The Best Of Wine Tourism 2027 awards, granted by the Great Wine Capitals (GWC) network, celebrated the excellence, innovation, and transformative capacity of seven wine tourism projects during a ceremony held at Villa-Lucía in Laguardia. Organised by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Álava, the event highlighted Rioja Alavesa as a key player in the wine tourism sector.
The awards are jointly presented by the Chambers of Álava, Bilbao, and La Rioja, the Bilbao City Council, and the Regulatory Council of the DOCa Rioja. The ceremony featured a significant institutional representation, including Gregorio Rojo, president of the Álava Chamber of Commerce; Juan Mari Sáenz de Buruaga, president of the GWC network; and Ramiro González, the general deputy of Álava.
In his opening remarks, Rojo emphasised the importance of wine tourism in promoting the region and generating economic activity. He stated, "We live in a privileged region where wine is part of our history, landscape, and culture. The success of our wine sector is not solely due to the quality of our wines but also to the vision of those who have turned this heritage into a top-tier tourist proposal, attracting visitors from around the world and creating wealth, jobs, and opportunities."
Recognition for Rioja Alavesa
This year, two initiatives from Rioja Alavesa received awards. The Hotel Palacio de Samaniego was honoured in the Accommodation category for its ability to blend 18th-century historical heritage with contemporary luxury, international art, and wine culture. The hotel was praised for its personalised service and its connection to the local tradition.
Meanwhile, the Fundación MAGA, part of Muriel Wines in Elciego, was recognised for its Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices. The foundation is noted for its social and solidarity-based approach to sustainability, engaging in projects that support vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cambodia, linking this work with wine tourism through charitable visits to its historic cellars.
Tribute to Juanma Lavín
A poignant moment of the evening was the posthumous tribute to Juanma Lavín, a key figure in the development of wine tourism in Rioja Alavesa. The jury awarded him a Special Mention, accepted by his son Rubén Lavín, in recognition of his innovative and creative contributions to the sector. Lavín had previously received a Special Mention in 2018 for his efforts to establish Villa-Lucía as a wine tourism reference point.
Other award winners
In addition to the awards for Rioja Alavesa, five other initiatives were recognised across various categories. Ventilla Restaurante & Wine Bar in Haro won in the Gastronomic Experiences category for its local cuisine and extensive wine selection. The Hotel Palacio de los Ángeles in Haro received the Architecture, Parks and Gardens award for its restoration of an 18th-century building.
Vivanco Enoturismo y Experiencias in Briones was honoured in the Art and Culture category for promoting wine culture as a dynamic and universal heritage. The Wine Bubble Experience in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón won the award for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences for its immersive accommodation among vineyards. Lastly, Bodegas Campo Viejo (Grupo Vinarchy) in Logroño was recognised for its MICE services that integrate sustainability, technological innovation, gastronomy, and wine culture for corporate tourism.
The jury also granted a Special Mention to SAVIA, the Sommelier School at the Centre for Rioja Culture, for its role in professionalising wine service and promoting wine culture through various educational activities.
