Congratulations to the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
2025 Excellence in Journalism & Video Winners
Excellence in Journalism Award 2025
Best of Show
Comment From The "Best of Show" Judge
My selection for first place in the 2025 IFWTWA Excellence in Journalism Awards is ‘European Islands Have 24 hours of Daylight …’ Writer Phil Thomas entices the reader to a fabulous destination they might otherwise never have known or even considered. With “boots on the ground” experience, his writing is not only technically excellent but a pleasing blend of personal stories, humor, practical advice — and peppered with useful web links. Thomas’ article is a journey in itself — splendidly written with vivid descriptions and photos. Now, I want to go to Lofoten!” ~ Brian Patrick Duggan, M.A.
Travel
First Place
Phil Thomas
These European Islands Have 24 Hours of Daylight
Second Place:
Erica Bray
The Power of the Pow Wow
Third Place:
Phil Thomas
A Journey Through Tunisia’s Living History
Honorable Mention:
Wendy Helfenbaum
The innovative green future of skiing
Rebecca L. Rhoades
Discover the Traditional Art of Mundillo in Moca, Puerto Rico
Food
First Place
Chanda Temple
Fat Charles: Tacos, Legacy and Love After Loss
Second Place:
Linda Barnard
The Spanish Road to Hog Heaven: Superstar Pigs and the World’s Best Ham
Third Place:
Eric Lucas
The Grits Renaissance
Honorable Mention:
Jill Robbins
You’re Probably Using Olive Oil All Wrong
David Greenberg
A Culinary Journey Through Slovenia: Truffles, Wine, and Michelin-Star Magic
Wine
First Place
Carrie Dow
Lavender Haze
Second Place:
Linda Barnard
On the Trail of a Boozy YYJ Mystery
Third Place:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Vancouver Island Wine Tour:The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary for Wine Lovers
Honorable Mention:
Carrie Dow
Caribbean Blue
Video
Video was not part of the “Best of Show” judging.
First Place
Robin Smith
The Osthoff Resort Cooking School
Second Place:
Scott Kendall
Finger Lakes in New York State: Chemung County
Third Place:
Robin Smith
Kindred Spirit Mailbox Visit
Honorable Mention:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr
Iceberg Alley is the best place to see icebergs.
Excellence in Journalism Award 2022
Second Place:
Tracy Croke
Ireland’s Priceless Treasure Hidden By Monks
Third Place:
Natascha Mirosch
Secret Italy – Under the Tyrrhenian Sun
Honorable Mention:
David Drotar
Hitting the Brakes in Western Pennsylvania
Sucheta Rawal
How a Kashmiri Tea Warmed My Cup and Soul
Excellence in Journalism Award 2020
