All the medallists from the Global Travel Retail masters

As consumers flock back to flights, ferries and cruises after lockdown, we take a look at some of the wines in the global travel retail (GTR) sector and unearth some real gems, says Patricia Stefanowicz MW. 

Here we are in 2023, and the restrictions and the ramifications of Covid-19 are gradually waning. Travel numbers are rising, however slowly, and the global travel retail market, and the drinks brands that operate within it, have much cause for optimism.

One must truly think ‘global’ when it comes to travel retail, as the channel provides international opportunities for wine brands and individual wines to become household names. The creative options are limitless.

Although many international airports re-opened fairly early in 2022, quite a few had specific limitations, whether relating to capacity or health restrictions. Apart from China, which even now still has some health-related barriers on inbound travellers to some destinations, the most important international airports are fully open for business, including those in Singapore, Sydney, and Melbourne. The world’s most renowned airports feature not only easy-drinking, crowdpleasing wines, but also high-end ones, all of which have a place in GTR.

Regional and nationally-focused airports tend to offer local wines, which are rather good. Airports such as Bordeaux Mérignac, along with Milan, Verona, Rome, Wien, Paris Roissy (national French), Lyon (Bourgogne and Rhône), Madrid, Barcelona, Oporto (for Port), Athens, Cape Town, and San Francisco, can be highly recommended.

Other outlets, of course, include ships and ferries, whether for short crossings or long cruises. Their consumers have opportunities for making new discoveries and for purchasing wines in the GTR arena. The selections, often not subject to duty and/or tax, are often very reasonably priced. Importantly, a captive audience offers a unique opportunity for suppliers to entice new customers and to retain aficionados.

In 2023 the UK government added an additional benefit: the return of duty free shopping for international travellers, which, as a result of Brexit, includes going from the UK to the Continent. The Global Travel Retail Wine Masters 2023 tasting day saw a variety of wines currently on offer. There are good, even great, sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines at a variety of price points. Award winners came from everywhere. Chapel Down in England earned a medal for its Brut Rosé Sparkling; the wine’s precise red berry fruit and gentle yeast overlay shows why England is a fizzing force to be reckoned with. There was a beautifully textured Sauvignon Blanc from Craggy Range in New Zealand, while Arízano, in Navarra, shows that native Tempranillo can produce lovely wines in the cool climate of northern Spain.

Penfolds Coonawarra Cabernet demonstrates why the region is held in such high regard. VIK flies the flag for Carmenère-Cabernet blends in Chile with its La Piu Belle rosé and red wines, while Bottega’s Amarone della Valpolicella is an Italian icon.

The fortified wines we judged were outstanding. Ports from Taylor’s and Sandeman in a variety of styles including white, LBV and tawny justify why these two brands are quintessential. In particular, the tawny Ports at 10, 20, and 30-years-old from these two producers are among the very best wines one can seek out in Global Travel Retail. Overall, we found the wines judged to be delectable, and represent good value for money. In short, Global Travel Retail is back in action.

White Sparkling

Rosé Sparkling

Still White – Unoaked

Still Rosé – Unoaked

Still Rosé – Oaked

Still Red – Unoaked

Still Red – Oaked

Still Red – Fortified

Still White – Fortified Pre Mix

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Global Travel Retail Masters provides a chance for your wines to star. The 2023 competition was judged on 15 August at Piazza Italiana, Bank, London, employing experienced judges. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade – the title of Travel Retail Master.

This report features the medal winners only. Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or, to enter future competitions – giving you the chance to feature online and in print – please call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com