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- news
2026 Great Wine Capitals Conference: Redefining the Future of Responsible Wine Tourism in New Zealand
I was honoured and delighted to receive an invitation to speak at the 2026 Great Wine Capitals Global Network Annual Conference in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, this October. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate this year, which was particularly disappointing given the conference’s timely focus on responsible wine tourism, sustainability and strategic destination development – […] The post 2026 Great Wine Capitals Conference: Redefining the Future of Responsible Wine Tourism in New Zealand appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Spain Develops Sustainable Wine Tourism Routes Around Cerrato’s Underground Heritage
Cerrato Palentino demonstrates how cultural heritage, gastronomy and slow tourism can support rural destination development. Spain’s Cerrato Palentino region is advancing a heritage-led approach to wine tourism through the development of three thematic itineraries designed to strengthen its position as a sustainable rural destination. Announced on October 8th by the Provincial Council of Palencia (Diputación […] The post Spain Develops Sustainable Wine Tourism Routes Around Cerrato’s Underground Heritage appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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France Proposes New Legislation to Support Wine and Spirits Tourism
France is considering legislative changes designed to simplify regulations governing wine and spirits tourism, potentially making it easier for wineries and distilleries to develop visitor experiences. A legislative proposal submitted to the French National Assembly on 6 October 2026 (Bill No. 3233) seeks to address licensing requirements affecting certain wine and spirits tourism activities. The […] The post France Proposes New Legislation to Support Wine and Spirits Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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UN Tourism Recognizes Three Innovations Redefining Wine Tourism in Europe
France, Slovenia and Germany demonstrate how sustainability, experiential innovation and accessibility are shaping the future of wine tourism. Wine tourism has been evolving beyond traditional cellar-door tastings, with greater emphasis on sustainability, immersive experiences and inclusive hospitality. This shift was highlighted during Destination Vignobles 2026, held in Cognac, France, from 6–8 October, where UN Tourism […] The post UN Tourism Recognizes Three Innovations Redefining Wine Tourism in Europe appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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MICHELIN Guide to Unveil First Champagne Wine Selection in February 2027
A New Chapter for Champagne’s Terroir, Fine Wine Recognition and Wine Tourism The MICHELIN Guide will unveil its inaugural Champagne Wine Selection on 4 February 2027, marking another milestone in the Guide’s expansion into the world of fine wine and introducing a new dimension to one of France’s most internationally recognised wine tourism destinations. Following […] The post MICHELIN Guide to Unveil First Champagne Wine Selection in February 2027 appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Italy’s Wine Tourism Policy – Part 2: How the 50% Subsidy Program Will Support Wine Regions
A new funding mechanism moves Italy’s wine tourism strategy from policy ambition towards collective regional action. Italy’s new wine tourism support measure is less about subsidising individual cellar doors than strengthening entire wine-producing territories. Under ministerial decree no. 483420, dated 18 September 2026, eligible collective organisations can seek public contributions of up to 50% of […] The post Italy’s Wine Tourism Policy – Part 2: How the 50% Subsidy Program Will Support Wine Regions appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Sicily’s Wine Tourism Academy: A New Model for Professionalizing Wine Destinations
The DOC Sicilia Academy signals an important shift in wine tourism – from individual winery experiences towards coordinated professional development and regional competitiveness. The launch of the DOC Sicilia Academy, announced by the Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia on September 25, represents an important development in how wine regions approach tourism, hospitality and long-term […] The post Sicily’s Wine Tourism Academy: A New Model for Professionalizing Wine Destinations appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Italy Makes Wine Tourism National Policy: A New Model for Developing Wine Regions
Italy is taking wine tourism beyond the cellar door and placing it firmly within national agricultural and regional development policy. The Italian government has introduced a new national framework supporting wine tourism in the country’s wine-producing regions, linking the reputation of Italian wine more directly with the landscapes, culture, hospitality and communities where it is […] The post Italy Makes Wine Tourism National Policy: A New Model for Developing Wine Regions appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Oakville Grocery: Where Napa Locals Come to Shop
Travelling through Napa Valley, we made a stop at Oakville Grocery. This is the place to be seen and the place to shop in wine country. It’s one of those places where you go in for a look and you come out with a bag full of delicious things and of course a bottle of […] The post Oakville Grocery: Where Napa Locals Come to Shop appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Australia’s New Generation of Wine Tourism Blends Architecture, Gastronomy and Sustainability
Two new wine tourism destinations in Western Australia and Tasmania are showcasing a more ambitious approach to winery hospitality, bringing together wine, gastronomy, architecture, sustainability and sense of place. Australian wine group Overstory has expanded its visitor offering at Wayfinder Winery & Farm in Margaret River and Small Wonder in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. Wayfinder’s new […] The post Australia’s New Generation of Wine Tourism Blends Architecture, Gastronomy and Sustainability appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Can Wine Tourism Take Umbria Global? Italy’s Green Heart Builds a New Destination Strategy
Umbria has the vineyards, medieval hill towns, gastronomy and cultural heritage of a major Italian wine destination. Now is looking at how wine tourism can play a greater role in attracting international travellers and generating economic value across its rural communities. A recent high-level discussion in Montefalco brought together wine producers, regional representatives, researchers and […] The post Can Wine Tourism Take Umbria Global? Italy’s Green Heart Builds a New Destination Strategy appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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25 Years of UNESCO: How Wine Tourism Transformed Portugal’s Douro Valley
Portugal’s Douro Valley is marking 25 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and new figures demonstrate just how significant wine tourism has become to the region’s economy. When the Alto Douro Wine Region was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in December 2001, the designation recognised a cultural landscape shaped by centuries of viticulture, […] The post 25 Years of UNESCO: How Wine Tourism Transformed Portugal’s Douro Valley appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Not Your Average Costco: Inside Napa’s Impressive Wine Selection
Even a trip to Costco can become a wine discovery in Napa Valley. I stopped by Costco in Napa and was impressed not only by the size of the wine department, but by the breadth and calibre of its selection. This is not your average Costco wine aisle. What immediately stood out to me was […] The post Not Your Average Costco: Inside Napa’s Impressive Wine Selection appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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FIJEV Board Meeting: Global Perspectives, Shared Priorities
I attended the FIJEV (Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Écrivains des Vins et Spiritueux) board meeting today, bringing together colleagues from around the world for important discussions on membership, the current state of the wine and spirits industry, international collaboration, global visibility, and the evolving role of professional wine journalism. As the media landscape continues […] The post FIJEV Board Meeting: Global Perspectives, Shared Priorities appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Assouline Wine & Travel USA: Exploring America Through Wine, Terroir and Travel
A review of Assouline’s Wine & Travel: United States of America by Enrico Bernardo, exploring American wine through terroir, gastronomy, hospitality, culture and sense of place. Wine tells us far more about a destination than what is poured into the glass. It tells us about its landscape, climate, food, people and culture – and increasingly, […] The post Assouline Wine & Travel USA: Exploring America Through Wine, Terroir and Travel appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Madeira Beyond the Glass: How Wine Heritage Becomes an Island-Wide Experience
The Madeira Wine Festival held August 23 – September 13, 2026, demonstrated how a historic wine tradition can be transformed into a compelling, island-wide tourism experience. Taking place during harvest season, the three-week celebration extended far beyond conventional winery visits. Events unfolded across Funchal, vineyards, wine cellars and rural communities, connecting Madeira Wine with gastronomy, […] The post Madeira Beyond the Glass: How Wine Heritage Becomes an Island-Wide Experience appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Budapest Wine Festival at 35: How Wine, Heritage and Gastronomy Strengthen Destination Tourism
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 […] The post Budapest Wine Festival at 35: How Wine, Heritage and Gastronomy Strengthen Destination Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Kent’s Sparkling-Wine Moment: How a Vineyard Region Becomes a Global Destination
Kent is no longer simply producing internationally respected English sparkling wine. It is developing the infrastructure, partnerships and visitor experiences required to become a globally recognized wine-tourism destination. The county is home to approximately 120 commercially active vineyards and more than a quarter of Great Britain’s vineyard area. Its 2025 harvest produced more than five […] The post Kent’s Sparkling-Wine Moment: How a Vineyard Region Becomes a Global Destination appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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How Etna Is Turning Volcanic Terroir Into a Global Wine Tourism Brand
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 […] The post How Etna Is Turning Volcanic Terroir Into a Global Wine Tourism Brand appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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MICHELIN Guide Unveils Bordeaux Grape Selection 2026: Nine Châteaux Receive Top Three-Grape Distinction
The MICHELIN Guide has expanded its new Grape distinction to Bordeaux, recognizing 83 estates across some of the region’s most celebrated appellations and awarding its highest Three-Grape distinction to nine châteaux. Following the launch of its first Grape Selection in Burgundy, The MICHELIN Guide has turned its attention to Bordeaux, unveiling its inaugural 2026 selection […] The post MICHELIN Guide Unveils Bordeaux Grape Selection 2026: Nine Châteaux Receive Top Three-Grape Distinction appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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South Australia’s Best Wine Tourism Experiences: 11 Finalists Named for 2027 Global Awards
From McLaren Vale and Barossa to the Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley, South Australia’s 2027 shortlist demonstrates how wine tourism is evolving beyond the cellar door. South Australia continues to strengthen its position on the international wine tourism stage, with 11 wineries and wine tourism businesses shortlisted for the 2027 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. […] The post South Australia’s Best Wine Tourism Experiences: 11 Finalists Named for 2027 Global Awards appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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From Rail to Vineyard: Italy’s Historic Trains Create a New Model for Wine Tourism in Piedmont
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 […] The post From Rail to Vineyard: Italy’s Historic Trains Create a New Model for Wine Tourism in Piedmont appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Uber Wine Taxi Connects Frankfurt with the Rheingau: A New Model for Accessible Wine Tourism
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 […] The post Uber Wine Taxi Connects Frankfurt with the Rheingau: A New Model for Accessible Wine Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .
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Beyond the Tasting Room: How Portugal’s Alentejo Is Redefining Experiential Wine Tourism
Portugal’s Alentejo wine region is demonstrating how wine tourism is evolving from traditional tastings toward more immersive, participatory experiences. From August 25 to September 20, 2026, Casa Relvas is opening its annual Harvest Programme at Herdade de São Miguel, inviting visitors to experience one of the most important moments in the winemaking calendar firsthand. Tourists […] The post Beyond the Tasting Room: How Portugal’s Alentejo Is Redefining Experiential Wine Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .