The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
74 results across all types
- news
About Last Night: Gregorian Chants and Timeless Villages
Last evening, I had the privilege of visiting the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, where I experienced one of Spain’s most remarkable cultural traditions: the performance of Gregorian chants by the resident Benedictine monks. Hearing the voices of 23 monks resonate through the monastery’s magnificent Romanesque cloisters was quite captivating. The centuries-old chants, echoing […] The post About Last Night: Gregorian Chants and Timeless Villages appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Where Culinary Tradition, Monastic Heritage, and Wine Tourism Converge: A Remarkable Day in Castilla y León, Spain
Today offered a powerful reminder that the best wine tourism experiences extend well beyond the vineyard. Our day began with a memorable culinary immersion at Monasterio Lerma, a historic monastery where we participated in a traditional clay-pot cooking workshop. Working with age-old techniques and local ingredients we made a traditional stew (one that is now […] The post Where Culinary Tradition, Monastic Heritage, and Wine Tourism Converge: A Remarkable Day in Castilla y León, Spain appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Spanish Wine Tourism: Discovering the Hidden Treasures of the Arlanza Wine Route
Over the coming days, I’ll be travelling through one of Spain’s most fascinating yet underappreciated wine tourism destinations – the Arlanza Wine Route in Castilla y León. While regions such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero often dominate the spotlight, Arlanza offers something refreshingly different: authentic medieval villages, centuries-old monasteries, underground wine cellars, remarkable gastronomy, […] The post Spanish Wine Tourism: Discovering the Hidden Treasures of the Arlanza Wine Route appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Sicilia en Primeur 2026: Wine, Culture, and the Rise of a Tourism Destination
Palermo hosted the 22nd edition of Sicilia en Primeur from May 11 to 15, bringing together more than 100 international journalists, 12 wine tour operators, and 56 member wineries for five days of tastings, wine tours and talks. Assovini Sicilia, the island’s association of quality wine producers, has run the event since 2004. The 2026 […] The post Sicilia en Primeur 2026: Wine, Culture, and the Rise of a Tourism Destination appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Global Wine Tourism Day 2026 Gains Momentum in Bourgogne, France
Beaune Set to Host Landmark International Gathering for the Future of Wine Tourism As preparations continue for the inaugural Global Wine Tourism Day on June 17, 2026, in Beaune, Burgundy, the event is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant international forums dedicated exclusively to wine tourism. Hosted at the renowned Cité des Climats […] The post Global Wine Tourism Day 2026 Gains Momentum in Bourgogne, France appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
What Napa and Sonoma’s Tasting Fee Cuts Mean for the Future of Global Wine Tourism
For decades, Napa Valley and Sonoma County represented the gold standard of premium wine tourism. Exclusive tastings, luxury hospitality, and elevated visitor experiences helped establish California Wine Country as one of the world’s most successful wine tourism destinations. Today, however, a significant shift is underway. Faced with declining visitation, changing consumer preferences, and broader challenges […] The post What Napa and Sonoma’s Tasting Fee Cuts Mean for the Future of Global Wine Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
One Photo, One Iconic Winery, One Unforgettable Napa Valley Experience
Finally received my photo from the grand reopening of Robert Mondavi Winery a few weeks ago in Napa. What an exceptional experience. From the beautifully reimagined hospitality spaces to the seamless blend of innovation, architecture, and winemaking heritage, the winery remains one of Napa Valley’s most iconic destinations. It was a privilege to be part […] The post One Photo, One Iconic Winery, One Unforgettable Napa Valley Experience appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
International Tourism Up 2% in Q1 2026 Amid Growing Uncertainty
International tourist arrivals grew 2% over the first quarter of 2026, despite disruption caused by the crisis in the Middle East in March. According to the latest data from UN Tourism, some 307 million tourists travelled internationally in the first quarter of 2026, about 6 million more than the same period of 2025. While the start of the […] The post International Tourism Up 2% in Q1 2026 Amid Growing Uncertainty appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Unique Wine Tourism Experiences – Portugal’s Cork Harvest: How a 2,000-Year-Old Tradition Is Becoming Wine Tourism’s Next Great Experience
Each spring as vineyards across Europe enter a period of rapid growth, another harvest quietly unfolds across Portugal’s landscapes, one that is increasingly attracting the attention of wine travellers, sustainability advocates, and experiential tourists. The annual cork harvest season has officially begun across Portugal, marking the return of one of the world’s oldest and most […] The post Unique Wine Tourism Experiences – Portugal’s Cork Harvest: How a 2,000-Year-Old Tradition Is Becoming Wine Tourism’s Next Great Experience appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Domaine Auvigue’s 2026 Wine Tourism Season: Where Heritage, Chardonnay, and the Soul of the Mâconnais Converge
As wine tourism continues to evolve from product-focused experiences toward destination-driven engagement, Domaine Auvigue appears to be positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. Located in Burgundy’s Mâconnais region, Domaine Auvigue along with Domaines Loron, has unveiled a sophisticated 2026 wine tourism program that integrates terroir, heritage, gastronomy, and experiential hospitality into a unified […] The post Domaine Auvigue’s 2026 Wine Tourism Season: Where Heritage, Chardonnay, and the Soul of the Mâconnais Converge appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
A Montefalco 2026: Three Days in the Heart of Umbrian Wine
The fourth edition of A Montefalco ran from April 26 to 28, bringing national and international press and trade professionals to the medieval hilltop town for three days of tastings, masterclasses, and winery visits. Thirty-one wineries participated, presenting the full range of Montefalco and Spoleto denominations alongside the newly released 2022 vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino […] The post A Montefalco 2026: Three Days in the Heart of Umbrian Wine appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Moldova Celebrates 25 Years of National Wine Day, Strengthening Its Position as a Rising Global Wine Destination
The Republic of Moldova will mark the 25th anniversary of National Wine Day under the slogan “United by Wine” from October 3-4 2026 in Chișinău, celebrating a milestone that reflects the country’s transformation into an increasingly recognized player in the global wine industry. As one of the few countries in the world to dedicate a national […] The post Moldova Celebrates 25 Years of National Wine Day, Strengthening Its Position as a Rising Global Wine Destination appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Sicilia en Primeur 2026 Signals the Future of Global Wine Tourism + Sicily May Be Leading the Way
For years, global wine tourism discussions have largely focused on iconic regions such as Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Champagne, Tuscany, and Rioja. But last week in Palermo, something highly significant became increasingly clear: Sicily is no longer emerging. It has arrived as one of the world’s most strategically important wine tourism destinations. At the opening conference […] The post Sicilia en Primeur 2026 Signals the Future of Global Wine Tourism + Sicily May Be Leading the Way appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Driving the Experience Economy: Porsche Rally from Napa Valley to Carmel-by-the-Sea via Pebble Beach
The route from Napa Valley to Pebble Beach Golf Links and onward to Carmel-by-the-Sea is not merely scenic – it is emblematic of where wine tourism is heading beyond the vineyard, beyond the tasting room, and firmly into the realm of integrated lifestyle experiences. From Vineyard Roads to Coastal Precision Our journey began in Napa […] The post Driving the Experience Economy: Porsche Rally from Napa Valley to Carmel-by-the-Sea via Pebble Beach appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Robert Mondavi Winery Reopening: A New Benchmark for Napa Valley Wine Tourism
Today, I had the privilege of attending the reopening of Robert Mondavi Winery, a recalibration of what wine tourism can be at its highest level. Set in the heart of Oakville, this iconic estate hasn’t simply reopened its doors, it has redefined them. The intersection of architecture, art, and wine is sharper, more immersive, and […] The post Robert Mondavi Winery Reopening: A New Benchmark for Napa Valley Wine Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
UK Launches a Unified Digital Gateway for Wine Tourism
The United Kingdom’s wine tourism sector continues its quiet but decisive evolution, from fragmented regional experiences to a more integrated, discovery-led ecosystem. The launch of the UK Vineyard Guide marks a strategic step in that transition. Positioned as a centralized digital platform, the Guide aggregates more than 1,100 vineyards across England and Wales into a […] The post UK Launches a Unified Digital Gateway for Wine Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Yerevan Wine Days at 10: The Festival That Turned Armenia into a Global Wine Powerhouse
In the evolving hierarchy of global wine destinations, few cities have managed to translate heritage into contemporary relevance with the precision, and flair, of Yerevan. This from June 5 to June 7, 2026, Armenia’s capital will host the 10th anniversary of Yerevan Wine Days, a three-day urban immersion that has quietly, and now decisively, positioned […] The post Yerevan Wine Days at 10: The Festival That Turned Armenia into a Global Wine Powerhouse appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Wine Tourism 3.0: How the South Africa Conference Is Redefining Global Wine Destinations
Wine tourism has moved decisively beyond the transactional ritual of tastings and cellar doors. What was once a supplementary revenue stream has evolved into a core economic and brand strategy for wine regions worldwide. Today’s leading estates are no longer simply producers of wine; they are architects of place, experience, and cultural capital. This transformation […] The post Wine Tourism 3.0: How the South Africa Conference Is Redefining Global Wine Destinations appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Robert Mondavi Winery Reopens: Redefining the Global Benchmark for Next-Generation Wine Tourism
Following a three-year transformation, Robert Mondavi Winery has reopened its historic Oakville estate, marking its 60th anniversary with what is arguably one of the most significant wine tourism reinventions in Napa Valley since the 1960s. The relaunch introduces a fully modernized visitor ecosystem, new hospitality and culinary spaces, expanded indoor-outdoor tasting environments, and advanced winemaking […] The post Robert Mondavi Winery Reopens: Redefining the Global Benchmark for Next-Generation Wine Tourism appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
White Wine Deserves Its Own Emoji: New Zealand Leads Global Campaign for Unicode Recognition
New Zealand Winegrowers has launched a focused global initiative, “The Great White Wine Toast,” to advocate for the world’s first official white wine emoji. The campaign addresses a clear gap: while red wine, Champagne, and cocktails are represented in digital communication, white wine, one of the fastest-growing and most globally consumed wine styles, remains absent. […] The post White Wine Deserves Its Own Emoji: New Zealand Leads Global Campaign for Unicode Recognition appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Global Travel & Tourism Surges to Record $11.6 Trillion in 2025, Outpacing World Economy and Redefining Growth Dynamics
Travel & Tourism has firmly consolidated its position as the world’s fastest-growing economic sector in 2025, delivering a record-breaking performance that not only surpasses pre-pandemic benchmarks but also significantly outpaces overall global economic growth. New data released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with Chase Travel as Lead Research Partner, underscores […] The post Global Travel & Tourism Surges to Record $11.6 Trillion in 2025, Outpacing World Economy and Redefining Growth Dynamics appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Vinitaly 2026: Wine Tourism and Market Diversification as Strategic Growth Engines for Italian WineVinitaly 2026: Wine Tourism and Market Diversification as Strategic Growth Engines for Italian Wine
At the opening of the 58th edition of Vinitaly in Verona, a clear strategic narrative emerged: the future growth of the Italian wine sector will be driven not solely by export expansion, but increasingly by wine tourism development and the diversification of international markets. Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, emphasized: “Wine is the […] The post Vinitaly 2026: Wine Tourism and Market Diversification as Strategic Growth Engines for Italian WineVinitaly 2026: Wine Tourism and Market Diversification as Strategic Growth Engines for Italian Wine appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Vinitaly 2026 Signals a New Era: How Wine Tourism Is Redefining the Global Wine Industry
In Verona this spring, the mood is shifting. At Vinitaly 2026, taking place April 14–17, 2026, the global wine community will once again gather to taste, negotiate, and forecast. Yet this year, something fundamental has changed. The conversation is no longer centred solely on vintages, pricing, or export markets. Instead, it is about people, place, […] The post Vinitaly 2026 Signals a New Era: How Wine Tourism Is Redefining the Global Wine Industry appeared first on Liz Palmer .
- news
Chile’s Wine Consumption Decline: Rethinking the Horeca Channel Through Wine Tourism Innovation
The decline in wine consumption is no longer a localized concern; it is a global structural shift. In Chile, this trend is particularly visible, as changing consumer behaviour intersects with evolving economic and cultural dynamics. Younger generations are not simply drinking less; they are drinking differently. The traditional model, volume-driven consumption anchored in restaurants, has […] The post Chile’s Wine Consumption Decline: Rethinking the Horeca Channel Through Wine Tourism Innovation appeared first on Liz Palmer .