Santorini on its way to UNESCO

www.karakasis.mw

Article editors: Nikos Varvarigos, Ioanna Vamvakouri, Krystallia Papaeconomou.
Santorini 11-10-2019

Last year a very interesting development took place; Santorini was included in the National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage and was the first PDO region in Greece that succeeded in doing so. This piece of news is extremely important as it paves the way for Santorini to also be included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. In the article that follows, by Nikos Varvarigos, Ioanna Vamvakouri and Krystalia Papaikonomou, the effort made to achieve this is described in detail.

The wine-growing tradition of Santorini as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece

Santorini is the first Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wine region to be included in the National Index of Intangible Cultural Heritage (APK). The distinct vineyard cultivation methods, together with the wine traditions of Thera-Therassia, were encompassed into the National Index at the beginning of 2018, and now form part of the recorded Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece.

The awareness of the necessity to safeguard and preserve the particular wine heritage of this place gave rise to the initiative. Several wine-growing regions of Europe have managed to join the UNESCO list, and have thus ensured the viability of their vineyards and have highlighted the uniqueness of their area.

The documents that had to be submitted were gathered very soon after the International Symposium that was organized on the island Santorini in 2015, by the UNESCO Department of “Culture and Traditions of Wine” of the University of Burgundy, which focused on “Heritage and Development of Wine-Growing Regions”. The group in charge of this project consisted of oenologists, Mr. Nikos Varvarigos and Mrs. Ioanna Vamvakouri together with communications specialist Mrs. Kristallia Papaeconomou, and it was supported by the municipal authority of Thera, the wine industry and the National Inter-Professional Organization of Vine and Wine. It took almost 2 years to complete the project.

In February 2017 the factual application, accompanied by extensive audiovisual material and bibliography, was submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Sports, General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage, Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage. Approved by the National Scientific Committee Implementing the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in February 2018. The candidacy of Santorini was considered to be one of the most notable, as it was very thorough and well documented. The next step is to have it included in the UNESCO list. The necessary procedures were followed immediately, from the following day.

The National Directory depicts elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece in the form of a directory and is the valid and updated picture of the intangible cultural heritage of our country. The included ICH Report on Santorini contains all the items that comprise the intangible cultural heritage of the island, which need to be safeguarded and showcased. Indicatively, the main items are as follows:

More at the Link: http://ayla.culture.gr/i_ampelooiniki_klironomia_tis_santorinis/

The historical vineyard of Santorini enhances the natural and cultural scenery of the island. This vineyard is one of the few in the world that is ungrafted and untouched by phylloxera, and has a historical presence of 3,500 years in the unique terroir of the island. Over the centuries, the vine-growers of Santorini have adopted special cultivation techniques (Kouloura or Ambelia) for the production of the island’s PDO wines (Santorini, Nyhteri, Vinsanto). At the same time, the special tools used during the grape harvest (e.g. Ferentini, Kofinia), as well as the peculiar architecture of the wineries (Kanava, Patitiri, kofinia) are part of this tradition.

Folklore pertaining to the harvest and wine is rich in Santorini and includes wine celebrations for the harvest, and traditions that mark the beginning of the new Harvest (Agios Averkios), accompanied by songs and particular dishes made during this time (manestra of Vendema, tomato patties, and others); these are still practiced today.

Special referral needs to be made to the linguistic tradition of wine – the wine vocabulary of Santorini, as it has been developed over time.

Intangible Cultural Heritage is a reality that has life, which changes, evolves, transforms, adapts, is enriched, and is transferred to future generations by monitoring the social, cultural and economic transformations.

The fact that the wine tradition of Santorini was included in the National Index is a beginning for the wine industry to act collectively and for its inclusion in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. The special wine-growing techniques and practices of Santorini are an intangible cultural heritage not only of the island but of Greece as a whole. Everyone’s efforts should be focused on highlighting and promoting this request, as this will ensure that these unique cultural elements are preserved. Let Santorini open the way for the inclusion of all the special wine traditions/zones of our country on the list of UNESCO.

 

“CHOOSE | SHARE | CARE” is the new message of Wine in Moderation with an innovative visual identity.

The new Brand Strategy, message and visual identity are a result of a year-long reflection at the conclusion of the Wine in Moderation´s 10th year in existence.

Today, through the new Brand Strategy and communication, Wine in Moderation will continue to support wine professionals to inspire a sustainable culture of wine. With sound scientific evidence and responsible service training professionals will be provided knowledge, skills and tools, to help them understand the benefits of moderate consumption and risks associated with alcohol abuse.

This support will allow wineries to seize opportunities created by wine tourism, by co-creating responsible wine experiences to help wine tourists enjoy responsibly, and wine communities to capture value from the rising flows of wine tourism. The WiM Association will continue to work with professionals who want to make a difference using innovative tools, sharing good practices and opportunities to take tangible and relevant actions to help their customers make informed decisions.

“This exciting evolution marks a new beginning for Wine in Moderation” said George Sandeman, President of the WiM Association. “We have brought the message closer to professionals and consumers, making it more relevant, encouraging moderation and well-being, while supporting the sustainability of rural viticultural areas.”

The updated Brand Strategy comes to life through the new tagline “CHOOSE I SHARE I CARE”, a new modern visual identity and colourful icons which communicate the wine sector’s commitment to a sustainable culture of wine. During the last 10 years and the hard work of many, Wine in Moderation has evolved from the vision of a few to a credible international social responsibility standard for the wine sector.

“This is an important step to support an ever-growing movement” says Stylianos Filopoulos, Director of WiM Association. “We are delighted that the new Branding is the result of a series of innovative events, where members, partners and key experts came together to co-create the future of Wine in Moderation.”

Accountability has been at the heart of the Wine in Moderation Programme since the very beginning, and in the new strategy clear targets are established to measure the number of entities joining the Wine in Moderation movement and the number of professionals trained. These new performance indicators will be in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and will contribute to the sustainable development of wine and of our communities.

Συνέντευξη τύπου του Διεθνούς Οργανισμού Αμπέλου και Οίνου σχετικά με παγκόσμια παραγωγή οίνου το 2019

Ενημέρωση σχετικά με την παγκόσμια κατάσταση της αγοράς οίνου, που παρουσιάστηκε σε συνέντευξη τύπου του ΟΙV, απέστειλε το Γραφείο ΟΕΥ της ελληνικής πρεσβείας στο Παρίσι. Συγκεκριμένα η ενημέρωση αναφέρει:

Πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 31 Οκτωβρίου τ.ε., στην έδρα του Διεθνούς Οργανισμού Αμπέλου και Οίνου (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin – ΟΙV) συνέντευξη τύπου, κατά την οποία παρουσιάσθηκε η έκθεση του Οργανισμού για την παγκόσμια παραγωγή οίνου για το 2019. Την παρουσίαση της έκθεσης πραγματοποίησε ο Γενικός Διευθυντής του Οργανισμού κ. Pau Roca, παρουσία δημοσιογράφων, καθώς και εκπροσώπων των εδώ διπλωματικών Αρχών των κρατών-μελών του Οργανισμού. Στην εκδήλωση συμμετείχε ο υπογράφων.

Σύμφωνα με τα στοιχεία του OIV, η παραγωγή οίνου το 2019 αναμένεται να κυμανθεί μεταξύ 258,3 και 267,3 εκ. εκατολίτρων (mhl), με μέση εκτίμηση τα 262,8 εκ. εκατόλιτρα (mhl). Η εκτίμηση βασίζεται στα στοιχεία που συνελέγησαν σε 28 χώρες, οι οποίες αντιπροσωπεύουν το 85% της παγκόσμιας παραγωγής το 2018. Έτσι, η παραγωγή του 2019 εμφανίζεται μειωμένη κατά 10% σε σχέση με το προηγούμενο έτος, έχοντας επιστρέψει στα επίπεδα παραγωγής που παρατηρήθηκαν κατά την περίοδο 2007-2016 (με εξαίρεση το 2013), μετά από δύο διαδοχικά έτη που μπορούν να οριστούν ως εξαιρετικά ασταθή.

Στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, οι δυσμενείς καιρικές συνθήκες – από παγετό έως ξηρασία – επηρέασαν σημαντικά την παραγωγή οίνου το 2019, η οποία κινείται σε επίπεδα χαμηλότερα από τον μέσο όρο παραγωγής της πενταετίας. Ο όγκος παραγωγής που εκτιμάται σε 156,0 mhl (που αντιπροσωπεύει το 60% της παγκόσμιας παραγωγής), είναι περίπου 15% χαμηλότερος από το περασμένο έτος, ήτοι κατά 26,7 mhl.

Με ελάχιστες εξαιρέσεις, στις περισσότερες χώρες της Ε.Ε. καταγράφεται συρρίκνωση της παραγωγής σε σχέση με το 2018. Σε σύγκριση με τον εξαιρετικά υψηλό όγκο παραγωγής το 2018, σημειώθηκε πτώση κατά 15% στην Ιταλία (46,6 mhl) και τη Γαλλία (41,9 mhl) και κατά 24% στην Ισπανία (34,3 mhl). Αυτό μπορεί να εξηγηθεί από τις καιρικές συνθήκες, και κυρίως από μία πολύ κρύα και βροχερή άνοιξη, την οποία διαδέχθηκε ένα εξαιρετικά ζεστό και ξηρό καλοκαίρι. Ωστόσο, ενώ στις ανωτέρω τρεις χώρες (που αντιπροσωπεύουν από κοινού το 80% της ΕΕ) η παραγωγή είναι χαμηλή όχι μόνο σε σχέση με το 2018 αλλά και σε σύγκριση με τον μέσο όρο παραγωγής τους για την τελευταία πενταετία, χώρες όπως η Γερμανία (9,0 mhl, -12%), η Αυστρία (2,6 mhl, -4%), η Ρουμανία (4,9 mhl, -4%) και η Ουγγαρία (3,2 mhl, -6%) πέτυχαν επίπεδα παραγωγής στο ίδιο επίπεδο ή ανώτερα του μέσου όρου της πενταετίας.

Η Πορτογαλία, με 6,7 mhl το 2019, είναι η μόνη χώρα της Ε.Ε. η οποία κατέγραψε αύξηση στην παραγωγή οίνου σε σχέση με το προηγούμενο έτος (+10%) και βρέθηκε κατά 4% άνω του μέσου όρου της πενταετίας.

Η παραγωγή οίνων στην Ελλάδα εκτιμάται ότι θα ανέλθει σε 2,0 εκ. εκτατόλιτρα το 2019, μειωμένη κατά 8% σε σχέση με το προηγούμενο έτος και κατά 20% σε σχέση με τον μέσο όρο της ελληνικής παραγωγής της τελευταίας πενταετίας, κυρίως λόγω εγκατάλειψης των καλλιεργειών.

Εκτός της Ε.Ε., η παραγωγή οίνου το 2019 εμφανίζεται αυξημένη σε χώρες όπως η Ρωσία (6,0 mhl, +7%) και η Γεωργία (1,8 mhl, +1%). Στην Ελβετία, αν και ο όγκος παραγωγής είναι χαμηλότερος από πέρυσι (1,1 mhl, -6%), είναι κατά 10% μεγαλύτερος από τον μέσο όρο που παρατηρήθηκε κατά την περίοδο 2014-2018. Οι Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, με εκτιμώμενη παραγωγή 23,6 mhl (-1% σε σχέση με το 2018), παρουσίασαν πολύ καλές επιδόσεις για τέταρτο συνεχόμενο έτος. Ωστόσο, η εκτίμηση αυτή βασίζεται σε προβλέψεις για τη συγκομιδή σταφυλιών, επομένως θα μπορούσε να αναθεωρηθεί σημαντικά κατά τους επόμενους μήνες, όταν θα είναι διαθέσιμες περισσότερες πληροφορίες.

Στο νότιο ημισφαίριο, όπου η συγκομιδή έληξε στις αρχές του 2019 και τα προκαταρκτικά στοιχεία για την παραγωγή οίνου τείνουν να είναι πιο ακριβή και αξιόπιστα γι αυτή την περίοδο του έτους, η εκτίμηση για το 2019 είναι παρόμοια με αυτή του βόρειου ημισφαιρίου, με χαμηλότερη γενικά παραγωγή από το προηγούμενο έτος, η οποία, ωστόσο, κινείται συνολικά στο πλαίσιο του μέσου όρου της πενταετίας και αντιπροσωπεύει περίπου το 20% της παγκόσμιας παραγωγής.

Η Νότιος Αμερική είναι η περιοχή που καταγράφει τη μεγαλύτερη μείωση σε σχέση με την υψηλή παραγωγή του 2018 στο νότιο ημισφαίριο. Στην Αργεντινή, η παραγωγή οίνου το 2019 είναι πιθανό να φθάσει τα 13,0 mhl (-10%), ενώ η Χιλή με 11,9 mhl σημειώνει πτώση κατά 7% σε σχέση με το 2018, αλλά αύξηση 8% σε σχέση με τον μέσο όρο της πενταετίας. Η Βραζιλία, μετά από δύο διαδοχικά έτη με παραγωγή άνω των 3 mhl, το 2019 αναμένεται να καταγράψει όγκο παραγωγής 2,9 mhl, υψηλότερο κατά 10% από τον πενταετή μέσο όρο της.

Στη Νότιο Αφρική, όπου η ξηρασία επηρέασε σημαντικά τη συγκομιδή, η παραγωγή οίνου εκτιμάται σε 9,7 mhl. Είναι η μόνη μείζονος σημασίας χώρα παραγωγής, η οποία για δεύτερη συνεχή χρονιά καταγράφει όγκο παραγωγής χαμηλότερο από τον μέσο όρο της (-9% σε σχέση με τον πενταετή μέσο όρο).

Η Αυστραλία σημειώνει ελαφρά μείωση στον όγκο παραγωγής οίνου, η οποία εκτιμάται σε 12,5 mhl (-3% σε σύγκριση με το 2018 αλλά συνολικά στο επίπεδο του μέσου όρου της πενταετίας), ενώ η παραγωγή της Νέας Ζηλανδίας φαίνεται να διατηρείται για τέταρτη συνεχή χρονιά σε ένα επίπεδο κοντά στα 3,0 mhl το 2019 (-1% σε σχέση με το 2018).

Οι εκτιμήσεις του OIV έχουν αναρτηθεί στην ιστοσελίδα του Οργανισμού και συγκεκριμένα στο σύνδεσμο http://www.oiv.int/public/medias/7033/en-oiv-point-de-conjoncture.pdf.

European Day of Wine Tourism

On Sunday, November 10, wineries of the Wine Routes of Greece participate in the European Day of Wine Tourism with hundreds of other European wineries and invite you to celebrate with them.

Visitors of wineries will have the opportunity to walk around wine regions, get to know Greek wine-producers, enjoy the scenery in beautiful vineyards, take a tour in wine production, maturation and ageing areas,    try new and vintage wine and get an update on the fresh wines of this year’s harvest which has just been completed.

The European Day of Wine Tourism was established in 2009 and is annually celebrated on the second Sunday of November with the participation of wineries-members of the European Network of Wine Cities (RECEVIN) or Wine Tourism Networks.

All Regional Associations of Wineries of our country participate in the celebration of the European Day of Wine Tourism. More specifically:

Wine Producers Association “Wines of Northern Greece”

Central Greece Wine Producers Association

Wine Producers Association of the Vineyard of Attica

The Wine Grower Association of the Peloponnese

Aegean Islands Wine Producers Association

Crete Wine Producers Association (Wines of Crete)

Start planning your trip now for Sunday, November 10. From 11 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, you have the chance to visit wineries of Wine Tourism Networks, wherever you are in Greece.

The European Day of Wine Tourism is a wonderful opportunity for you to be initiated to the magical world of wine, get to know the winemaking procedure and taste exceptional Branded Greek Wines.

For further information on the wineries of each region and the scheduled events, contact Regional Associations of wineries:

Wines of Northern Greece (EN.O.A.B.E.): Τ: 2310 281617, e-mail: info@wineroads.gr, www.wineroads.gr, www.winesofnorthgreece.gr

fb: /winesofnorthgreece

Central Greece Wine Producers Association (EN.O.A.K.E.): Τ: 22330 23172 &  210 8075512, e-mail: info@enoake.gr, www.enoake.gr

fb: Wines of Central Greece

Wine Producers Association of the Vineyard of Attica (ΕΝΟΑΑ), Τ. 2294032508, e-mail: info@enoaa.gr, www.enoaa.gr , f:atticavineyards

The Wine Grower Association of the Peloponnese (ENOAP): Τ.6979116736, e-mail:manolis@enoap.org, www.peloponnesewineroads.com, fb:/winesofpeloponnese

Aegean Islands Wine Producers Association (EN.O.A.N.A.): T: 2242069860, e-mail :enoanawines@gmail.com  fb: Aegean Islands Wines

Crete Wine Producers Association (Wines of Crete), Τ: 2810 300688, e-mail: info@winesofcrete.gr  www.winesofcrete.gr  f: /winesofcrete

or on the portal of Branded Greek Wine: www.winesofgreece.org

Admission to wineries is free!

“International Xinomavro Day”

The “International Xinomavro Day” has been officially established! On 1st of November, the dominant, red, wine grape variety from North Greece steps into the world wine map.

In recent years, Greek wine industry has made significant efforts and great leaps on the production of quality wines, enhancing the brand and improving the image of the Greek vineyard both in Greece and abroad.

As a result, the indigenous varieties can be adopted by conscious consumers and true wine connoisseurs worldwide, as the rest international varieties.

The Association of Winemakers “Wines of North Greece” recognizes the charismatic “Xinomavro”, as it holds the top rank among the Greek varieties. Thus, it is decided to establish the “International Xinomavro Day” in order to promote the noble variety around world.

After all, “Xinomavro”, one of the Greek ambassador varieties, is already recognized and appreciated making friends beyond the borders.

The date of the celebration is the 1st of November, which marks the end of the harvest as well number 1 is easily remembered and reminds that “Xinomavro” is the # 1 variety of Northern Greece!

Greek winemakers invite food professionals, consumers, and friends of high-quality branded wines, to spread this wonderful idea by choosing on November 1st

“Xinomavro”, red, rosé or white (blanc de noir), fresh or matured, dry, semi-dry or semi-sweet, foamy, semi-sparkling, sweet or even as a grape marc spirit.

In addition, “Xinomavro” as a ‘’multi-dynamic’’ variety, can be found in different types and styles of wines, sometimes classic-rustic and sometimes modern-innovative.

On November 1st, we can pay a tribute to the Greek noble “Xinomavro” by opening a bottle or enjoying it by the glass, always in moderation, at home or in a wine bar or restaurant or if you are in Greece you can visiting a winery producing this variety.

Moreover, we can do something more. To spread the news everywhere, within our work environment, our family, people that we randomly meet every day, in wine bars we use to go, in our preferred restaurant, share the idea on social media and with the closest people in our life.

In case you are involved in wine or gastronomy industry, you could easily create an event for “Xinomavro”, on November 1, to celebrate with your customers.

After all, wine can create bonds and unite us.

This year, on November 1st, Earth is celebrating “Xinomavro”!

November 1, “International Xinomavro Day”.

We hope that our proposal will be embraced with excitement and globally established.

We wish you all the best and good luck with the “International Xinomavro Day”!!!

Masters of Wine Tour – Greece 2019

Author: Yiannis Karakasis MW

Source: https://www.karakasis.mw/masters-wine-greece-final-countdown

Very few days have been left before 20 members from the Masters of Wine Institute arrive for their visit to Greece (Konstantinos Lazarakis MW and I will be guiding them). The trip is organized by Enterprise Greece(Hellenic Investment and Foreign Trade Company). The program extends from the 28th of September to the 4th of October and includes trips to Athens, Crete, and Santorini.

Read more https://www.karakasis.mw/masters-wine-greece-final-countdown

 

Greek Wine Night @ Jancis Robinson

Sourse: Jancis Robinson https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/greek-wine-night?fbclid=IwAR3A8nNy3LiWQDs7-RUcLXyiXs2Hr6ZzudlHL_Govtl-BJVuPx8eS7kNKw0

Tickets are now on sale for our very first tasting event devoted to the excellent wines of Greece’s top producers on Sunday 13 October. See Julia’s articles on Santorini and Tinos to whet your appetite for these stunning wines.

On Sunday 13 October we will be holding our first Greek Wine Night, in our usual setting of Caravan King’s Cross that is so easy for Londoners to get to.

We are all massive fans of Greece’s distinctive and varied wines that have come such a long way in the last decade or two – none more so than Julia. She has been hard at work sifting through her many notes on wines tasted both in London and Greece to come up with a mouth-watering selection of more than 40 of the finest wines Greece is now producing.

She will give a brief introduction and tasters will, as usual, be given a tasting booklet with a considerable amount of detail on every wine. Our tasting events, always inspired by wines we think deserve wider recognition, are self-pour, using Jancis’s beautiful wine glass to enhance the wines’ undoubted qualities.

Caravan’s chefs will as usual be providing delicious, easy-to-eat food during the second half of the tasting.

We don’t run these events to make a profit. Any surplus will be donated to a charity of the Greek wine producers’ choice. We are delighted to have been able to donate just over £2,000 from our Cru Bourgeois Night last June (pictured above right) to the charity chosen by representatives of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc, the very worthwhile New Horizon Youth Centre based just a stone’s throw from where we hold our wine tastings.

There will also be a chance to buy the brand new, eighth edition of The World Atlas of Wine (published on 3 October) at a discount on the usual price of £50 (we hope – it depends on the bookseller), and I will be happy to sign them for anyone who would like that. Julia, who was responsible for the all-important maps, might be persuaded to too.

Please note that our next tasting event, dedicated to the fine Nebbiolos of Valtellina, is scheduled for Sunday 1 December.

Tickets are £75 a head for all these wines and food. No refunds, but if there is a waiting list we will do our best to find someone to take the ticket off your hands.

WHAT Greek Wine Night

WHEN 6.30–9 pm Sunday 13 October

WHERE Caravan King’s Cross, London N1C 4AA

HOW MUCH  £75 a head

HOW Click here

Wine in Greece: rediscovered country @ Financial Times

New growers, the use of long-forgotten varieties and an export drive have buried retsina stereotype.

Author: Kerin Hope

Read the article: https://www.ft.com/content/cbbefe38-4a27-11e9-bde6-79eaea5acb64?fbclid=IwAR3NWyLCwhZCeK42vQYnm4eQjEHQk1Vms3XvaTNMg4tpdXqk7IYW2niKSV

World of Greek Wine Program Level 1 – Sydney Wine Academy

The World of Greek Wine Program is delivered in Sydney on Saturday, 25 May 2019, in partnership with the National Inter-Professional Organization of Vine and Wine of Greece. The course includes an overview of Greek wine and then focuses on its most famous indigenous grape varieties and their regions.

A short 20 question, multiple choice exam will be given at the end of the course. Pass mark required is 55%. Successful students will receive a World of Greek Wine Program – Level 1 Certificate from the National Inter-Professional Organization of Vine and Wine of Greece.

This course is suitable for members of the wine trade and serious wine hobbyists wishing to gain an understanding of Greek wines

What you will learn:

  • Introduction to the ancient and modern history of Greece
  • Major 4 iconic grape varieties and other key varieties
  • Overview of Greek wine regions.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Please find more details: https://www.sydneywineacademy.edu.au/course/world-of-greek-wine-program—level-1

 

TEXSOM: Judges’ Selections Winners Announced at ProWein 2019

Dallas, Texas (March 18, 2019) –– TEXSOM Co-founders and Master Sommeliers James Tidwell and Drew Hendricks today will announce the final results for the 2019 TEXSOM International Wine Awards. The Awards garnered 3,294 entries representing 32 countries and 18 U.S. States, a record for the competition.

Entries into the TEXSOM International Wine Awards were blind-tasted and judged by 66 internationally renowned industry professionals from 5 countries. The judges awarded 258 Gold medals, 859 Silver medals, and 1116 Bronze medals, for a total of 2,233 medals. Suggested retail pricing of medal-winning entries ranged from US $2.99 to over $700. Vintages spanned 36 years, the oldest red from 1983, and the oldest white from 1991.

On Monday, March 18th, Judge’s Selection winners — wines judged best for their categories – will be announced by Caro Maurer, MW during ProWein at a reception in the Enterprise Greece pavilion, sponsored by Enterprise Greece. The event is a culmination of a series of award announcements on TEXSOM social media channels, and website of the Award-winning wines. A comprehensive list of winners can be found on the TEXSOM IWA website: http://www.texsomiwa.com/

Greek wines continue to show well at the TEXSOM wine awards, garnering significant medals annually. Enterprise Greece, the government agency responsible for export promotion, is sponsoring some of Greece’s leading wineries at ProWein. 

“The international recognition we receive at ProWein, indicates that the TEXSOM International Wine Awards has become one of the most internationally influential competitions in the world. From the caliber of the judges to the quality of the entries, the Awards set the standard for what key tastemakers and industry influencers believe are the world’s top wines.” Says Tidwell.

Award entries were arranged by category of beverage, place of origin, and type. The final list of all winners includes:  Judges’ Selections, Traditional Method Sparkling Wines, Other Sparkling Wines, Fortified (Dry and Sweet), Sake, White Wines, Rosé and Blush Wines, Red Wines, Ciders, and Fruit, Flavored and Honey Wines. 

Unique among all other wine competitions, the TEXSOM International Wine Awards also includes rising-star sommeliers and writing mentors in what TEXSOM refers to as the Sommelier Retreat. This group in addition to attending seminars and blind tasting practice with a Master Sommelier or Master of wine, are also responsible for expanding upon tasting notes for medal winning wines. These notes will be highlighted as Featured Wines on the TEXSOM International Wine Awards website, and in the TEXSOM publication, SOMMELIER. 

A list of this year’s judges may be found at http://texsomiwa.com/.

ABOUT TEXSOM

Founded in 2005, TEXSOM was started by Master Sommeliers James Tidwell and Drew Hendricks to help promote professional wine service standards, outline paths for further wine education and certification, and raise public awareness about the professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. Today the conference draws more than 1,100 attendees, of whom more than 800 are sommeliers and other beverage industry professionals. The TEXSOM group purchased the competition now known as the TEXSOM International Wine Awards in April 2014. One of the largest, most respected, and longest-running in the United States, the competition was founded in 1985 by journalist and wine expert Rebecca Murphy.