Ukraine to Showcase Its Wines at Global Wine Tourism Day in Beaune in 2026

On June 17, 2026, the first Global Wine Tourism Day will be held in Beaune, at the newly inaugurated Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne museum. This event is poised to be a pivotal moment for Ukrainian winemakers, as it will feature the prestigious Wine Travel Awards (WTA), where Ukrainian participants are expected to receive notable recognition.

The Wine Travel Awards serve as a global platform dedicated to acknowledging and enhancing excellence in wine tourism. The public voting for the 2025-2026 awards has already concluded, revealing impressive results that indicate nearly one in ten finalists hails from Ukraine. This achievement is particularly significant given the competition involves participants from 48 countries around the world.

Among Ukrainian participants, the standout performer was the Transcarpathian winery Chateau Chizay, which emerged as a leader in its category despite a general decline in voting activity globally. This success underscores the high quality of Ukrainian wines and their growing recognition on the international stage.

Other finalists included various projects that contribute to the wine culture in diverse ways, from education to event organization and original research. For instance, the Sommelier School of Vitaliy Kovach competed against international educational programs from Portugal and China, showcasing a high level of training and preparation for specialists in the winemaking field.

The Kyiv Wine&Spirits Ukraine forum also made it to the finals, standing alongside significant events such as Wine Paris and the London Wine Fair. This highlights the importance of the Ukrainian wine industry on the international arena.

The Ambassador of the Year category was led by Oleksandra Minenko-Dekamp, who works in France and actively represents Ukrainian wine culture in Burgundy. Her work combines wine education, cultural diplomacy, and participation in international projects that promote Ukrainian wines abroad.

In the literary category, two Ukrainian authors made it to the top ranks. Solomiya Behun, an author who works between Ukraine, Asia, and France, and Viktoria Aleksovych, whose co-authored book on the wine history of Transcarpathia became one of the most intriguing studies of the year. Their works competed against authors from Australia, the USA, and South Africa, demonstrating the high level of Ukrainian literature in the field of winemaking.

Also among the finalists is the Argentine winery Vinos de La Luz, which is part of a group of companies producing Ukrainian wines. Its owner, Dr. Ricardo F. Nunez, has invested for many years in the development of Ukrainian winemaking and brands like Big Wines and 46 Parallel Wine Group, actively integrating Ukrainian wines into the international context.

Looking ahead, the finalists will enter the second stage, where their entries will be evaluated by a jury. The names of the winners will be announced on June 17 in Beaune, at the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, coinciding with the first Global Wine Tourism Day. For winemakers, participation in the ceremony will provide an opportunity to showcase their wines on the Burgundy stage and engage in professional dialogue with those shaping global wine trends. Ukrainian producers will also have this chance, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in international events.