Wine Tourism Archives

Holiday Indulgence: Curated Champagnes, Wines + Spirits Worth Savouring

The holidays arrive not simply as a date, but as a shift in rhythm, a soft glow settling over the season, where ritual, elegance, and togetherness take centre stage. It’s the moment when the bottles we open matter just as much as the company we keep, and when craftsmanship becomes part of the celebration.

Starting this week, I’ll be launching an editorial series dedicated to the most compelling champagnes, wines, and spirits of the season. Each bottle is selected for its pedigree, its precision, and the narrative woven through its creation. Think heritage, terroir, and the subtle artistry that defines truly exceptional producers and distillers.

Each instalment will unveil standout labels, complete with tasting notes, pairing inspiration, and glimpses into the wine tourism landscapes that bring these bottles to life. These aren’t mere recommendations; they’re curated experiences, designed to transport, enchant, and elevate your holiday table.

Whether you’re leaning into intimate fireside evenings or hosting gatherings that shimmer long past midnight, this series is crafted to inspire. Follow along for weekly editions that let the season unfold in layers of flavour, culture, and holiday sophistication, making every pour feel like a moment worth savouring.

Liz Palmer

The Michelin Guide Expands Its Expertise in Recommendations and Introduces a New Distinction in the World of Wine

For 125 years, the MICHELIN Guide has celebrated places and talents that embody excellence in gastronomy and hospitality, with the MICHELIN Stars introduced in 1926 and the MICHELIN Keys launched in 2024. This expertise now naturally extends to wine, a key reference in the gastronomic experience. The MICHELIN Guide has long highlighted exceptional wine lists and sommeliers, notably through the ‘wine’ pictogram created in 2004 to distinguish outstanding food and wine pairings. In 2019, the MICHELIN Sommelier Award was introduced to honour professionals whose expertise enhances the guest experience through exemplary mastery of wine selection and service.

The MICHELIN Grape, MICHELIN Guide’s new distinction, will now spotlight wine estates across different regions of the world. It will assess their overall excellence based on five universal criteria applied consistently.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director for the MICHELIN Guide, explains:

” After having oriented wine-lovers towards the finest tables in more than 70 destinations and to the world’s most elegant hotels, the MICHELIN Guide is delighted to open a new chapter with the world of wine. This new reference is designed for both the curious amateur and the most ardent expert – it rewards the men and women who are building the most demanding vineyards around the world.”

The MICHELIN Grapes: a new reference for discovering and showcasing wine-growing talent

In the world of wine, the MICHELIN Guide rewards not only the vineyards but also the men and women who personify them. With this new distinction, the Guide will be using a strict and independent methodology – it will also provide wine-lovers with a trusted benchmark: Grapes 1, 2 or 3 and, additionally, a selection of recommended vineyards.

Three Grapes

Exceptional producers. Whatever the vintage, wine lovers can turn to the estate’s creations with complete confidence.

Two Grapes

Excellent producers who stand out as exceptional within their peer group and region for both quality and consistency.

One Grape

Very good producers who craft wines of character and style, especially in the best vintages.

Selected

Dependable producers who have been chosen for regular review, producing well-made wines that deliver a quality experience.

Here is the methodology based on 5 criteria:

For its new distinction, true to its fundamental values of excellence and independence, the MICHELIN Guide applies five criteria uniformly and wherever it may be.

The quality of agronomy
The assessment evaluates the vitality of the soil, the balance of the vine stocks, as well as the care provided for the vines. All essential factors that directly influence wine quality.
Technical mastery
The evaluation focuses on the technical skills in the wine-making process. Our inspectors are seeking precise and rigorous wine-making processes producing well-developed wines which reflect the terroir and the vine types, without any distracting flaws.
Identity
The Guide will highlight winemakers who craft wines that express the personality, the sense of place, and the culture behind them.
Balance
Evaluation of the harmony between acidity, tannins, oak, alcohol, and sweetness.
Consistency
Wines will be evaluated across multiple vintages to ensure unwavering consistency in quality, even in the most challenging years. The Guide celebrates wines that reveal greater depth and excellence as time goes by.

Expertise at the heart of the assessments

Future selections will rely on the expertise of dedicated wine inspectors, all professionals employed by the Michelin Group. This team, which makes its recommendations collectively and with complete independence, will bring together seasoned wine specialists and newly recruited inspectors.

All team members have been selected not only based on their qualifications, but also on their ability to assess a vineyard with rigour and integrity. They are all seasoned professionals in the sector, i.e., former sommeliers, specialized critics or production experts, all bringing concrete and in-depth experience of the wine-producing world to the team.

Their assessments follow a rigorous methodology, including a panel review process and editorial supervision.

In 2026, the MICHELIN Grapes adventure will be writing its initial chapter in the heart of two mythical French wine-producing areas: Burgundy and the Bordeaux region

The MICHELIN Grapes project will start with two regions among the most emblematic in the worldwide wine-producing landscape: Burgundy and the region around Bordeaux. A compelling choice, celebrating the diversity, the historical intensity and the cultural richness of wine à la française.

Over the centuries, Bordeaux has established itself as a historic force in the world of wine. Its distinguished vineyards and their reputation go far beyond our borders. The entire prestigious Bordeaux region is renowned throughout the world for its innovations and its traditions.

Burgundy, for its part, differentiates itself by its approach, deeply rooted in the local heritage. Its human-sized, family-owned vineyards reflect rigorous traditions and care imposed at each stage in the production process. From generation to generation, legacies have curated the local identity and forged the worldwide reputation of Burgundy.

Stay tuned in 2026 for the very first selections of the MICHELIN Grapes.

Global tourism surges ahead: record arrivals in the first nine months of 2025

International tourist arrivals grew 5% in January through to September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 and 3% above the pre-pandemic year 2019.

According to the latest edition of the World Tourism Barometer, over 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally between January and September this year, about 50 million more than in the same period of 2024.

Results reflect sustained travel demand throughout the year despite high inflation in tourism services and mixed traveller confidence due to geopolitical and trade tensions. The third quarter saw a 4% increase over 2024 with a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili states: “International tourism has continued to experience sustained growth so far in 2025 in terms of international arrivals and most importantly in receipts, despite high inflation in tourism services and geopolitical tensions. Africa and Europe in particular stand out for their results.”

International tourism has continued to experience sustained growth so far in 2025 in terms of international arrivals and, most importantly, in receipts, despite high inflation in tourism services and geopolitical tensions

Africa continues to see the strongest performance among regions

The latest World Tourism Barometer analyzes international tourism over the first nine months of 2025 by region and sub-region. Key takeaways include:

Africa saw a 10% increase in arrivals through September, according to limited available data. Both North Africa (+11%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (+10%) recorded double-digit growth in arrivals.

Europe, the world’s largest destination region, saw 625 million international tourists between January and September 2025, a 4% increase from the same months in 2024. All European subregions enjoyed solid results during the third quarter, reflecting a strong summer season. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance, while Northern Europe (-1%) recorded more modest results. Central and Eastern Europe continued to rebound strongly (+8%), though arrivals remained 11% below 2019 levels.

The Americas recorded 2% growth this period, with a 3% increase in Q1 and Q2 but a slight drop in Q3 (-1%). Results among subregions were mixed. South America (+9%) enjoyed the best performance, despite a flat third quarter. North America (-1%) saw weaker results, partly due to small declines in the United States and Canada. Arrivals in Central America increased 3% through September, while the Caribbean (+1%) recorded comparatively more modest growth.

Arrivals in the Middle East grew 2% in January-September compared to the same period in 2024. This represents 33% more arrivals than in 2019, the strongest regional results relative to the pre-pandemic year.

Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 8% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic numbers (-10% compared to January-September 2019) as the region continues to recover. North-East Asia stood out with a 17% increase in arrivals relative to 2024 but remained 12% below 2019 levels.

Some of the highest growth rates in arrivals in January-September 2025 were recorded in Brazil (+45% versus 2024), Vietnam and Egypt (both +21%), as well as Ethiopia and Japan (both +18%). South Africa reported 17% growth, Sri Lanka and Mongolia both 16%, and Morocco 14%. All of these destinations have already surpassed 2019 levels.

According to IATA, international air traffic (RPKs) grew 7% in January-September 2025 versus the same months of 2024. International air capacity (ASKs) increased 6% in these nine months. Global occupancy in accommodation establishments reached 68% in September 2025, matching the rate of September 2024 (based on STR data).

Strong visitor spending across most destinations

Monthly data on international tourism receipts show strong visitor spending in several destinations through September 2025. Japan (+21%), Nicaragua (+19%), Egypt (+18%), Mongolia and Morocco (both +15%), Latvia (+13%), Brazil (+12%) and France (+9%) were among the best performers in terms of growth in receipts in the first nine months of 2025.

Strong demand can also be seen in outbound spending from some large markets such as the United States (+7% through August), France (+5%), Germany and Italy (both +4%), as well as Spain (+15% through August) and the Republic of Korea (+7%).

Results on track to reach projected growth for 2025, despite challenges

According to UN Tourism’s projection in January this year, international tourist arrivals are expected to grow 3% to 5% in 2025. While results through September are in line with UN Tourism’s forecast, factors such as high travel prices and a challenging geopolitical environment remain important downside risks.

The latest data confirms what destinations, airlines, and hospitality leaders have been sensing all year: global travel is not just recovering, it’s accelerating with remarkable strength. Rising arrivals across every region, combined with solid visitor spending and improving air capacity, show that tourism’s momentum is both broad and resilient. Despite inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, travellers continue to explore, connect, and invest in experiences at scale. As the industry heads into the final stretch of 2025, the outlook remains strongly positive. Tourism is proving once again that it is one of the world’s most adaptable sectors, shaping cultures, supporting economies, and moving confidently into a new era of growth.

SOURCE: UN TOURISM

VIK, Chile, Named the World’s Best Vineyard 2025

The list of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025 has been revealed at an awards ceremony in Margaret River, Western Australia, yesterday, with Vik (No.1), Millahue, Chile, named as The World’s Best Vineyard 2025. The list features vineyards from 15 destinations across six continents, with 11 new entries.

Vik succeeds the 2024 winner, Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal in Rioja, Spain, now part of the Hall of Fame. Vik is a pioneering winery and luxury hotel spanning a 4,450-hectare nature reserve, with 327 hectares of vineyards planted across 12 distinct microclimates. The winery combines sustainable viticulture with striking architecture.

Schloss Johannisberg (No.2), Rheingau, Germany, is named the Best Vineyard in Europe, renowned as the world’s first Riesling winery, with over 1,200 years of winemaking heritage. Bodegas Ysios in Rioja, Spain, is ranked at No.3.

Klein Constantia Wine Estate (No.6), Western Cape, South Africa, is named the Best Vineyard in Africa and recipient of the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Jack’s Creek, climbing 35 places since 2024.

Aperture Cellars (No.14) in Sonoma, USA, earns the Highest New Entry Award.

Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Jack’s Creek, goes to Klein Constantia Wine Estate (No.6), Western Cape, South Africa, also awarded The Best Vineyard in Africa.

The Best Vineyard in North America goes to Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Alexander Valley, USA (No.13), renowned for immersive experiences among rolling hills, olive groves and sustainable vineyards. 98Wines, Yamanashi, Japan, wins The Best Vineyard in Asia (No.20), offering a multisensory vineyard experience with views of Mt. Fuji.

The Best Vineyard in Australasia is awarded to Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Marlborough, New Zealand (No.26), a new entry in the list, while Aperture Cellars, Sonoma, USA, earns the Highest New Entry Award (No.14).

For the full list, see here: https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/the-worlds-50-best-vineyards-2025-the-list.html

UN Tourism Appoints Shaikha Al Nowais as First Female Secretary-General

In a landmark decision that redefines the leadership narrative of international tourism, UN Tourism has officially confirmed Shaikha Al Nowais as its next Secretary-General. Ratified during the 26th General Assembly held in Riyadh, this appointment not only signals continuity in the Organization’s progressive vision but also marks a watershed moment. Al Nowais will become the first woman to lead the United Nations specialized agency for tourism in its 50-year history.

Assuming office at the start of 2026, Al Nowais brings with her a distinguished career in the private sector, most notably as Corporate Vice President of Rotana Hotels, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the brand’s global footprint. Her influence extends beyond corporate corridors. She currently chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group. She also serves on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy, reflecting her deep engagement with both business leadership and academic advancement within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Addressing delegates at the Assembly, the Secretary-General-elect described her appointment as “a triumph for all of us”, underscoring that her leadership would embody the collective spirit and shared ambitions of a global sector at a turning point. She outlined five strategic priorities shaping her mandate: responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance. Together, these themes reflect a vision that integrates inclusivity, resilience, and ethical stewardship into the fabric of tourism governance.

Al Nowais emphasized that the future of tourism must be “human-centred and globally connected,” capable of uplifting communities while addressing the twin imperatives of sustainability and innovation. Her remarks resonated with ongoing discussions at the Assembly, where Member States reinforced commitments to tourism as a catalyst for social and economic regeneration.

Paying tribute to outgoing Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Al Nowais commended his “vision, commitment, and role in strengthening UN Tourism’s voice and global presence.” Under his tenure, the Organization advanced critical work on investment, education, and innovation, foundations that Al Nowais is poised to expand upon as she assumes leadership for the 2026–2030 term.

The appointment of Shaikha Al Nowais was the focal point of a dynamic opening day at the General Assembly, which gathered representatives from 160 Member States for four plenary sessions and multiple committee meetings. The Assembly followed the 124th session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, where discussions centred on strengthening partnerships, deepening investment frameworks, and fostering equitable opportunities across the global tourism ecosystem.

Shaikha Al Nowais’s leadership marks not only a symbolic but also a substantive breakthrough, redefining how tourism’s global governance can serve as an engine of progress, inclusion, and cultural understanding.