Record 623 Applications Mark 25th Anniversary of Global Wine Tourism Awards in Bordeaux

Wine tourism leaders from around the world gathered in Bordeaux, France, for the Global 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. The event took place at the historic Palais de la Bourse and marked the 25th anniversary of the Great Wine Capitals Network. Representatives from eleven major wine regions attended the ceremony, which recognized excellence in wine tourism, architecture, sustainability, and visitor experiences.

The awards are part of an annual conference that rotates among member cities. This year’s event was especially significant because Bordeaux is one of the founding members of the Network. The city played a central role in shaping the vision for international collaboration among leading wine regions.

Throughout 2025, each of the eleven Great Wine Capitals held their own regional competitions to select outstanding wine tourism businesses. Categories included innovation, accommodation, sustainability, and overall visitor experience. From these regional contests, 75 winners advanced to compete for global recognition. Organizers reported a record 623 applications this year, reflecting increased interest and investment in wine tourism worldwide.

The 2026 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Award winners represent a diverse group of destinations. Maxwell Wines from Adelaide, South Australia; Bodegas Faustino Legacy from Bilbao-Rioja, Spain; La Maison Cardinale from Bordeaux, France; Church Road Winery from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand; Domaine du Mont d’Or from Lausanne, Switzerland; Völker Restaurant & Events from Mainz-Rheinhessen, Germany; Viña Doña Paula from Mendoza, Argentina; Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta San Francisco from Porto, Portugal; Sterling Vineyards from Napa Valley, United States; BOTÁNICO by Casas del Bosque from Valparaíso-Casablanca Valley, Chile; and Rambaldi Apartments from Verona, Italy were all honored as global winners.

Each winner was recognized for their commitment to quality and their ability to offer unique experiences that reflect their region’s character. Catherine Leparmentier, Managing Director of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, said that this year’s honorees demonstrate how passion and innovation can create memorable visits for travelers. She noted that the winners set new standards for excellence in wine tourism.

Jo Collins, newly elected President of the Network and an executive member from Adelaide, highlighted the importance of both tradition and innovation in today’s wine tourism industry. She emphasized that the Network continues to foster connections between regions while supporting local authenticity.

The award-winning properties will be promoted throughout 2026 on international platforms managed by the Great Wine Capitals Network. Organizers hope that showcasing these destinations will encourage more visitors to explore different wine regions and learn about their unique offerings.

The event in Bordeaux brought together industry professionals who exchanged ideas on how to further develop wine tourism. Many participants discussed trends such as sustainable practices and digital innovation in visitor experiences. The conference also provided opportunities for networking among wineries, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tourism officials.

As wine tourism continues to grow globally, events like the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards highlight how regions are adapting to changing traveler expectations while preserving their heritage. The recognition given in Bordeaux is expected to boost visibility for each winner and inspire other destinations to invest in quality and creativity within their own wine tourism sectors.