2019>> 

The 2019 and 11th edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference will take place in the Basque Country at the Palacio de Congresos Europa, Vitoria-Gasteiz on  the 12th and 13th March 2019. It’s the perfect setting to gain knowledge, improve business connections, network and discover Rioja Alavesa and Txakolí wines and the Basque Country as a grape escape destination.