The 35th Budapest Wine Festival, held September 9–12, 2026, demonstrated how successful wine tourism can extend far beyond the traditional cellar-door experience. For four days, the historic terraces and courtyards of Buda Castle became a showcase for Hungarian wine, gastronomy and culture, bringing producers, wine professionals and wine tourists together against one of Budapest’s most […]
Mount Etna has long commanded international attention for its dramatic volcanic landscape and distinctive wines. Now, the Sicilian territory is strengthening another dimension of its identity:wine tourism as a strategic driver of destination development. The inaugural Radici Vulcaniche – Between Lava, Vineyards and Great Wines, held in Randazzo on August 29 and 30, 2026, demonstrated
How Etna Is Turning Volcanic Terroir Into a Global Wine Tourism Brand Read More »
Italy is bringing together two of its great traditions – historic rail travel and wine culture – with new autumn services connecting Milan and Turin to the celebrated wine landscapes of Piedmont. In October and November 2026, Fondazione FS Italiane will operate historic trains from Milan to Alba and Turin to Canelli, providing visitors with
A new partnership between Uber, Frankfurt’s taxi network and leading Rheingau wineries is bringing digitally bookable wine tourism directly to travellers during the 2026 harvest. Wine tourism continues to evolve beyond the traditional tasting-room experience, with transportation, technology and accessibility increasingly becoming part of destination planning. A new initiative in Germany’s Rheingau offers an interesting
Understanding the Demographics and Travel Trends Reshaping Wine Tourism in 2026 By Liz PalmerAward-Winning Wine Journalist | Global Wine Tourism Strategist Global wine tourism has been undergoing a significant transformation. Once largely centred on affluent wine enthusiasts seeking cellar tours and tastings, the sector now attracts a more diverse visitor. Today’s wine traveller increasingly seeks
The New Global Wine Tourist Read More »
From ancient winemaking traditions and UNESCO-recognized heritage to world-class gastronomy and spectacular landscape, these seven destinations belong on the wine travel map in 2026. Wine travel is no longer simply about moving from one tasting room to another. Today’s most memorable journeys combine exceptional wines with gastronomy, cultural heritage, landscapes and authentic connections to the
Beyond the Classics: 7 Wine Regions Shaping Wine Travel in 2026 Read More »
For decades, wine tourism was defined by tasting rooms, cellar doors, and the quality of the wines poured into guests’ glasses. Today, that model is evolving rapidly. The summer of 2026 marks a significant turning point for the global wine tourism industry. While exceptional wines remain the foundation of every successful destination, they are no
I look forward to and am thrilled to participate in ENOWAYS – International Enotourism Summit 2026, at the invitation of Euskadi – Basque Country on November 23–26. As wine tourism continues to evolve into a strategic driver of economic development, destination branding, and cultural preservation, international forums such as ENOWAYS play an increasingly important role
Today, a national press release was distributed across Canada and the United States announcing my appointment as a Judge for the 2026 Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) Awards. I’m honoured to once again serve on the judging panel in the Brand Building discipline, recognizing the campaigns that demonstrate outstanding strategy, creativity, innovation, and measurable business impact.
The global wine tourism industry is entering a new phase of maturity. While exceptional wines, beautiful landscapes, and authentic visitor experiences remain fundamental, they are no longer enough to guarantee long-term success, as previously discussed. Increasingly, the destinations that will lead the next generation of wine tourism are those capable of attracting sustained investment, building
Why Investment Readiness Will Define the Next Era of Wine Tourism Read More »
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