Marcy Gordon of the wine and travel blog, Come for the Wine, spent years exploring the world as a travel writer and marketing professional. In addition to her published travel works, the self-proclaimed reader, writer, eater and traveler, shares her experiences with wine and cultures around the world.

A returning speaker at the 2012 International Wine Tourism Conference in Italy and a member of the Blogger/Media Fam Trip, we asked her about her favorite memories from the conference last year, what advice she has for fellow wine travelers, and what she hopes to learn this year. 

1. Welcome back! Having been a part of the 2011 conference, what are some of your favorite memories from Portugal, and what are you most looking forward to this year?

The entire Portugal trip was exceptional, but the best memory is celebrating my birthday on the Douro with great new friends and a few wonderful old Ports. Plus the folks at Quinta do Pego made me a birthday cake that was amazing and quite a surprise.

2. The 2012 Wine Conference takes place in Perugia, Italy, how do you view Umbria as a wine destination?

Umbria has incredible wine regions that are finally getting the attention they deserve. Also Umbria is a perfect place to discover many regional foods and, of course, the wonderful olive oil.

3. You have spent most of your life on the tourism and travel side of things, how did you get into wine and what is it about wine that excites you most?

My background is in consumer marketing and I worked positioning start-ups including Travelocity and OpenTable. My love of travel and writing led me to work in publishing and I was co-editor of the Authentic Italy guidebook series for the Touring Club of Italy. I started a wine blog three years ago to learn more about wine and share my travel experiences in different wine regions. In my view, wine is the very essence of a place, it’s truly travel in a bottle. The first place I go when I travel somewhere new is the wine areas of the region.

4. Having traveled all over the world and explored many of its wine regions, what advice do you have for fellow traveling wine lovers?

Take the time to linger in the vineyards and really get a feeling for the landscape. It’s what makes each region unique. Also avoid wearing white shirts, dark colors are best when wine tasting and leave room in your bag to bring home wine!

5. Which Italian wines do you hope to see in the Jane Hunt MW Grand Wine Tasting Wines of Italy?

I am a fan of Umbrian Sagrantinos and Merlots, so would be nice to see some of those. Also hope to see some varietals from lesser known regions.

Early bird registration for the 4th International Wine Tourism Conference 2012 is now open! Register here

On Monday evening, January 30th Jane will present an hour and half long tasting on Italian wine within the context of the International Wine Tourism Conference. Her aim is both educate on the myriad styles of Italian wine and its intricate relationship with Italian wine tourism.  As Italy is still an undiscovered jewel for many wine tourists, Jane will do her very best to enlighten us as to the wide range of wines and destinations within Italy.

In July 2011, Jane Hunt completed 34 years working in the UK wine trade. A serendipitous introduction to wine occurred in 1974 when she was employed as an ‘English-speaking’ assistant by Cantine Lungarotti in Torgiano, Umbria in Italy – a role she occupied for some 2 years.  (She lived in Perugia, Italy from January 1973 – April 1976). 

An opportunity to develop a future in the wine trade occurred in July 1977 when she joined the PR Department of John Harvey & Sons Ltd in Bristol giving guided tours of the Harvey’s Wine Museum and tutoring sherry tastings.  During this period, Jane Hunt studied her way through all the WSET examinations from Certificate to Diploma gaining the Madeira Shippers’ Scholarship for 1981.  An internal move to the Wine Department within Harvey’s offered greater opportunities to learn about wine.  The Vintners’ Company Scholarship was awarded to JH in 1981, which permitted three months travel and study in France and Germany. 

In 1982, JH took on a role as retail buyer for Annabel’s Wine Cellars.  This developed into a position as buyer for the group of four André Simon shops in central London.  JH achieved a pass in the Master of Wine examination in 1985. 

Nine months of world travel ensued including a period of employment in Australia with Brown Brothers in Victoria.  JH continued to work for Brown Brothers via their agents in the UK, Walter Siegel & Co. Ltd on her return. 

From 1987 – 1991, JH was employed as Sales & Marketing Director for Paul Boutinot Wines.  This period saw the company though a period of significant growth.  

From 1992 – 1995, JH operated on a ‘freelance’ basis during which time she wrote a monthly column for House and Garden, co-ordinated and lectured wine courses for Leith’s School of Food and Wine, wrote copy for wine lists, leaflets etc. for Sainsbury’s, Bottoms Up and Wine Rack, supplied purchasing strategy plans for Wine Cellar, lectured for Christies Wine Courses, acted as wine guide for Arblaster and Clarke Wine Tours – amongst many other activities. 

In 1995 JH set up and ran ‘Wines of South Africa’, the inaugural UK based generic promotional body for South African wines after the historic transition of power to the ANC and the subsequent election of Nelson Mandela to President. Her assistant during this time, Tina Coady, is now her business partner in Hunt & Coady. 

During a two-year career break 1999 – 2001 she completed a Higher National Diploma in Horticulture and Crop Technology. 

Since 2001, she operates ‘Hunt & Coady Ltd’ in a 50/50 arrangement with her business partner, Tina Coady, where activities are concentrated on organising wine trade tastings and events.  H & C has worked variously with Chile, Argentina, France and Italy (Alto Adige Wine Promotion & Gambero Rosso) in this respect in recent years and continues to work in greater measure with Italy and Argentina at present.  In 2010, H & C worked for the first time with Slovenia. 

H & C own and run the annual ‘Definitive Italian Wine Tasting’ (13^th year in 2011) and ‘France Under One Roof’ (10^th year in 2011) tastings in London. 

JH is a Regional Chairman for Italy (Tuscany Panel) for the Decanter World Wine Awards and, when time permits, escorts wine tours to Italy for Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours.

In July we caught up with Jane at her home in Umbria and we interviewed her on the topic of becoming a Master Of Wine

La Conferenza Internazionale sul Turismo del Vino e Workshop 2012 si terrà nella città di Perugia (Umbria, Italy) dal 30 gennaio al 2 febbraio 2012. L’evento sarà caratterizzato di nuovo da tre giorni di conferenza in cui ci saranno più di 40 relatori ed un giorno di work-shop per gli agenti di settore prima di partire alla scoperta della Campania, Marche, Toscana e Umbria. 

Programma della Conferenza 

La Conferenza Internazionale Turismo del Vino è stata ed è ancora il primo evento mondiale dedicato al settore del vino e dei viaggi, offrendo un luogo  ai professionisti del vino, della gastronomia e dei viaggi da tutto il mondo, dove incontrarsi di persona e affrontare apertamente il vino di oggi e le opportunità di viaggio. E’ anche l’unico evento che ha una piattaforma per comprare e vendere vino, prodotti del turismo gastronomico e servizi correlati – il Workshop sul Turismo del Vino.

Organizzato da WIne Pleasures, l’evento di quest’anno sarà composta da cinque sessioni plenarie sulla questione del turismo del vino, così come da più di 40 relazioni mirate a generare e nutrire discussioni pratiche su una vasta gamma di aspetti legati al vino e al turismo gastronomico. Gli esperti di social media dimostreranno anche workshop pratici, che si concentreranno su come avere un business nel turismo del vino ben connesso  ai social media network.

La conferenza di tre giorni è strutturata in modo da favorire l’acquisizione di abilità e di informazioni, lo scambio di competenze ed esperienze, e in modo da promuovere le opportunità di networking. Ogni giornata prevede un “dopo Convegno” con un programma composto da degustazioni di vini e, la sera, i delegati avranno la possibilità di bere e mangiare nella città di Perugia e nei suoi dintorni. I delegati possono anche partecipare a tutti i programmi dei tour Pre e Post – Conferenza costituiti da visite a cantine di Orvieto, Montefalco e Torgiano per scoprire il ricco patrimonio enologico dell’Umbria

Il workshop di un giorno sul turismo del vino è per tour operator internazionali e agenzie di viaggio, perché possano avere incontri privati con  fornitori di turismo del vino di esperienza provenienti da tutto il mondo. Gli agenti che parteciperanno completeranno il loro soggiorno con una dei tre “fam trip” tra cui scegliere: Marche, Toscana o Umbria. 

Dal 28 gennaio al 5 febbraio metteremo di nuovo  a disposizione un pacchetto di 8 giorni di viaggio per i  Blogger / Media Fam, che comprende visite alle cantine in Umbria e Campania.

Note per i Media 

Sulla Conferenza Internazionale sul turismo del vino e il workshop

Fondata nel 2009 e tenuta annualmente, la Conferenza Internazionale Turismo del Vino e Workshop è organizzato da Wine Pleasures, una società che offre servizi per l’industria del vino e dei viaggi. L’annuale IWINETC riunisce i professionisti del vino e di viaggi di tutto il mondo per discutere, riflettere e sviluppare idee. Il programma della conferenza offre molte opportunità di contatto professionale e di sviluppo

La conferenza di quest’anno a Porto (Portogallo) ha attirato circa 250 partecipanti provenienti da più di 40 paesi. Tour operator, agenti di viaggio, aziende vinicole, ristoranti, alberghi, agenzie e uffici del turismo, amministrazioni pubbliche, agenzie di in-coming, musei, giornalisti, blogger e fornitori di servizi complementari sono stati tutti ben rappresentati nella manifestazione. 

La quota delegato per le prenotazioni anticipate per il IWINETC 2012 è di €195. Maggiori informazioni su quanto accadrà disponibili su:IWINETC 2012 

Sponsors 

Lo sponsor principale del IWINETC 2012 è il Movimento Turismo del Vino. Altri sponsor saranno l’Hotel Giò, Comune di Perugia Turismo, Regione Umbria e molte cantine, alberghi e ristoranti.

Le aziende o le organizzazioni interessate a sostenere la Conferenza Internazionale Turismo del Vino 2012 e l’ Workshop possono contattare gli organizzatori all’indirizzo:  info@winepleasures.com o consultare la pagina sponsorship opportunities

The 2012 International Wine Tourism Conference & Workshop (IWINETC) will be held in Perugia (Umbria, Italy) from January 30 – February 02, 2012. Next year’s event will again feature a three-day conference programme with over 40 talks, a one-day workshop for agents and pre-and post tours to wineries in Campania, Marchè, Tuscany and Umbria. 

IWINETC Programme  

The International Wine Tourism Conference is the first ever global event dedicated to the wine and travel sector, providing a place for wine, culinary and travel professionals from the around the world to meet face to face and openly address today’s wine and travel opportunities. It is also the only event which has a platform to buy and sell wine and culinary tourism related products and services – the Wine Tourism Workshop. 

Organised by Wine Pleasures, this year’s event will consist of five plenary sessions addressing key areas on wine tourism , as well as over 40 talks to generate and nurture practical discussion about a wide range of aspects related to wine and culinary tourism. Social Media experts will also host hands-on workshops, which will focus on getting wine tourism businesses better connected on the social media networks. 

The three-day conference is structured to encourage the acquisition of skills and information, the exchange of expertise and experience, and to foster networking opportunities. Each day includes an “After Conference” schedule consisting of wine tastings and in the evening, delegates have the chance to wine and dine in and around Perugia. Delegates can also participate in Pre-Conference and Post Conference tour programmes consisting of visits to wineries in Orvieto, Montefalco and Torgiano to discover Umbria’s rich oenological heritage. 

The one-day Wine Tourism Workshop is for international tour operators and travel agents to hold private meeting with wine tourism experience providers from around the world. Participating agents will complement their stay with one of three Fam Trips to choose from: Marchè, Tuscany or Umbria. 

From January 28^th  – February 5^thwe will again feature a packed 8 day Blogger/Media Fam Trip which will include visits to wineries in Umbria and Campania. 

Notes for Media 

About the International Wine Tourism Conference and Workshop 

Founded in 2009 and held annually, the International Wine Tourism Conference and Workshop is organised by Wine Pleasures, a company which offers services to the wine and travel industry. The annual IWINETC brings together wine and travel professionals from around the world to discuss, reflect and develop ideas. The conference programme offers many opportunities for professional contact and development..  

This year’s conference in Porto (Portugal) attracted some 250 participants from more than 40 countries. Tour operators, travel agents, wineries, restaurants, hotels, tourists boards and offices, public administrations, in-coming, museums, journalists, bloggers and complementary service providers were all well represented in the event.  

Early bird Delegate fees for IWINETC 2012 are €195. Full details about everything happening at IWINETC 2012 

Sponsors 

The IWINETC 2012 premium sponsor is the Movimento Turismo del Vino. The Hotel Gio, Comune di Perugia Turismo, Regione Umbria and many wineries, hotels and restaurants are also providing sponsorship. 

Companies or organisations interested in supporting the 2012 International Wine Tourism Conference and Workshop should contact the organisers at: info@winepleasures.com or visit IWINETC sponsorship opportunities.

Further info 

Anthony Swift
info@winepleasures.com
T. 0034 93 897 70 48
Skype: winepleasures

 

The 4^th Annual International Wine Tourism Conference & Workshop 2012 Italy jointly organized by Wine Pleasures and the Movimento Turismo del Vino, with the support of several public and private entities is a professional get together of a large number of wine and travel professionals from around the world to share, discuss, reflect on and develop their ideas and at the same time foster wine tourism worldwide. Dates are 30^th Jan – 2^nd Feb. The event will be held in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Perugia located in Italy’s green heart – Umbria. The Wine & Jazz themed Hotel Giò will be the venue for the Conference talk prog.

The conference format will include themed sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions and special interest symposiums. The conference programme will also provide excellent networking opportunities as well as a chance for wine and travel professionals to get acquainted with the latest in wine, food, travel and services at a large resources exhibition.

Call for Papers

If you would like to submit a talk to be included in the Conference programme please complete the Speaker Proposal Form. Deadline to receive proposals is 30 September 2011.

Early Bird Delegate Registration Open

As every year, the conference will provide superb education, socializing, relaxation, fun and loads of wine to taste. We are looking forward to seeing you all again. Registration is now open and we strongly recommend that the delegates register early and take advantage of the early bird registration – offer ends 30th June!. To register please complete a Registration Form.

Wine Tourism Workshop

The Workshop is a unique event which enables wine tourism experience providers to meet international tour operators and travel agents specialized in wine and culinary tourism in a business meeting format. Providers and Agentsvalue the workshop as it is the only international event which specializes in the buying and selling of wine tourism products in a one stop cost effective setting.

 

Adeus Portugal! Ciao Italia! from Wine Pleasures on Vimeo.

The 2012 International Wine Tourism Conference and Workshop will be held in Perugia, Umbria, Italy…

The 2011 International Wine Tourism Conference was held in the delighful Pousada do Porto, Palacio do Freixo and for 2012 we have decided to hold the 4th International Wine Tourism Conference  Conference  in a modern hotel complex with wine and jazz themes throughout and also housing the Perugia Centro Congressi. Dates to note are 28 Jan – 2 Feb 2012.

The Perugia Centro Congressi and Hotel Giò Wine and Jazz Area is one single building close to the historic centre taking 15 -25 mins walk (uphill!), 800 mt far away from the railway station and 200 mt from the minimetrò station.

The Perugia Centro Congressi houses a large Auditorium ideal for the plenary sessions and the evening wine tastings. Interestingly, each conference room we will be using for the talks, exhibition and workshop is dedicated to Jazz, with all rooms called after famous jazz players,.

Jazz music themes can also be found in the Hall – old pianos converted to  become comfortable sofas. The Jazz Arcade is ruled by a big piano keyboard and by musical video clips from all over the world. You can even listen to a bit of jazz in reception rather like you do in a music shop

The 2012 International Wine Tourism Conference already has a Premium sponsr which is the Movimento Turismo del Vino and they will be helping us enourmously to make your Umbrian and Italian experience a memorable one.

The conference format will include themed sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions and special interest symposiums. The conference programme will also provide excellent networking opportunities as well as a chance for wine and travel professionals to get acquainted with the latest in wine, food, travel and services at a large resources exhibition.

Call for Papers

If you would like to submit a talk to be included in the Conference programme please complete the Speaker Proposal Form. Deadline to receive proposals is 30 September 2011.

Early Bird Delegate Registration Open

As every year, the conference will provide superb education, socializing, relaxation, fun and loads of wine to taste. We are looking forward to seeing you all again. Registration is now open and we strongly recommend that the delegates register early and take advantage of the screaming deal early bird registration. To register please complete a Registration Form.

Wine Tourism Workshop

The Workshop is a unique event which enables wine tourism experience providers to meet international tour operators and travel agents specialized in wine and culinary tourism in a business meeting format. Providers and Agents value the workshop as it is the only international event which specializes in the buying and selling of wine tourism products in a one stop cost effective setting.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Companies and organisations are invited to support the Wine Tourism Conference and Workshop through one of the many sponsorship opportunities available. Some sponsorship opportunities have already been agreed but there are still some opportunities available.

Blogger Fam Trip

With the successful integration of a Blogger Fam Trip in 2011, we are pleased to announce we have a limited number of places available for 2012. Blogger Fam Trip Info.

Agent Fam Trip

As always we will be offering Fam Trips for Tour operators and travel agents attending the Wine Tourism Workshop to include visits in Abruzzo, Campania, Marche, Tuscany & Umbria.

Pre-Conference Programme & Social Programme

Pre-conference visits to wineries and a packed social programme will also be available to add to a memorable stay in Umbria.

To end with, a photo of a standard bedroom where you may well be resting your heads after a long day with loads of wine and great food!

The 3^rd International Wine Tourism Conference and Workshop closed last week, following a great week of, business, meetings, networking, talks, winery visits and wine tastings.

This year’s edition attracted 173 delegates from over 30 countries. New countries to have representation included Argentina,Austria, Brazil, Croatia, Latvia, India and South Africa, The number of tour operators and travel agents specialized in wine and culinary tourism was 45 reflecting a 30% increase on last year and total attendance including bloggers, exhibitors, speakers, traditional media, wine experience providers reached 326, a 46% increase on 2010 event held in Spain (unaudited figures). 40 talks were delivered over the 3 days of the conference. Hosted Travel Tour Operators and travel agents at the workshop undertook more than 810 Pre scheduled appointments, 66% increase on 2010 (subject to final confirmation). 12 businesses participated as exhibitors which is 100% increase on 2010.

Pre and post tours for bloggers, delegates and hosted buyers took place in a week that saw some fine sunny and mild weather in regions visited such as the Minho and Douro.

Many new features were launched at this year’s event to include a Grand wine tasting of Portuguese wines, hosted by Charles Metcalfe, Social Media Clinic for wine and tourism related businesses, a blogger/media trip, wines and tastings from Italy, Portugal, Spain, Texas and Turkey and Chefs from the same countries preparing traditional dishes for delegates. Anyone who didn’t attend can view eight days worth of event news on the Wine Pleasures site and on the Facebook page and will be able to see view the Speaker’s notes and presentations as well at a later date. Twitter hashtag for the event was #iwinetc. iPhone fans were also able to install an application for the event which delegates found useful – WTC 2011

Also new was the auction of the programme cover painting done by Gabriela Gonçalves. Victor Marques of Douro based Vitoria Koi was the highest bidder at 250 Euros and this will be donated to Novo Futuro, Lisboa who care for homeless children.

Other highlights included over Olive oil tasting (Tras Os Montes), port and wine matching (Sogevinus), the Great Spanish Wine Quiz evening (hosted by Celebrity Wine Review TV and wines provided by Ferré I Catsús) and dinners in venues around Porto and Gaia.

We would like to recognise Taylor’s Port and The Yeatman Hotel for being our premium sponsors and Sogrape Vinhos for their silver sponsorship and to all of the 30 + sponsors who have help 2011 Portugal prove to be a huge success. Also to our local DMC company (DOC-DMC) for their hard work.

The 4thInternational Wine Tourism Conference and Workshop will take place 30 January – 2 February 2012 in Perugia, Umbria, Italy. Our Premium sponsor is the Movimento Turismo del Vino.