I am very proud and humbled to announce that The Champagne Tour has just been named Tour Operator of the Year in The Global Awards 2025 and I have also been awarded winner of Wine Presenter of the Year in The Prestige Awards 2025.

Special thanks to my Global Events Manager Sharron Turgeon, to Annelies Pieters and her team at Résidence Eisenhower (home of The Champagne Tour), to all our hosts for their generous hospitality at Billecart-Salmon, Bollinger, Charles Heidsieck, Deutz, Dom Pérignon, Krug, Louis Roederer, Philipponnat, Rare Champagne, Pol Roger, Ruinart, Salon, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Veuve Fourny, Le Parc at Les Crayères and L’Assiette Champenoise, to Philippe Mille for our private dinners, and to every guest who has joined us for our 13 tours over the past 10 years!

Here are some excerpts of what the judges had to say…

As the creator and host of the prestigious Champagne Tour, now celebrating its 10th year, Tyson Stelzer has become a prominent name in the world of wine. The tour, which limits attendance to just 10 guests, offers much more than your typical luxury package – it represents a personal journey into the heart of Champagne, curated and hosted by a man who has spent more than 25 years building relationships with the region’s most esteemed champagne houses. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading champagne experts, Tyson has cultivated an exceptional reputation through decades of immersion in the world of fine wine and champagne. Renowned for a winning combination of professionalism, passion and authenticity, the specialist has made his Champagne Tour a must-visit destination for aficionados of excellence.

Tyson’s longstanding relationships with the principals and chef de caves of the most distinguished champagne houses are the foundation of the Champagne Tour’s exclusivity. These are not the typical public-facing experiences regularly available to tourists. Rather, they are private lunches and dinners in the grand dining rooms of the maisons themselves, often in the company of the very individuals responsible for crafting the wines being sampled.

The judges were impressed by Tyson’s passion, personal touch and the community feel he has created through his tours. His relaxed, dynamic style creates an environment where guests feel welcomed, inspired to ask questions, share thoughts and deepen their understanding of champagne in an atmosphere free of pretension. His tour is a perfect opportunity to take a deep dive into the culture, history and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most iconic wine regions.

– The Global Awards 2025

Widely recognised as one of the world’s leading champagne experts, Tyson Stelzer has mastered the art of making wine accessible without ever diluting its complexity. With more than two decades of delivering keynote speeches and hosting wine events in 12 countries, the wine expert is also a celebrated wine writer and communicator. He is the author of 18 books, including seven editions of The Champagne Guide, a trusted reference for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Tyson’s writing, like his presenting, is clear, engaging and always informed by an innate reverence for both the wine and the people who make it. The judging panel was particularly impressed by the expertise and clarity Tyson brings to the Champagne Tour, ensuring the experience is as engaging as possible.

– The Prestige Awards 2025