Category: Articles

Wine in Moderation General Assembly 2024

It was a privilege to represent The Federation Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains des Vins et Spiritueux (FIJEV) at the Wine in Moderation General Assembly this morning. The meeting, which included the participation of other esteemed members and stakeholders, was highly significant and informative.

This insightful session dove into the 2024 Activities Performance, 2025 Provision Action Plan and Growth, among other agenda items.

Let’s continue to raise our glasses responsibly around the world!

If you are not part of the amazing movement, go online and help share the message for a sustainable wine culture: www.wineinmoderation.eu.

Tourism Makes History as 50+ Countries Sign Climate Action Declaration

Over 50 governments signed a UN declaration to make tourism more climate-friendly, in what is hailed as a major achievement of the climate summit in Azerbaijan.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili states:

“For the first time, the Action Agenda of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties has included tourism. The First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism marks a turning point, when ambition meets action, and vision transforms into commitment. At COP29, the global tourism sector made clear its commitment to positive transformation for a better future for our planet.”

“At COP29 we have achieved today an historic milestone by being included in the UN Climate Change Conference Action Agenda for the first time,” U.N. Executive Director for Tourism Zoritsa Urosevic further states.

The countries that signed the declaration on Enhanced Climate Action on Tourism have pledged to recognize the need to address tourism when drafting climate plans, such as their Nationally Determined Contributions. The next update of NDCs, in which governments describe policies to reduce emissions that cause global warming, are due in February.

The declaration was also accompanied by a number of other initiatives, such as a framework presented by hotel industry body World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, aimed at measuring and reporting data such as greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, waste and energy usage across the sector.

“The collated data would help the tourism industry and travellers understand their impact” said CEO Glenn Mandziuk.

“We are an industry that has a vested interest in the protection of each destination,” Mandziuk said on the sidelines of the meeting in Baku. “We have to have a conversation where we can play a bigger role.”

Delta’s Revamped Wine Selection Elevates the In-Flight Experience

As the holiday season approaches, Delta Air Lines has announced an enhanced, carefully curated wine program, along with seasonal meals and gourmet snacks crafted in collaboration with award-winning chefs.

Enhanced Wine Program

Delta’s wine selection is now expanding to feature a range of varietals and flavors from across the globe, developed in partnership with Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. The airline’s commitment to diversity and sustainability in sourcing means each wine reflects the unique identity and craftsmanship of its region, appealing to both casual sippers and wine connoisseurs.

A sampling of this year’s wine program includes:

  • Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec (Argentina): A rich, dark-berry Malbec from a woman-led winery, pairing seamlessly with beef dishes.
  • Barbanera in Bianco (Italy): A unique white Sangiovese with fruit and citrus notes, ideal for seafood and cheeses.
  • Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc (South Africa): An aromatic Chenin Blanc that complements spicy and full-flavored dishes.
  • Hahn Chardonnay (California): An elegant, balanced, vegan-friendly Chardonnay with tropical and oak notes.
  • Albert Bichot Pouilly-Fuissé (France): A lively and aromatic wine, pairing well with buttery seafood and creamy pastas.

Each wine undergoes a meticulous selection process, highlighting the diverse communities within the wine industry. Delta’s Sky Sommelier program, aimed at training flight attendants, further enhances in-flight service by educating staff on varietals, regional attributes, and food pairings, enriching guests’ travel experience.

“Exceptional in-flight meals create memorable travel experiences, whether 35,000 feet above ground or in new destinations,” notes Kristen Manion Taylor, Delta’s SVP of Inflight Service. “Our dedication to quality, diversity, and sustainability ensures each selection aligns with our guests’ expectations of a high-standard culinary journey.”

The 2024 World’s Best Vineyards Announced

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed this year’s top 50 wine destinations for 2024, showcasing wineries that provide unforgettable wine experiences, and promote wine culture. The Top 50 list was recently announced at Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, at an event attended by winemakers and international vineyard owners.

This year, the top spot went to Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, Rioja.  Marqués de Riscal was established in 1858 and is known for its amazing wines but also its iconic architecture.  Visitors can stay in their luxurious hotel designed by Frank Gehry overlooking the vines.

VIK from Chile jumped up one place to 2nd on the list, claiming the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – South America award with its sleek, futuristic design of a reflective titanium roof that mirrors the surrounding landscape, blending harmoniously with the natural beauty of the valley. As well as vineyard tours and wine tastings, visitors can also explore the grounds on horseback.

3rd place was awarded to Creation in South Africa, also named the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – Africa, renowned for crafting gourmet tasting menus that complement its wines perfectly. Creation also offers an educational insight into the winemaking process and vineyard management for wine enthusiasts who wish to delve deeper into the world of wine.

Bodegas Ysios came in 4th place, known for its high-quality Rioja wines and avant-garde architecture, and was also awarded Highest Climber, having climbed 67 places from last year. Visitors can book private vineyard tours with a private driver and sommelier to explore the vineyards and wines in depth.

Schloss Johannisberg, Germany, known as the birthplace of Riesling, with over 1,200 years of winemaking history, came in 5th place. The winery was a former monastery rebuilt as a castle in 1716 and is surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking views of the Rhine River. It offers tours and tastings that provide insight into centuries of winemaking tradition.

Some Key Facts + Figures

Spain had the most vineyards in the top 10 this year with three vineyards in the top 10, two of which are from Rioja. Overall, it had eight vineyards in the top 50.

France and Germany both had two entrants in the top 10 and France also had eight vineyards in the top 50. Half of France’s top vineyards are Champagne houses, including Maison Ruinart (number six), Champagne Bollinger (number 12), Champagne Billecart-Salmon (number 27) and Maison Pommery (number 47).

There were 28 vineyards from Europe in this year’s list, 12 from South America, three from North America, three from Asia, two from Africa, and two from Australasia.

The World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winners also included Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, United States for North America, D’Arenberg in the McLaren Vale wine region of Australia for Australasia and Château Héritage in Lebanon for Asia.

This year, Catena Zapata, World’s Best Vineyard 2023, entered the World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame, which is reserved for vineyards that have topped the winning list in previous years.

Andrew Reed, Managing Director Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed, comments: “We are thrilled to unveil the World’s Best Vineyards 2024, celebrating the finest vineyards across the globe. This annual ranking recognises the unique experiences that these vineyards offer, from stunning landscapes and rich histories to extraordinary restaurants and vineyard tours. The top 50 vineyards exemplify excellence, innovation, and a commitment to quality, guiding wine enthusiasts to explore both hidden gems and renowned estates.”

The full list can be found here:  www.worldsbestvineyards.com

The Institute of Masters of Wine announces seven award winners and welcomes ten new Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) celebrated seven award winners and officially welcomed ten new Masters of Wine (MWs) to its membership this week at a ceremony in Vintners’ Hall, London.

The IMW’s annual awards ceremony celebrates the inauguration of the new MWs and recognises individual excellence in areas of the MW examination. Friends, family and Masters of Wine from around the globe flew into London for the occasion to welcome the new ‘MW vintage’, which includes MWs from six countries across three continents.

Receiving their induction tonight were Neil Bernardi MW (US), Emily Brighton MW (UK), Benjamin Hasko MW (Singapore), Christopher Martin MW (UK), Victoria Mason MW (UK), Robert Mathias MW (UK), Dror Nativ MW (UK), Pietro Russo MW (Italy), Tone Veseth Furuholmen MW (Norway), Wei Xing MW (China).

Each new MW received a framed calligraphic certificate, and a 24K gold Master of Wine pin engraved with their unique membership number.

Following the inauguration the individual awards, introduced into the ceremony in 1979 and sponsored by IMW supporters, included two new accolades this year: The Vintners’ Company award for the top performance in the business of wine paper, and the VSPT Wine Group award for best performance in the contemporary issues paper. Victoria Mason MW and Dror Nativ MW both took home three awards, with Emily Brighton MW receiving one. The 2024 awards and winners in full are:

Quinta do Noval award
For the best research paper by a new MW. Presented by Christian Seely, Managing Director, AXA Millésimes. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW for her paper, An investigation into the enablers and barriers to the adoption and practice of regenerative viticulture in Stellenbosch. All research papers can be accessed at: https://www.mastersofwine.org/research-papers

Taransaud Tonnellerie award
For excellence in the production and handling of the wine paper. Presented by Henri de Pracomtal, Chairman and CEO of Taransaud. Awarded to Emily Brighton MW.

Vintners’ Company award
For the top performance in the business of wine paper. Presented by Ann Hill, Master Vintner, the Vintners’ Company. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.

VSPT Wine Group award
For best performance in the contemporary issues paper. Presented on behalf of VSPT Wine Group by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW Vice-Chair. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

Robert Mondavi Winery award
For the best performance across all the theory papers. Presented by Sara Fogarty, Regional Manager UK, Constellation Brands. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.

IMW outstanding achievement award
Sponsored by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB). For outstanding achievement across all papers. Presented on behalf of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW Vice-Chair. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

Madame Bollinger medal
For outstanding tasting ability. Presented by Justin Liddle, Managing Director, Mentzendorff & Co Ltd. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

In addition to celebrating the new Masters of Wine, the ceremony honoured four members for reaching their 50th year as MWs. John Brown MW, Charles Eve MW, Anthony Foster MW and Bill Gunn MW passed their MW examination in 1974. Coincidentally, John Brown also celebrates his golden wedding anniversary this year, while Anthony’s son was born the day he received his results.

IMW Executive Director Julian Gore-Booth said: “We are delighted to welcome ten new MWs from across three continents, recognise the outstanding work of our award winners and honour our vintage members. This evening’s event celebrates their remarkable dedication, expertise and contribution to the pursuit of wine excellence.

Congratulations to all on your exceptional achievements. We are proud to have you as part of our global community.”