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Oct 25, 2024

Global Wine Tourism Excellence Celebrated at 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards

The global wine community gathered in Verona this week for the announcement of the highly anticipated 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, a key highlight of the Annual Conference of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network. Held at the historic Gallerie Mercatali, the awards celebrated the top wine tourism experiences from across the world. This year's competition attracted an impressive 644 entries, reflecting the growing importance of innovation and excellence in the wine tourism sector.

The Best Of Wine Tourism Awards are a prestigious recognition within the GWCGN, honouring outstanding wineries and wine-related businesses in seven categories such as Architecture & Landscapes, Art & Culture, Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices, and more. Each of the Network’s cities submitted local nominees for global consideration, and the winners represent the very best in their fields. The 2025 global winners include:

 

 

The Great Wine Capitals Global Network allies cities renowned for their wine regions united to promote wine tourism, economic growth, and cross-border collaboration. Its 12 member cities include Adelaide, Bordeaux, Bilbao | Rioja, Cape Town | Cape Winelands, Lausanne, Mainz | Rheinhessen, Mendoza, Porto, San Francisco | Napa Valley, Valparaíso | Casablanca Valley, Verona, and the newest addition, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The Network fosters innovation and sustainability in wine tourism across the globe, showcasing best practices and inspiring excellence.

 

As the host of the 2025 Annual Conference, Verona took center stage, welcoming global leaders and industry professionals to explore the city’s rich viticultural heritage.

 

Annachiara de Carlo, Local Coordinator for Verona, shared her excitement about hosting the event: “Verona is honoured to have welcomed the global wine community for the Annual Conference of the GWCGN. This event is not only a celebration of excellence in wine tourism but also a recognition of the rich culture and innovation that each member city brings. Hosting this year’s conference and awards at has been a wonderful opportunity for Verona to showcase its own vibrant wine culture to the world.”

 

The 2025 awards marked a special occasion for Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, the newest member of the Network. As the region made its debut in the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, local wineries and businesses embraced the opportunity to be recognised globally.

 

Hamish Saxton, Executive Committee member from Hawke’s Bay, expressed his pride: “Joining the GWCGN has been a remarkable journey for Hawke’s Bay, and this year’s awards have been a significant milestone. It is a privilege to have our region’s wine tourism recognized on a global platform. Opening the awards to our region has inspired innovation and a commitment to excellence across our local industry, and we are thrilled to be part of such a prestigious network.”

 

The judges and jury have cast their votes, and now it’s time for the public to choose their favourite properties in the People’s Choice Awards. Voting is open from November 4 to 18, with both Global and Regional winners in the running.

 

The 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards have once again highlighted the exceptional dedication and innovation within the global wine tourism industry. With the continued collaboration of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, the future of wine tourism looks bright, inspiring excellence and sustainable growth worldwide.

 

Find the full press release: GWC Global Wine Tourism Excellence Celebrated at 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards