We have been to the last two International Wine Tourism Conferences. Thus far, the conference sites have been in Europe. In 2012 we attended the conference held in Perugia, Italy. While in Italy we visited wineries in Umbria and Campania. This year’s conference was in Zagreb, Croatia. While in Croatia we visited wineries in Istria and after the conference we returned the short distance to Italy to visit wineries in Friuli. In 2014, the conference takes place in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Of our travels to over 1,000 wineries and vineyards in North America, Europe and Oceania, the country Georgia was the most different. We discovered a people passionate about wine. We did see many wineries making modern day wines using stainless steel and oak barrels. The only difference between Georgia and the rest of the world was the grape varieties used to make those wines. Georgia has 540 different grape varieties, many are near extinction. Also in Georgia we observed and made wine in a qvevri. This is an ancient winemaking process that produces amazing whites and reds. Grapes and winemaking have an 8,000 year history in Georgia, long before the rest of the world.

This conference reaches beyond winemakers and tour operators. It is an appropriate conference for wine writers and bloggers, the general public that is interested in wine, winery staff, tasting room staff, tour guides, tour drivers, hoteliers and chefs. Anyone interested in wine and tourism will enjoy the many different offerings. You can view some of the presentations for the March 29 – 30, 2014  conference at http://www.iwinetc.com/2014georgia/speakers/

Conference regestration fees are now on sale through the end of November. From the IWINETC  team we have the following information about their early bird special.

Registration for the must-attend event for wine tourism professionals is open for Visitors, Bloggers and Students. If you have not already signed up, register today and make the most of the early bird rate saving you 60 Euros! Early bird rates ends 30 November 2013!

Visitors http://www.iwinetc.com/2014georgia/register/
Bloggers & traditional media Fam Trip http://www.iwinetc.com/2014georgia/wine-travel-blogger-media-fam-trip/

IWINETC has everything you need to drive you and/or your business forward and in 2 days, you can meet directly with the most important people for your activity, create valuable relationships and refresh yourself for the year ahead.

If you’re a tour operator or travel agent specializing in wine and culinary tourism, apply to be part of the IWINETC Invited Buyer Programme and take advantage of the exclusive benefits it provides.

Wine Tourism Meet Up & Fam Trip http://www.iwinetc.com/2014georgia/agent-info/

Attention Exhibitors: Have you confirmed your exhibitor table for IWINETC 2013? If not then make sure you take advantage now by registering before 15 December 2013. Booking early affords you some great benefits including a presentation of your business at the Wine Tourism Meet Up plus the opportunity to secure your preferred location in the Conference programme. Don’t miss out!

Exhibitor information and Marketing Opportunities http://www.iwinetc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Marketing-Options.pdf

Start planning your visit as early as possible to take advantage of every aspect of the event.

We look forward to welcoming you to Tbilisi in March.

Cheers,
Terry & Kathy