The world’s leading wine destinations gathered at the historic Palais de la Bourse in Bordeaux to celebrate the Global 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, honouring excellence and innovation across the international wine tourism industry.
A Legacy Poured Forward: Great Wine Capitals Gather in Bordeaux
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWC) has concluded its landmark 25th Annual Conference in Bordeaux, the city where the Network began. Held under the theme Genesis, the event symbolised a homecoming – a moment to reflect on shared history while shaping the future of global wine tourism together.
Great Wine Capitals 25th Annual Conference Underway in Bordeaux, France
The 25th Annual Conference of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network is currently taking place in Bordeaux, running from 2 to 6 November 2025. Returning to its founding city for this symbolic milestone, the event brings together international delegates from the Network’s eleven member cities for a week of collaboration, innovation and celebration, guided by the theme “GENESIS”.
Yantai, China Joins the Great Wine Capitals Global Network as Observer Member
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network is pleased to announce the formal admission of Yantai, China as the first Observer Member of the Network. This decision follows a successful mission visit in July 2025 and acknowledges Yantai’s demonstrated potential, commitment to sustainable wine tourism, and strong alignment with the values of the GWC community.
The Effect of “Pay What You Want” on Wine Valuations
A new research report by Magalie Dubois, Great Wine Capitals International Research Grant Winner 2024, explores the potential of Pay What You Want (PWYW) pricing as an innovative approach for wine tourism. Her findings will be presented during the Great Wine Capitals Annual Conference in Bordeaux on November 2025.
Global Wine Tourism Report 2025: Landmark international study unveils the current state of wine tourism worldwide
The newly published Global Wine Tourism Report 2025 represents a milestone for the global wine and tourism industries. With contributions from wineries in 47 countries, this unique study is the most comprehensive international analysis of wine tourism to date. It provides a clear reflection of the sector’s present realities and future directions. “With more than 1,300 wineries from every continent represented, the report offers a unique global voice for the wine sector. It sets the stage for a better understanding of consumer expectations and for designing innovative strategies,” said Professor Gergely Szolnoki of Hochschule Geisenheim University, who led the research team.
Bordeaux to Host 25th Great Wine Capitals Annual Conference, Honouring the Network’s Origins
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network will hold its 25th Annual General Conference in Bordeaux, France, from November 2 to 6, 2025. As the founding city of the Network, Bordeaux plays host in this milestone year under the guiding theme “Genesis.”
Great Wine Capitals Announces 2025–2026 International Research Grant Recipients
The Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025/2026 International Research Grant, awarded to two outstanding projects that will bring new perspectives to wine tourism strategy, consumer engagement, and destination development. The grants were awarded through a competitive international selection process, recognising academic excellence and practical relevance.
Wine industry bursary winners share insights
About 50 representatives from the South Australian wine industry got together to listen to ideas gathered from around the world for growth and innovation in South Australian wine research, viticulture, wine production and wine tourism.
GWC Webinar: Entertainment-Driven Wine Tourism in the New World: Award-Winning Experiences from Australia and New Zealand
New GWC’s webinar explored how wine tourism in New World regions is being transformed through dynamic, entertainment-driven experiences. The session highlighted how top destinations in Australia and New Zealand are redefining the traditional cellar door by blending wine with culture, cuisine, and creativity.
GWC Partners with FINE #WineTourism Marketplace for Its First Italian Edition
Great Wine Capitals is proud to be an official partner of the first-ever FINE #WineTourism Marketplace Italy, an international B2B event exclusively focused on wine tourism. Following its success in Spain, the event is now making its debut in Italy, in the stunning setting of Riva del Garda (Trentino) on October 28–29, 2025.
Global Wine Tourism Report: International Research Collaboration to Deliver Key Insights to the Sector
Wine tourism has seen significant growth over the past decade, emerging as a profitable and dynamic branch of the global wine industry. As a driver of sustainable development, it also plays a key role in diversifying rural economies, creating jobs, and bringing tangible benefits to local communities. It fosters the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, while promoting more responsible and inclusive tourism models.