Category: Wine Economics

Temecula Valley Reports Historic Growth in Tourism: 3.4 Million Visitors and $1.1 Billion Economic Impact in 2024

Visit Temecula Valley released its 2024 Economic Impact of Travel report this week, revealing substantial growth in tourism-related activity for the region. According to data compiled by Dean Runyan Associates, the region welcomed a record-setting 3.4 million visitors, a 2.1% increase over 2023 and an 8.7% increase from pre-pandemic 2019 levels. The report underscores the expanding role of tourism in the local economy, with visitor-related spending generating $1.1 billion in economic output. Key metrics analyzed include visitation, expenditures, employment, labour income, and tax revenue, all of which reflect sustained post-pandemic recovery and economic resilience.

“While the broader tourism landscape faced challenges, Temecula Valley proudly surpassed all previous visitor number records, demonstrating exceptional growth,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “This achievement is a direct reflection of our tourism partners’ unwavering commitment to elevating Temecula Valley as a premium tourism destination and expanding our appeal to visitors from California, the wider U.S., and increasingly, the world.”

Temecula Valley, also known as Southern California Wine Country, benefits from a strategic geographical advantage. Situated approximately equidistant from Los Angeles and San Diego, the region boasts a substantial drive market, with nearly 23 million residents residing within a two-hour radius.”

It is a popular Southern California destination that includes Temecula Valley Wine Country, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. For further information: http://www.visittemeculavalley.com.

Yinchuan’s Ascent: China’s Emerging Global Wine Capital at the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountains

The Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, held in conjunction with the 32nd Concours Mondial de Bruxelles from June 9 to 12, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for China’s rapidly evolving wine industry. Hosted in Yinchuan, the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, this convergence of a prestigious international wine competition and a major wine tourism event underscored the city’s strategic ambition to establish itself as a world-class wine capital.

In recent years, Yinchuan has implemented a bold development strategy centred on viticultural excellence, ecological stewardship, and global engagement. The region now features China’s most concentrated wine-producing corridor, with more than 273,000 mu (approximately 18,200 hectares) of vineyards and a thriving network of 155 wineries and grape-growing organizations.

In 2024, Yinchuan’s annual wine production reached 75 million bottles, representing approximately 26.8% of the country’s total estate wine output. Notably, 19 locally produced wines have been selected as national gifts and exported to over 40 countries and regions, further enhancing the region’s international profile.

The transformation of the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, from barren sands to flourishing vineyards, has been driven by a comprehensive model of ecological revitalization. Yinchuan’s integrated strategy aligns wine production with the conservation of mountains, forests, wetlands, and grasslands, demonstrating how terroir expression and sustainability can coexist. Guided by the principle of “ecology + industry,” this approach has successfully blended environmental restoration with the growth of cultural tourism and wine-based experiences.

Today, precision viticulture, meticulous vineyard management, and the use of advanced winemaking technologies characterize the region’s production practices. These efforts are supported by state-level classifications and the recognition of 53 enterprises with certified geographical indications, further solidifying the region’s credibility and distinct identity.

As the driving force behind Ningxia’s wine industry, Yinchuan is cultivating both prestige and performance. In 2024, the city’s wine sector generated an output value of 36 billion yuan (approximately $5.02 billion USD), affirming its emergence as a rising powerhouse in the global wine arena.

SOURCE: Xinhua Silk Road

Il Borro by Ferragamo: Where Tuscan Heritage Meets Wine, Art, and Eco-Luxury

Set against the rolling hills of Tuscany’s Valdarno di Sopra, Il Borro is a compelling fusion of history, environmental stewardship, and refined hospitality.

This historic estate, transformed over the past three decades by Ferruccio Ferragamo and his family, has become a benchmark in organic viticulture and upscale enotourism. With a rich medieval past, a diverse wine portfolio, and a world-class resort, Il Borro epitomizes the evolution of wine estates into holistic destinations for both connoisseurs and travellers.

A Historic Estate Reimagined

The roots of Il Borro date back to the 12th century, when the property served as a strategic stronghold during regional conflicts. Over the centuries, it passed through several noble families before being acquired in the 1990s by Ferruccio Ferragamo, chairman of the renowned Ferragamo fashion house. His vision was twofold: to preserve the estate’s architectural and cultural integrity, and to introduce forward-thinking, sustainable agricultural practices.
Today, the restored medieval hamlet is a living monument, featuring cobblestone streets, frescoed chapels, and artisanal workshops. It is also the cornerstone of the estate’s philosophy, where the past is not only preserved but elevated through innovation.

Organic Farming and a Commitment to Sustainability

Covering roughly 1,100 hectares, Il Borro includes 85 hectares of certified-organic vineyards, olive groves, and protected woodland. Since 2015, the estate’s agricultural operations have adhered strictly to organic protocols, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity.

The Ferragamo family’s approach emphasizes ecological balance, from cover cropping and composting to solar energy integration and careful water management. The vineyards are managed to ensure soil health and long-term sustainability, while the winery uses low-intervention techniques to reflect the authentic character of the land.

The Wine Portfolio: Heritage Meets Expression

Il Borro’s wine production includes both indigenous and international grape varieties, including Sangiovese are cultivated alongside Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, resulting in a portfolio that is elegant, expressive, and rooted in terroir. Their portfolio includes 12 labels, with 10 certified organic, showcasing the estate’s dedication to quality and sustainability.

Il Borro Flagship Wines Include:

Il Borro Toscana IGT
A refined red blend with Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon; structured and age-worthy. This wine is also known for its depth and elegance.

Polissena
A pure Sangiovese offering vivid acidity, minerality, and typicity.

Pian di Nova
A blend of Syrah and Sangiovese, known for its vibrancy and spicy profile.

Lamelle
A crisp Chardonnay representing the estate’s fresh, mineral-driven whites.

Bolle di Borro
A méthode traditionnelle rosé sparkling wine, made from 100% Sangiovese.

In addition to its core vineyards, Il Borro expanded its winemaking portfolio with the acquisition of Tenuta Pinino in Montalcino, where it now produces esteemed Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines.

Wine Review
Il Borro Toscana IGT 2020

Bright ruby colour with some purple nuances. Dark and spicy nose of tobacco, dark plum, and some balsamic. On the palate full and complex with some chocolate, plum and herbs. Fine tannins that are well integrated powerful and long finish. Delightful !

95 Points
Liz Palmer

Il Borro Is A Destination for Wine, Wellness, and Culture

Il Borro is not only a working estate, but also a member of Relais & Châteaux. Its hospitality offerings include suites and private villas, artfully restored within the estate’s original medieval structures. Guests are immersed in Tuscan authenticity while enjoying contemporary comforts and bespoke experiences.

Some Highlights of the Il Borro Resort:

Wine Tastings and Tours
You can explore centuries-old cellars and taste the full range of Il Borro’s wines guided by expert sommeliers.

Osteria del Borro
A gastronomic journey through regional cuisine, led by Chef Andrea Campani, who focuses on estate-grown, seasonal ingredients.

Spa and Wellness Center
Offers holistic treatments, yoga, and nature walks amidst vineyards and cypress groves.

Art and Education
There are onsite galleries showcasing works inspired by wine culture, and workshops connect guests with Tuscan craftsmanship.

Il Borro Website: www.ilborro.it

Rioja Wine Tourism Surges to €197 Million in 2024

Spain’s most important wine region, DOCa Rioja, witnessed unprecedented growth in wine tourism, setting new records in both visitor numbers and economic impact. According to the annual Wine Tourism Monitor presented by the Regulatory Council of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, prepared in collaboration with Dinamiza Asesores, presented May 27 2025, the sector generated nearly €200 million, marking a pivotal moment in Rioja’s evolution as a global wine tourism destination.

The Results

In 2024, a total of 912,438 people visited one of the 214 wineries open to wine tourism in the region. This figure represents a 3.54% increase compared to 2023, with positive growth recorded in all three subzones of the designation. Rioja Oriental saw the largest rise in visitors at 10.61%, followed by Rioja Alta with a 4.36% increase. Rioja Alavesa remained stable with a slight growth of 0.82%. The seasonal pattern of tourism persisted, with September and October as the busiest months. August also saw significant visitor numbers, while March experienced a notable surge of 35.78% over the previous year, driven by Easter celebrations. Despite some growth during off-peak months, the data highlights an ongoing need to reduce seasonality.

The report shows that 63.73% of visitors were from Spain, though international demand grew by more than three points to reach 36.27%. Among foreign markets, the United States accounted for 29% of international visitors, followed by the United Kingdom at 17.75% and France at 14.67%. Mexico registered the highest percentage growth among global markets in 2024.

Visitor behaviour data indicates that 80% made reservations for their visits, and 82.37% booked directly without intermediaries. The most common visitor profile was someone interested or enthusiastic about wine (79.27%), followed by passionate wine lovers (69.51%) and food tourists (40.24%).

From the supply side, Rioja wineries offered a broad and diverse range of experiences. Winery tours with tastings and wine sales remain nearly universal services among wineries. Wine and local product tastings, corporate events, and premium experiences are also widely available. Half of the wineries offer dining services upon request, while 14.58% have restaurants open to the public.

Regarding pricing, the average cost for a basic visit with tasting was €22.29, up 7.61% from 2023. Premium visits averaged €40.40, while visits including meals reached €70.21, reflecting a trend toward higher-value offerings.

Wine tourism experiences continue to expand: 61.46% of wineries offer special tastings, and 45.83% provide gastronomic activities such as pairing menus or cooking workshops. Seasonal experiences like grape harvests or grape stomping are available at more than a third of wineries. However, there was a decline in sports-related activities and games such as escape rooms.

Wine tourism events gained prominence in 2024, with more than 60 events hosted at wineries attracting over 30,000 attendees. These included themed tastings, concerts, special pairings, and festivals like Villabuena Wine Fest and Noches de San Lorenzo. Half of the surveyed wineries participated in wine-related events; 40.48% took part in music events; and 21.43% joined gastronomic activities.

Organizationally, 63.83% of wineries have a dedicated wine tourism department staffed by professionals with an average of over nine years of experience. English is spoken at 85.11% of wineries; French at 26.60%; Basque at 13.83%. Surveyed wineries reported a total of 344 direct jobs linked to wine tourism. An additional 65 external collaborators provide services such as guiding or sommelier work.

Profitability was rated positively by 78.48% of wineries; most consider wine tourism already profitable or expect improved results soon. Wineries sold an average of 9.5% of their wine through wine tourism channels; for some, this share exceeded 75%. Nearly all surveyed wineries (97.47%) plan improvements to their tourism projects. Other planned actions include enhancing guided tours, updating promotional materials, staff training, and creating new spaces like shops or tasting areas.

Investment in wine tourism surpassed €3.5 million in 2024—a rise of over 70% from the previous year and more than triple that invested in 2022.

Economically, wine tourism generated €65.74 million for Rioja’s wineries in 2024, a rise of just over six percent from the previous year, with €45.43 million coming from visits and shop sales; €20.3 million from other activities such as events or restaurant services; business events alone contributed more than €2.5 million.

The average spend per visitor in winery shops reached €40.05; basic winery visits averaged €22.29.

Across the entire destination [including spending on accommodation, dining, transport, shopping and other services], the economic impact of wine tourism reached €197.2 million in 2024: an increase of more than €11 million over last year.

The report also profiles visitors: according to a national survey, nearly three-quarters had visited Rioja within the past three years; main travel motivations were interest in wine culture followed by gastronomy and enjoyment of landscape or heritage sites; most traveled as couples or with friends using private cars for both arrival and local travel; average stay was just under three nights with hotels and rural guesthouses preferred; Haro, Logroño and Laguardia were top destinations within Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa subzones.

Average daily spending per visitor was estimated at €155, with winery visits as the most popular activity, followed by tastings, paired meals and vineyard walks.

The 2024 Wine Tourism Monitor affirms DOCa Rioja’s stature as a benchmark for sustainable, high-value wine tourism. With continued investment, professional development, and a strong push toward premium and international markets, Rioja is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of enotourism in Europe.

Historic British Wine Merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd to Launch First U.S. Flagship in Washington, D.C.

As part of a strategic international expansion, the venerable British wine institution Berry Bros. & Rudd has announced the opening of its first bricks-and-mortar retail outlet in the United States, to be located in Washington, D.C. This significant development reflects a broader transatlantic demand for luxury British heritage brands, particularly within the fine wine and spirit’s sector.

Established in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd holds the distinction of being Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant and is internationally renowned for its longstanding affiliation with the British Royal Family. It has served as the official wine supplier to the Royal Household since the reign of King George III in 1760, a heritage that continues to enhance the brand’s reputation for excellence and tradition.

While Berry Bros. & Rudd currently maintains international offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and its historic headquarters in St. James’s, London, the U.S. retail launch represents the firm’s first physical retail presence in North America. This move aligns with a noticeable uptick in American consumer interest in authentic British luxury products, paralleling similar expansions by iconic British brands such as Fortnum & Mason.

“This marks a key milestone in our international growth, and we look forward to serving a wider community of customers across the US” said a company spokesperson.

The Washington, D.C. location will provide curated selections of fine wines and rare spirits, underpinned by centuries of expertise and Royal endorsement, positioning the store as a premier destination for discerning American oenophiles.