In earnest I somewhat agree with your theory. It’s a first of this listing compiled mostly by the tourism community that is self serving. Yes, there’s lots a pay for play in wine journalism that’s a fact. For example Wine Enthusiast offered a 88 rating for an Argentine Malbec that I import. They asked me if I wanted a quarter, half, or full page advertisement. I didn’t reply whom would advertise a 88 point wine? So my point being If it’s the tour operators or the wine specialists I would pick the specialist in a heartbeat.