Wine Trade Archives

USA Today Recognizes Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery as America’s Leading Destination for Wine Tours and Tastings

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region has been named the Best Winery Tour in the United States by the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition underscores the winery’s enduring role in advancing American viticulture and wine tourism through innovation, history, and experiential hospitality. In addition to securing the top honour for winery tours, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery also ranked among the nation’s leading wine tasting rooms, highlighting its 1886 Food & Wine Experience, where visitors enjoy curated tours followed by seated tastings paired with seasonal culinary creations. The winery’s tasting facilities, knowledgeable staff, and panoramic views of Keuka Lake reinforce its position as a premier destination for wine education, heritage, and sensory exploration.

Here are the results of USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Tours, 10 Best Tasting Rooms, and 10 Best Winery Restaurants:

USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Tours

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

Baldacci Family Vineyards (Napa, California)

Eberle Winery (Paso Robles, California)

Buena Vista Winery (Sonoma, California)

Jordan Vineyard & Winery (Healdsburg, California)

Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Geyserville, California)

Grape Creek Vineyards (Fredericksburg, Texas)

Cline Family Cellars (Sonoma, California)

Benziger Family Winery (Glen Ellen, California)

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards (Solvang, California)

USA Today’s 10 Best Tasting Rooms

Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)

Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)

Final Girl Wines (Solvang, California)

Rune Wines (Sonoita, Arizona)

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards (Ashland, Oregon)

Durant Vineyards (Dayton, Oregon)

Boordy Vineyards (Hydes, Maryland)

McPherson Cellars (Lubbock, Texas)

USA Today’s 10Best Winery Restaurants

Roblar Winery and Vineyards (Santa Ynez, California)

Farm & Forage at Sokol Blosser Winery (Dayton, Oregon)

The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles, California)

Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay, Michigan)

The Tasting Barn at Ryan William Vineyard (Burdett, New York)

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (Spokane, Washington)

Bolero Restaurante (Temecula, California)

Farm Cafe (Lodi, California)

Pronghorn Pizza (Sonoita, Arizona)

The Kitchen at Abeja (Walla Walla, Washington)

USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Restaurants

Roblar Winery and Vineyards (Santa Ynez, California)

Farm & Forage at Sokol Blosser Winery (Dayton, Oregon)

The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles, California)

Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay, Michigan)

The Tasting Barn at Ryan William Vineyard (Burdett, New York)

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (Spokane, Washington)

Bolero Restaurante (Temecula, California)

Farm Cafe (Lodi, California)

Pronghorn Pizza (Sonoita, Arizona)

The Kitchen at Abeja (Walla Walla, Washington)

The 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards showcase how wineries across the United States are elevating wine tourism through innovation, hospitality, and memorable visitor experiences. From the historic estates of New York’s Finger Lakes to the acclaimed tasting rooms of Oregon, the culinary-driven winery restaurants of California, and the boutique vineyards of Texas and Arizona, these award-winning destinations reflect the diversity and richness of American wine culture. Together, they highlight how wine tourism fosters regional identity, supports local economies, and deepens travellers’ connections to both place and tradition. These celebrated wineries offer the perfect opportunity to plan a journey that combines history, education, gastronomy, and the joy of discovery, an invitation to explore the very best of U.S. wine country.

Raise Your Glass to New Zealand for International Pinot Noir Day – August 18th

There’s something irresistibly seductive about Pinot Noir. It’s the grape varietal that makes sommeliers swoon, winemakers sweat, and wine lovers fall head over heels. And while Burgundy may have long been considered its spiritual home, New Zealand has been quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) redefining the Pinot Noir conversation.

This August 18th, as the wine world raises a glass to International Pinot Noir Day, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s most captivating red wine export.

Pinot Noir was first planted in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand’s North Island in 1883, but it wasn’t until 1987 that it was commercially released. By the 1990s, gold medals in Australia and London had propelled New Zealand Pinot Noir onto the global stage. Suddenly, whispers of a “new Pinot powerhouse” were spreading around the wine world.

“New Zealand Pinot Noir is something else,” says Charlotte Read, General Manager Brand at New Zealand Winegrowers. “It leads with a concentrated core of fruit, supported by a vibrant backbone of acidity thanks to our cool climate, and displays the hallmark fragrance and elegant, fine-grained tannins that great Pinots possess. It’s exciting to observe the distinct regional styles that emerge from differences in soil type and climate across the areas where Pinot Noir is grown in New Zealand.”

Pinot Noir is now among the top five most searched red varietals globally, with Wine-Searcher reporting an increase from 10.5% to 15.5% of total search market share. Within New Zealand, Pinot Noir accounted for 32.4% of wine searches in 2024, second only to Sauvignon Blanc.

And it’s not just hype; it’s in the glass. Lively acidity, silky tannins, and versatile food-friendliness make it a natural companion for a wide range of dishes, from roast chicken and salmon to mushroom risotto and duck confit. With more wine lovers gravitating toward fresher, chillable reds, Pinot Noir is perfectly suited to the modern table.

It’s no surprise that Pinot Noir has become New Zealand’s top red wine variety and the country’s second-largest wine export after Sauvignon Blanc, with over 1.5 million cases shipped annually to more than 100 countries. Exports alone reached $2.1 billion in 2024.

So, this International Pinot Noir Day, why not pour yourself a glass and discover why this grape has captured the world’s imagination?

My picks for the occasion:

Tarras Central Otago Pinot Noir – vibrant, rich, full-bodied and endlessly drinkable
Thornbury Pinot Noir 2019 – classic structure with a rich, fruit-driven
Lord Rutherford Pinot Noir 2013 – a cellar gem that showcases how gracefully New Zealand Pinot can age

Raise your glass, take a sip, and let New Zealand Pinot Noir remind you why wine can be both playful and profound!

EU Lifts Liquid Ban: Wine Bottles Now Permitted in Hand Luggage at Select European Airports

Recent advancements in aviation security technology have prompted the European Union (EU) to revise its long-standing 100 millilitre liquid restriction for carry-on luggage. This policy evolution, currently applicable in select European airports, has significant implications for passenger convenience, airport operational efficiency, and regional agri-food economies, particularly the wine and olive oil sectors.

The European Union has officially sanctioned the use of next-generation computed tomography (CT) security scanners capable of detecting liquid explosives without the need to separate or decant liquids during security screening. The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) approved these devices in July 2025, marking a pivotal shift in airport security protocols.

Under the revised regulations, passengers travelling through airports equipped with these next-generation scanners by Smiths Detection, like Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, Bologna, and Turin can now carry liquids, including wine, olive oil, perfumes, and creams, in containers of up to two litres in their hand luggage. This development effectively dismantles the 100-millilitre threshold that has been in place for nearly two decades.

While the measure is currently limited to airports utilizing scanners from approved manufacturers (e.g., Smiths Detection), broader EU-wide implementation is expected as more airports upgrade their systems. However, discrepancies may arise during multi-leg itineraries involving airports with outdated screening equipment.

The policy shift is anticipated to yield tangible benefits for the wine tourism and agri-food sectors. travellers, especially those without checked baggage, can now transport artisanal products directly from producers, avoiding the higher costs and limited selection of duty-free shops. The measure thus supports regional economies while enhancing the travel experience.

EU wine, spirits to face 15% US tariff starting August 1

European wine and spirits will face a 15% U.S. import tariff until a different deal is agreed in talks expected to continue in the autumn, the European Commission and EU diplomats said on Thursday, dashing producers’ hopes of an immediate reprieve.

A framework trade deal between Brussels and Washington on Sunday agreed a 15% tariff for most EU imports into the United States, although some sectors were expected to be exempted.

The U.S. tariff on European wine and spirits is currently 10%. Brussels is keen to reduce that to zero or, for wine at least, to the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates that are set on a fixed cost per litre basis, rather than in percentage terms.

“The Commission remains determined to achieve and secure the maximum number of carve-outs, including … wine and spirits,” Commission spokesperson for trade Olof Gill said.

“It is not our expectation that wine and spirits will be included as an exemption in the first group announced by the U.S. tomorrow. And therefore that sector will be captured by the 15% ceiling,” he said.

Winemakers said the tariff, even if temporary, would hurt the sector, especially when combined with the stronger euro.

“The 15% duty on EU wines, even if applied for some months until the negotiations are closed, would cause significant economic losses not only for EU wine producers but also for U.S. businesses involved throughout the supply chain,” said Ignacio Sanchez Recarte, secretary general of European wine producers group CEEV.

“When combined with the currency shift in the dollar/euro exchange rate, the overall financial burden on the sector could reach 30%. Investments will be halted and export volumes will decline while waiting for the final agreement,” he said.

U.S. Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger also urged a quick deal to bring tariffs down to zero.

“It is extremely disappointing and utterly exasperating that the U.S. and EU have not yet come to an agreement on spirits, which is an easy win for the United States that will help secure our economic vitality during this challenging time for the hospitality industry,” Swonger said.

“It is critical for our great American distilleries, farmers and hospitality workers across the country that President Trump secure a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits with the European Union,” he said in a statement.

The U.S. is to publish an executive order on Friday, implementing the framework trade deal that was agreed on Sunday between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Separately, the EU and the U.S. are to publish a joint statement spelling out the details of the framework deal.

A senior diplomat said that talks on wine and spirits tariffs would continue after the joint statement. “(This will take place) probably in the autumn,” the diplomat said.

Until recently, spirits had benefited from zero tariffs between the U.S. and EU following an agreement in 1997 that also included other countries such as Canada and Japan.

That lasted until 2018, when the EU response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs included increased duties on U.S. bourbon and other spirits. These were suspended in 2021.

U.S. MFN rates for wine are 19.8 cents per litre for sparkling and 6.3 cents per litre for most other wines, which equates to very low rates in most cases.

Source: Reuters

AliveTaste’25 – A Celebration of Portugal’s Wine Culture and Gastronomic Excellence

I recently had the honour of attending the 9th Edition of AliveTaste’25 in Portugal, an extraordinary celebration of Portuguese wine, gastronomy, and cultural excellence. My journey across the country offered profound insights into the evolution of its wine culture, from the Atlantic-influenced Vinho Verde to the dramatic terraces of the Douro Valley, and culminated in a multisensory experience at AliveTaste’25, hosted at the iconic Palácio do Freixo in Porto.

Exploring the Vinho Verde Wine Region: Tradition Meets Innovation

My exploration began in the Vinho Verde region, a landscape defined by granitic soils, verdant valleys, and cool Atlantic breezes. The appellation spans nine sub-regions, from Monção and Melgaço in the north to Paiva in the southeast, each contributing unique microclimatic influences and terroir expressions.

Long associated with low-alcohol, lightly effervescent white wines, Vinho Verde is undergoing a dynamic renaissance. During my visit, I discovered winemakers pushing boundaries, experimenting with single-varietal expressions that highlight the region’s diverse terroirs and microclimates, including an exciting emergence of red wines.

Producers are crafting distinctive wines from Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Arinto, each showcasing freshness, minerality, and structure. The grape varietals Alvarinho and Loureiro are being further refined through innovative techniques such as oak aging, which adds greater depth, complexity, and character.

Vinho Verde is also gaining recognition as a vibrant wine tourism destination. Many wineries now offer curated experiences that go beyond tastings, inviting visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region through tours, cultural activities, and immersive leisure experiences that seamlessly blend wine, hospitality, and landscape.

“Vinho Verde is certainly one of Europe’s most exciting wine destinations—and it’s only getting better” — Liz Palmer

Aveleda Wines: A Living Legacy of Portuguese Viticulture

One of the highlights of my travels in the Vinho Verde region was a visit to Aveleda, one of Portugal’s oldest and most respected wine estates. Founded in 1870 and still family-owned, Aveleda exemplifies the convergence of innovation, biodiversity, and sustainability. The estate spans over 200 hectares, and its commitment to ecological integrity is evident in its viticultural and architectural choices.

During my visit, I toured the historic gardens and cellars, participated in a technical tasting of their Alvarinho and Loureiro, and enjoyed an amazing outdoor wine tasting in the historic gardens, followed by a wine-paired lunch that reflected the region’s gastronomic richness. Aveleda’s wines are crisp, expressive, and exported to over 80 countries; they are true ambassadors of the Vinho Verde DOC.

The Douro Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Landscape of Wine

My wine travels continue and have led me to the Douro Valley.

Home to over 33,000 grape growers and spanning nearly 250,000 hectares, the Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions, officially established in 1756. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its dramatic terraced vineyards that cling to steep schist slopes, some with gradients reportedly exceeding 70%. Long celebrated as the birthplace of Port wine, the Douro is now equally acclaimed for its bold, expressive still wines crafted from indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. With over 200 wine estates or quintas, this region offers an exceptional wine tourism experience, blending rich viticultural heritage, striking architecture, and awe-inspiring landscapes into a destination that embodies the essence of Portugal’s wine culture.

I spent the night at Quinta de Ventozelo, one of the oldest and most expansive estates in the Douro Valley, which offers a compelling integration of heritage, hospitality, and enotourism. The estate’s architectural restoration thoughtfully preserves its 16th-century origins while adapting the structures into refined accommodations that blend comfort with historical authenticity. Nestled amidst 400 hectares of vineyards, forests, and olive groves, the property provides a unique immersion into the cultural and environmental landscape of the region.

A highlight of the estate is its panoramic infinity pool, positioned to frame the sweeping curves of the Douro River, an ideal vantage point for contemplating the viticultural terrain. Beyond its natural beauty, guests at the wine estate are encouraged to explore a network of ecological walking trails, participate in guided vineyard tours, and visit the Interpretation Centre, which offers in-depth insights into the estate’s biodiversity and sustainable practices. This holistic approach positions the property not merely as a wine resort, but as a living expression of the Douro’s enduring viticultural legacy.

I participated in a curated wine tasting that featured a selection of estate labels, from crisp whites and expressive reds to elegant Ports, each reflecting the terroir and heritage of Ventozelo. Wines and Ports that stood out: Quinta de Ventozelo Rose, 2023, Quinta de Ventozelo Malvasia Fina, 2023, Quinta de Ventozelo, 2018 Vintage Port, and Quinta de Ventozelo Colheita Port 2014.

As dusk settled over the terraced vineyards, I enjoyed an intimate dinner with other colleagues at Cantina de Ventozelo, the estate’s signature restaurant. The menu showcased locally sourced ingredients, many grown on-site, and paired seamlessly with Ventozelo’s wines. The panoramic view overlooking the Douro Valley added cinematic depth to the evening, transforming the meal into a sensory journey that felt both grounded in tradition and rich in discovery.

Visiting Douro Icons: Adega de Favaios & Quinta de São Luiz

Venturing deeper into the Douro Valley, I visited Adega de Favaios, a historic cooperative revered for its iconic Moscatel Galego Branco. Situated at elevations between 600 and 800 meters, the vineyards benefit from significant diurnal temperature shifts, ideal conditions for cultivating wines with refined floral and tropical aromatics. During my visit, I sampled a beautifully aged vintage Moscatel, a compelling expression of the region’s aging potential and steadfast commitment to quality.

Founded in 1952, Adega Cooperativa de Favaios stands as one of Portugal’s most esteemed wine institutions, uniting over 550 dedicated growers. While Moscatel de Favaios remains its signature, the cooperative also cultivates a diverse range of native grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Rabigato, and Gouveio. The winery seamlessly blends tradition and modernity in its state-of-the-art cellar, where innovative techniques honour long-standing practices, producing wines that are both expressive and enduring hallmarks of Portuguese wine culture.

I enjoyed a guided tour of the winery, gaining insight into the cooperative’s rich history and its meticulous winemaking process. The experience culminated in a tasting of their portfolio, including several still wines and the iconic Moscatel de Favaios; a beautifully aromatic and balanced expression of the Moscatel Galego Branco grape.

En route to Quinta de São Luiz, our drive from Adega de Favaios to Quinta de São Luiz included a breathtaking journey through the heart of the Douro Valley, winding past terraced vineyards, centuries-old quintas, and panoramic views of the Douro River. As we descended from the elevated Favaios plateau, the landscape unfolded dramatically; steep schist slopes lined with vines, charming hillside villages, and the glint of rabelos drifting along the water below.

Quinta de São Luiz, the historic birthplace of the Kopke brand, is one of the Douro Valley’s most iconic wine estates, with roots tracing back to 1638, making it the oldest Port wine house in Portugal. Located on the left bank of the Douro River between Régua and Pinhão, in the village of Tabuaço, the estate is renowned for its production of Tawny Colheita Ports, white wines, and premium Douro DOC wines. We were welcomed with a guided tour through the Romilã vineyard, insights into traditional winemaking at the Casa do Alambique, and curated tastings on the scenic São Luiz Terrace, which was relocated due to the heat to one of the tasting rooms. The estate also hosts engaging activities such as treasure hunts and mystery tours for groups, making it a versatile and immersive destination for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Hotel Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia

I had the pleasure of dining with my group and special guest, Frederico Falcão, President of ViniPortugal, at 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Chef Nacho Manzano, [third Michelin star chef]. The décor is sophisticated yet understated, blending warm wood accents, soft lighting, and expansive views over the Douro River and the city of Porto, creating a refined, timeless setting. Service was impeccable: attentive without being intrusive, with staff deeply knowledgeable about both the cuisine and the exceptional Kopke wine and Port pairings. Chef Nacho Manzano’s tasting menu was a masterclass in culinary precision, each course artfully balancing purity of flavour with innovative techniques like low-temperature cooking and steaming. Highlights included delicate seafood, seasonal vegetables, and heritage meats, all elevated by rare Kopke Ports and Douro DOC wines from Quinta de São Luiz and Quinta da Boavista. It was an extraordinary gastronomic journey, one that perfectly reflected Porto’s rich culinary and winemaking heritage in every bite.

The World of Wine (WOW): Porto’s Cultural Beacon

No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to WOW or the “World of Wine” a pioneering cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia. I spent an afternoon exploring the museums, including The Wine Experience, Planet Cork, and The Bridge Collection. WOW also features 12 restaurants, a wine school, boutique shopping, and panoramic views over the Douro River, a dynamic nexus of culture, education, and luxury wine tourism.

During my exploration of the local wine landscape, I had the opportunity to stay at a selection of hotels that exemplified a sophisticated integration of luxury accommodations and strategic geographic positioning.

Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel – Porto’s newest 5-star property, it combines modern sophistication with sweeping city views. An ideal base for wine professionals and tourists alike, it’s located within easy access to both urban and wine country adventures.

Pestana Douro Riverside – This elegant property is a restored perfume and soap factory known as the Floral Factory. Dinner at Aroma, its signature restaurant, was a standout experience. The interiors blend exposed beams and iron columns with a soft, modern palette, an aesthetic that tells the story of industrial heritage reimagined.

Tivoli Kopke Porto Hotel – Strategically located near the Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellars, this hotel offers direct access to key wine tourism sites. Its stylish interiors evoke understated luxury, ideal for oenophiles. A dinner at 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano was a culinary masterpiece, featuring haute cuisine paired with Kopke’s award-winning Ports and still wines.

AliveTaste’25: Portugal’s Pinnacle Event for Wine and Gastronomy

In the heart of Portugal’s storied wine country, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary elegance, this year’s AliveTaste’25 was nothing short of a sensory revelation.

Held at the magnificent Portuguese Baroque Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Douro, the event unfolded as a harmonious symphony of taste, culture, and refined hospitality. It brought together 26 chefs and 20 wine producers, featuring culinary creations from the chefs paired with wines from the participating producers.

The event was attended by an eclectic mix of luminaries: international wine critics, Michelin-starred chefs, top sommeliers, and luxury travel insiders. From Canada to Paris to São Paulo to South Korea, the guest list read like a passport through the world’s wine capitals. Both Portuguese wines and gastronomy took center stage, joined by leading producers from across the country, bringing the global wine world together in one extraordinary setting.

AliveTaste’25 is more than a celebration of fine wine; it is a tribute to the terroir, the people, and the compelling stories that are shaping Portugal’s growing influence in gastronomy and luxury wine tourism. In 2025, the event once again raised the bar, elevating the experience to new heights.

“AliveTaste’25 was nothing short of a sensory revelation” – Liz Palmer

For further details, visit: https://alivetaste.com