Bilbao-Rioja hosted the Great Wine Capitals Global Network’s Midterm Meeting from June 1–3, 2026, bringing together representatives from wine regions around the world to advance collaborative initiatives and shared strategic goals.
Juan M. Sáenz de Buruaga, President of the GWC Bilbao-Rioja Committee, personally welcomed the participating delegations.
GWC Midterm Meeting at the Bilbao Chamber of Commerce
Strategic Priorities
The Executive Committee met at the Bilbao Chamber of Commerce to work through the network’s key priorities. Discussions centered on preparations for the annual conference to be held in Hawke’s Bay later in 2026, as well as the development of the 2027 Best of Wine Tourism awards program — a prestigious recognition that celebrates excellence in wine tourism experiences worldwide.
The three-day program also featured technical visits showcasing the very best of the region’s wine tourism offer. Delegates toured San Mamés stadium, visited the award-winning Hotel Palacio Arriluce, and traveled by boat along Bilbao’s estuary. In Rioja, the group visited Vinícola Real, Palacio Vinos de Finca, Campo Viejo, Faustino, and Valdelana — all recognized recipients of the Best of Wine Tourism award.
-
- San Mamés Stadium
-
- Bodegas Valdelana
The meeting reinforced the network’s commitment to collaboration across member territories and the exchange of knowledge as drivers of wine tourism development, while identifying new opportunities for joint initiatives that strengthen international competitiveness.
Best of Wine Tourism 2027 — Open Call
The application period for the GWC Bilbao-Rioja’s Best of Wine Tourism 2027 awards is open through June 15, 2026. Local wineries and tourism businesses are invited to submit their nominations and compete for these prestigious international recognitions.
The GWC Bilbao-Rioja Committee is made up of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Álava, Bilbao, and La Rioja; the Bilbao City Council; and the Regulatory Council of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (DOCa). The La Rioja Chamber of Commerce carries out its activities within the Great Wine Capitals network in collaboration with the Government of La Rioja.
Text by Liz Aldayturriaga
Photos by GWC Bilbao-Rioja
For more information about Bilbao-Rioja, visit Bilbao-Rioja Great Wine Capitals