Category: Wine Marketing

Exploring Napa Valley: A Professional Journey Through Viticultural Excellence and Enological Innovation

I’ve just arrived in the heart of Napa Valley, one of the world’s most iconic wine regions. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to exploring renowned wine estates, connecting with visionary winemakers, and tasting some of California’s most celebrated vintages.

From legendary Cabernet Sauvignons to innovative blends, Napa offers a dynamic narrative of tradition, terroir, and talent….. stay tuned, as I uncover stories behind the bottles and share insights into the craftsmanship shaping this world-class wine destination!

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.

Exploring Three Unique Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wineries

As part of the 2025 Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest, I set out to explore three significant wine estates:  Teruzzi, Poderi Arcangelo, and Il Palagione. Each winery presents a compelling narrative of terroir expression, sustainable viticulture, and the enduring legacy of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany’s iconic white wine and the first Italian white to receive DOCG status.

Vernaccia

Vernaccia is a varietal that holds a unique position in the Italian wine lexicon. This grape variety, cultivated almost exclusively in the San Gimignano area, produces Tuscany’s only DOCG-classified white wine. Its hallmark lies in its vibrant acidity, floral aromatics, and mineral depth.

Grape & Vinification: The Vernaccia grape is gently pressed and fermented at low temperatures to preserve its delicate aromatic compounds.

Aging Regulations: Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG requires a minimum aging of 11 months in the cellar and 3 months in bottle before release.

Organoleptic Profile: Typically, light to medium-bodied, this wine expresses crisp citrus notes, golden apple, and a distinctive bitter almond finish.

General Tasting Notes: Floral and citrus aromas, with nuances of pear, herbs, and minerality. The palate is marked by freshness, structured acidity, and a long, saline finish.

Optimal Serving Temperature: Chilled between 8°C for an aperitivo and 12°C with meals to highlight either freshness or textural complexity.

Teruzzi: A Vanguard of Vernaccia Innovation

Teruzzi, founded in 1974 by Enrico Teruzzi and his wife Carmen, is today owned by Terra Moretti. The estate spans 180 hectares, with 96 under vine, including 62 dedicated to Vernaccia. This makes Teruzzi the largest estate dedicated to Vernaccia. Teruzzi blends advanced winemaking technology with deep respect for San Gimignano’s traditions.

Their vineyards are planted at varying elevations and have a variety of soil compositions, contributing to complex and age-worthy wines. Teruzzi’s flagship, Terre di Tufi, a white Toscana IGT blend, is considered a “Super Tuscan Bianco” and is emblematic of the estate’s modern vision. I found that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG “Isola Bianca” stood out for its mineral-driven profile, citrus blossom aromatics, with saline finish, highlighting the varietal’s capacity for structure and finesse.

With state-of-the-art vinification equipment and a commitment to sustainable practices, Teruzz exemplifies how tradition and technology can harmoniously co-exist. The wine estate produces high-quality wines while respecting the local heritage and ancient history of Tuscany’s great winemaking tradition. Teruzzi epitomizes the vision of the Moretti family, a commitment to advancing estates with a strong place of origin, heritage, nobility and personality, like that of San Gimignano!

Teruzzi Website: https://www.teruzzi.it

Tasting Notes:

2019 Teruzzi ‘Isola Bianca’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Fruity notes on the nose, integrated with a strong mineral presence. On the palate, the wine is fresh and structured with a floral backbone, citrus lift, and a persistent almond-tinged finish.

Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer

Poderi Arcangelo: A Sustainable Family-Run Estate

This family-owned estate operates under a holistic organic model that integrates vineyard biodiversity, agritourism, and farm-to-table cuisine. Poderi Arcangelo blends Tuscany’s agrarian past with a modern commitment to sustainability. Nestled atop a hill, surrounded by organic vineyards and olive groves, the estate is a winery and offers agritourism that including glamping, three farmhouses, and an organic barn. They are known for their organic wines, extra virgin olive oil, and commitment to sustainability, offering guests a chance to experience the authentic side of Tuscany, including truffle hunting with the estate’s dog. They also offer wine tastings and cooking classes and feature a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Following a guided vineyard and cellar tour, we enjoyed a light lunch paired with estate wines overlooking the rolling Chianti hills. It is also interesting to note that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is produced from organically grown grapes and fermented in stainless steel to preserve the purity of fruit and terroir. I found in most of their Vernaccia di San Gimignano notes of golden apple, acacia, and wet stone – a perfect match for the regional dishes!

Website: https://www.poderiarcangelo.it

Tasting Notes:

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG ‘Primo Angelo’ 2024
Pale straw yellow. A penetrating and delicate aroma with notes of fresh fruit and white wildflowers. Dry, fresh, and full-bodied with excellent aromatic persistence. Characteristic almond bitterness in the finish.

Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer

My day concluded with a visit to Il Palagione, an artisanal estate producing high-elevation Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The wine estate is located between 300 and 350 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure and dramatic diurnal shifts, which translate to freshness and aromatic complexity in the wines.

Il Palagione: Artisanal Vernaccia and Altitude Precision

Situated on a hilltop along the road connecting San Gimignano to Volterra, Il Palagione offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and San Gimignano.

Dating back to 1594, Il Palagione is a historic family-run estate located between 300–350 meters above sea level. The estate spans 50 hectares, of which 17 are vineyards, and focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi wines.

Their high-altitude vineyards and small-scale artisanal approach result in expressive, age-worthy wines. Tastings and tours are hosted in their ancient barn overlooking the Tuscan hills.

Production:

Il Palagione focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Vernaccia Riserva, and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG wines, as well as extra virgin olive oil.

Il Palagione is known for producing limited quantities of Vernaccia that are expressive, textured, and cellar-worthy. The Hydra Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG stood out for me.

Website: https://www.ilpalagione.com

Tasting Notes:

Il Palagione ‘Ori’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG 2010
Poised and elegant. Notes of lemon zest, quince, poached pear. Balanced and creamy with a subtle oak finish and savory undertones. Wonderful wine 15 years later !!

Score: 94/100
Liz Palmer

My visit in San Gimignano offered more than a tasting tour; it was a masterclass in regional identity and winemaking evolution. Each estate presented its own narrative, illuminating Vernaccia’s potential as a terroir-driven, age-worthy white wine. From Teruzzi’s modern vision and large-scale innovation, to Poderi Arcangelo’s organic embrace of Tuscan tradition, and Il Palagione’s artisanal, high-altitude expression, the experience was an inspiring reminder of how deeply wine can reflect both land and legacy.

Uncovering Florence’s Wine Windows: A Journey into Florence’s Hidden Renaissance Rituals

After weeks of anticipation, I finally arrived in Florence, eager to delve into its storied wine culture, and particularly its legendary buchette del vino, or “wine windows.” These small arched openings, discreetly embedded in the façades of Renaissance-era palazzos, have long fascinated me. To experience them firsthand felt like stepping into a living fragment of wine history.

Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, these wine windows allowed Florentine noble families to sell wine directly from their residences. The system was ingenious: it permitted private, tax-avoiding transactions and helped minimize public gatherings, an early model of socially distant commerce. These architectural curiosities reveal a narrative of ingenuity, adaptation, and an enduring passion for wine that remains central to the city’s identity.

As I wandered through Florence’s historic center, I came across several operational wine windows. At one, I was served a crisp glass of Vernaccia; at another, a bold Chianti Classico—each poured through the same arched portals that once served Florentines centuries ago. Strolling through the city and receiving wine through these charming windows was a delightful and unique experience. There’s magic in being served through a stone-framed portal once used by Medici-era merchants.

These buchette are far more than quaint historical relics. They stand as enduring emblems of Florence’s rich cultural and vinous heritage.

“Long live the Wine Windows!”

The Wine Windows Association

Founded in 2015, the Associazione Buchette del Vino (Wine Windows Association) is committed to preserving and promoting these historic features. Based in Florence, the association catalogues and maps remaining wine windows throughout the city and across Tuscany. It also supports restoration initiatives and offers educational programs through guided tours, exhibitions, and scholarly publications. Explore the map of wine windows here: https://buchettedelvino.org/home%2520eng/maps.html

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.