On October 18th, 2024, the VIII edition of the prestigious Iter Vitis Awards took place at the renowned Asconi Winery in Moldova.
The annual event, organized by Iter Vitis, celebrates excellence in wine tourism and the preservation of wine culture across the globe. The awards aim to honor initiatives and individuals that contribute to the development of sustainable wine tourism and the preservation of ancient grape varieties, fostering cultural exchange through the vine.
This year’s edition was hosted with the support of the Moldova Ministry of Culture, ANTRIM, OINVV, and USAID. Iter Vitis extends heartfelt thanks to these esteemed partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event.
The ceremony was elevated by the presence of Andrei Chistol, the Secretary of State for Culture of Moldova, and the Ambassadors of Italy, Greece, and France to Moldova, whose participation underscored the significance of cultural diplomacy and international collaboration in the wine tourism sector. Additionally, music from Moldova enlivened the event, creating a festive atmosphere, and a special surprise came in the form of a mesmerizing performance by the renowned Greek artist, Sakis Papadimitriou, which captivated the audience and added a unique cultural touch to the celebration.
The winners of the 2024 Iter Vitis Awards are:
• Best Sustainable Wine Tourism Destination: Kvarner Region, Croatia
• Best Wine Museum: Vinseum, Spain
• Special Award Paolo Benvenuti for the Safeguard of Endemic and Ancient Grape Varieties: Venissa, Italy
• Best Wine Tourism Event: Donne e Vino, Italy
• Best Resilient Wine Tourism Destination: Wines of the Bible – Matte Yehuda, Israel
• Best Public Institution Promoting the Value of Vine, Wine, and Cultural Tourism Development: Rome Capital City, Italy
• Best Wine Tourism Communication Tool: AMPV Magazine, Portugal
• Best Technological Tool for Wine and Cultural Tourism: Thessaloniki Archeological Museum on the Go Application, Greece
• Best University Research in Wine and Cultural Tourism: Université de Strasbourg, France
• Most Innovative Wine Tourism Experience: Maison Moet Hennessy, France
• Best Wine Route: Wine Route of Moldova, Moldova
• Best Cooperation Project for Winemaking: Twinning Partnership for Sustainable and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development in Lebanon by UNIDO
• Best Wine and Food Experience: Vukoje Winery, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Best Educative Experience Related to Vine and Winemaking Culture: Larissa Kindergarten, Greece
• Best Experience Related to Archeology: Las Cuevas de los Cien Pilares de Arnedo, Rioja, Spain
• Best Wine and Culture Package: Wine, Food, Sea and Saints, Pafos Tourist Board Cyprus
The event in Moldova provided a platform for industry leaders, cultural institutions, and winemakers to share best practices and celebrate the unique connections between wine, heritage, and tourism.
