Category: Articles

Canadian-British Wine Journalist Liz Palmer Wins Prestigious 2025 Iter Vitis & Council of Europe Award for Communication

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2025 /CNW/ – Canadian-British wine journalist, award-winning author, and global influencer Liz Palmer has been honoured with the Best Wine Tourism Communication Award at the internationally recognized Iter Vitis Awards, part of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme.

The ITER VITIS Conference, held last week in Thessaloniki, Greece, brought together leading global experts, institutions, and regional representatives to explore how wine tourism can drive sustainable, inclusive, and innovative growth across Europe.

Under the theme “Cultural Vine Tourism in Action: Iter Vitis Best Practices for a Greener, Inclusive, and Innovative Future,” the event celebrated the achievements of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme and reaffirmed ITER VITIS’s mission to connect heritage, culture, and sustainability through the language of wine.

The 2025 ITER VITIS Awards Ceremony followed the conference, which honours outstanding achievements in wine tourism, sustainability, innovation and heritage preservation.

The award was presented to Liz Palmer at the Awards Ceremony on October 18, 2025, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Liz Palmer was among 17 international laureates recognized for advancing the preservation of vine and wine heritage and promoting sustainable wine tourism aligned with the Council of Europe’s democratic and cultural values.

Other 2025 laureates included:

  • Best Wine Museum: Hameau Duboeuf, France
  • Best Wine Tourism Event: L’Aperitif du Patrimoine, France
  • Special Award for Safeguarding Ancient Grapes: Dario Gaspar, Croatia
  • Best Sustainable Wine Tourism Destination: Huelva, Spain
  • Best Wine Route: Strada del Vino Marsala, Italy – For revitalizing a historic wine region through coordinated governance, storytelling, and quality standards
  • Best Cooperation Project – International Route of Vermut (Italy / France/ Spain) – For promoting cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange through a shared Mediterranean tradition… and more, celebrating innovation, heritage, and community across global wine regions.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award from such a respected international organization,” says Liz Palmer. “Promoting the cultural, historical, and sustainable aspects of wine tourism is central to my work, and it is gratifying to see these values recognized on a global stage.”

www.liz-palmer.com

About Liz Palmer

Liz Palmer is a globally recognized wine authority, award-winning author, and influential journalist, shaping the narrative of wine and spirits since 2004. A seasoned judge and digital marketing expert, she blends expertise with innovation to elevate wine tourism and brand storytelling worldwide.

Named among the Top Global Wine Influencers of 2025 and ranked in the Top 20 Social Media Influencers in wine and spirits, Palmer also sits within the Top 1% of LinkedIn’s Industry SSI. Her accolades include the ITER VITIS Award for Best Communication Tool (2025), Dame Chevalier of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, and Keynote Speaker at the UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism (2024). She serves as Vice President of FIJEV and has judged the World’s Best Vineyards and Canadian Marketing Awards.

Palmer is also the author of the acclaimed The Ultimate Guide to Champagne and has contributed to international wine media for over two decades. She has served as a keynote speaker at global wine tourism conferences, judged international competitions, and actively promotes sustainable wine tourism worldwide. Her work bridges the gap between wine culture, heritage preservation, and the modern digital media landscape.

About Iter Vitis

The Iter Vitis Cultural Route, part of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme, connects and promotes wine regions across Europe with deep historical and cultural significance. It fosters cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism through collaborative initiatives. Since 2018, the Iter Vitis Awards have recognized public and private entities for outstanding contributions to preserving vine and wine heritage.

Website: https://itervitis.eu

SOURCE Liz Palmer Media Group Inc.
Media Contact: liz@liz-palmer.com

Liz Palmer – Wine Journalist receives the 2025 ITER VITIS + The Council of Europe Award for Communication

“I am thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the 2025 ITER VITIS Award for Communication, recognizing my global advocacy in promoting wine culture, education, and responsible tourism.”

The award was presented a few days ago at the ITER VITIS Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.  This inspiring event brought together international experts and institutions to explore how wine tourism can drive a greener, more inclusive, and innovative future across Europe.

My heartfelt “Thank You” to ITER VITIS – Cultural Routes of the Vine and Wine, the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme, and to all those working to preserve and celebrate the cultural, historical, and sustainable heritage of wine.

This recognition reinforces my lifelong commitment to advancing the dialogue between wine, culture, and sustainability – connecting people and places through the shared language of the vine.

Stay tuned for a full press release!

Liz Palmer
Thessaloniki, Greece

Dimora Cottanera: A Sicilian Escape in the Heart of Etna’s Vineyards

Perched on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Dimora Cottanera is more than a wine resort; it’s an unforgettable escape that breathes in the rhythms of the volcano, vineyard-lined horizons, and refined Sicilian hospitality. My one-night stay revealed an intimate side of this property, where elegance meets serenity.

A Sense of Place
Dimora Cottanera is a restored country estate that exudes quiet sophistication. Its design blends rustic charm: stone walls, exposed wooden beams, and historic character, with curated modern touches that feel effortless. Each room is unique, yet all share a common gift: views that frame the living landscape of Etna, with vines stretching to the horizon and the volcano’s majestic silhouette ever-present.

Outside, the gardens set the tone for slow exploration. Lavender drifts through the air, citrus groves nod to Sicily’s agricultural heart, and hidden corners invite quiet reflection. At the center of it all lies the infinity pool, a tranquil, infinity-style basin that seems to melt into the surrounding vineyards. It’s the kind of place where time surrenders, and lingering with a glass of wine feels like the only sensible agenda.

Poolside Indulgence
Lunch by the pool was an elegant yet relaxed affair. Seasonal produce, local cheeses, and delicately prepared dishes echoed the freshness of the estate, paired effortlessly with a crisp glass of Cottanera Etna Bianco. Lunch here isn’t about ceremony; it’s about savouring the simplicity of Sicilian flavours against a backdrop of rippling water, views of Mount Etna, soft mountain breezes, and vineyards glowing under the midday sun.

It was a moment of understated luxury: no rush, no excess, just pure enjoyment in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.

Sunset Dining in the Winter Garden Restaurant
As the day shifted, so did the mood. When the sun began to set, the Winter Garden Restaurant revealed its magic. Inside, the atmosphere glowed with warmth, stone walls bathed in soft lamplight, rustic beams overhead, and candles casting an intimate glow.

Dinner was a journey through Sicily’s culinary heritage, elevated with refinement: handmade pasta flecked with truffles, tender lamb infused with local herbs, and citrus-forward desserts that spoke to the island’s zest for life. Each course was paired perfectly with Cottanera wines, their elegance deepening as the night lingered.

The true luxury lay in the moment itself, glasses catching candlelight, flavours in harmony with the land, and just beyond the windows, Etna silhouetted against the evening sky.

A Sicilian Escape to Remember
Dimora Cottanera is more than a place to stay; it’s a destination that embodies the essence of luxury travel. Here, indulgence is subtle, rooted in authenticity, and framed by the raw beauty of nature. Whether it’s a leisurely poolside lunch, a candlelit dinner in the Winter Garden Restaurant, or simply watching the play of light across the vineyards, every experience feels curated yet natural.

Why Go:
For an intimate Sicilian escape where luxury is defined by authenticity, vineyards, volcanic views, and timeless hospitality.

Best For:
Wine lovers, design-conscious travelers, and couples seeking a romantic retreat framed by nature.

Highlights:
• Infinity pool overlooking Etna’s vineyards
• Gardens scented with lavender, exotic flowers, and citrus groves
• Seasonal, locally inspired dining experiences
• Cozy Winter Garden Restaurant with fireplaces and candlelight—perfect for sunset views
• Exceptional pairings with Cottanera’s acclaimed Etna wines

Insider Tips:
Book a room facing the volcano for sunrise views that rival the sunsets. A glass of Etna Rosso in hand makes the moment unforgettable.

Reflections
My brief stay at Dimora Cottanera was a reminder of why Sicily has become such a beacon for wine tourism. It’s not only about the wines, though they are expressive and elegant; it’s about how a place can embody the soul of its land. From poolside lunches to sunset dinners, every detail was designed to immerse guests in the spirit of Etna.

Dimora Cottanera offers more than hospitality; it offers a dialogue with the land. And in that dialogue, over a glass of wine and a view of the volcano, one finds both comfort and wonder.

OIV reveals growing role of re-export hubs in global wine trade

A new report from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) shows how re-exportation has become a structural force in the global wine market, shaping trade flows and value creation across continents.

Re-exportation reshaping global wine trade

The OIV’s latest Statistical Thematic Focus 2025, titled “The Global Trade in Wine: Role and Relevance of Re-exportation Hubs”, offers the first comprehensive estimate of global wine re-exports. It finds that re-exportation now represents a key driver in how wines reach new markets and consumers.

What is wine re-exportation?

Traditional wine-producing and exporting countries are typically located around the 40th parallel in both hemispheres. However, some nations export substantial quantities of wine despite producing little to none. This suggests that their wine exports originate from previously imported wine – a practice known as re-exporting.

According to the OECD glossary of statistical terms, “re-exports consist of foreign goods exported in the same state as previously imported, from the free circulation area, premises for inward processing or industrial free zones, directly to the rest of the world and from premises for customs warehousing or commercial free zones, to the rest of the world.”

Between 2018 and 2023, re-exports accounted for around 13% of total wine exports – equivalent to 14 million hectolitres valued at €4.6 billion. The report highlights how this activity supports market access and value creation beyond production, through logistics, bottling, storage and redistribution.

According to the OIV, the global wine trade now represents 47% of world consumption. Traditional European trading centres such as the United Kingdom continue to serve as major redistribution platforms, while new high-value gateways like Singapore have emerged in Asia. The report also points to Canada and Angola as rising regional connectors that are helping to diversify global trade routes.

“Re-exportation reveals the real geography of wine flows,” the OIV notes, “distinguishing between where wines are produced, traded and consumed.”

Global exports show steady long-term growth

Wine exports have grown steadily over the past two decades, with the share of exported wine in total global consumption rising from 5% in 1960 to nearly half by 2024. Since 2000, exports have increased by 4% per year in value, though volume growth has slowed to 2%.

In 2024, non-sparkling bottled wines made up two-thirds of total export value (€24 billion) and just over half of global export volume. Sparkling wines, which account for only 11% of volume, contributed almost a quarter of total value, reflecting their higher average prices. Bulk wines comprised nearly one-third of export volume but only 7% of total value.

Sparkling wines have shown the fastest growth since 2017, with value up 4.8% per year and volume up 3%. Non-sparkling bottled wines have shifted towards premiumisation, with value increasing 3.8% per year between 2009 and 2024 despite flat volumes.

The top three exporters – Italy, Spain and France – together represent 55% of global export volume. The ten largest exporting countries account for 85% of exports, underlining the sector’s high concentration.

A more complex, interconnected market

The OIV concludes that re-exportation has become a “structural element” of the global wine economy, shaping not only how wine moves but how it creates value. As trade routes evolve and new hubs emerge, understanding these flows will be critical for anticipating demand, improving transparency and strengthening market resilience.

The full report, “The Global Trade in Wine: Role and Relevance of Re-exportation Hubs”, is available on the OIV website: www.oiv.int.

Sources: OIV and The Drinks Business

Global Wine Tourism Report 2025: A Comprehensive Analysis of Emerging Trends, Economic Impact, and Sustainability in the Global Wine Tourism Sector

The recently published Global Wine Tourism Report 2025 marks a significant milestone for the international wine and tourism industries. Conducted by Hochschule Geisenheim University in collaboration with UN Tourism, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWC), and WineTourism.com, this comprehensive study draws on data from 1,310 wineries across 47 countries, providing the most extensive global analysis of wine tourism to date.

According to Professor Gergely Szolnoki, who led the research, the report offers a global perspective on current market conditions, consumer behaviour, and strategic innovation, helping the sector better understand the evolving expectations of wine tourists worldwide.

Over the past decade, wine tourism has become an increasingly dynamic force in the global economy. When effectively managed, it not only drives rural and regional development but also safeguards cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Despite its rapid growth, the industry has long lacked robust international data, an information gap this report aims to fill through a systematic, evidence-based annual survey.

Key Findings reveal several structural and behavioural trends shaping the future of wine tourism:

Economic Contribution: Wine tourism continues to serve as a critical economic driver, generating significant revenue and employment in local and rural economies.

Profitability: Two out of three wineries report profitability from tourism, accounting for nearly 25% of total revenue.

Sustainability: Environmental and social sustainability are increasingly central to winery strategies, with two-thirds rating them as “important” or “very important.”

Regional Disparities: Europe reports rising visitor numbers, while several overseas regions experience declines, illustrating uneven recovery patterns.

Engagement: One in four wineries which have not yet engaged in wine tourism has already decided to enter the field, and half are considering doing so in the near future.

Demographics: The 45–65 age group remains dominant; however, millennials and younger travellers (25–44) represent a rapidly expanding segment, drawn to experiences combining education, gastronomy, and sustainability.

Challenges: Economic pressures, falling wine consumption, regulations, labour shortages, and digitalization demand adaptive responses.

Core Activities: Tastings, cellar visits, and vineyard tours continue to form the backbone, offering authentic experiences and personal connections.

Trends: Growing demand for authentic, local, culinary, eco-friendly, and nature-based offers, reinforced by strong digital engagement.

Strategies: Innovation is driven by storytelling, social media, food pairings, local partnerships, education, and cultural events.

Innovation & Investment: Wine tourism is widely regarded as essential for competitiveness, although actual investment levels vary.

Outlook: Half of wineries plan further investment, most anticipate growth, and nearly two-thirds see wine tourism as a resilience tool.

The Global Wine Tourism Report 2025 establishes a unique international benchmark, reaffirming wine tourism’s role as a vital catalyst for economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development within the global wine landscape.

The Full report and executive summary are available at:
👉 www.hsgeisenheim.de/gwtreport