Look out ecotourism, eno-tourism (or Wine Tourism) is on the rise and it’s here to stay.
Wine Tourism is defined as a vacation that centers on or includes the tasting, consumption and/or purchase of wine, usually at or near its source.
Wine tourism usually consists of visits to wineries, vineyards and restaurants with reputations of offering unique vintages. Also, there are organized wine tours, wine festivals and special events.
Starting in the mid-1970’s at California’s famed Napa Valley, its popularity has steady increased since, boasting 27 million travels between 2000 and 2010.
Enotourism may have started in California, but it has quickly spread across the globe to such places as Spain, Portugal and Italy. To promote visits to their vineyards, the European community celebrates Enotourism Day on the 2nd Sunday of November and has grown wildly popular since its inception in 2006.
Not to be outdone, Wine Tourism Day in the US is the Saturday before.
There are a few websites to assist any aspiring enotourists:
WineCraze.com – Directory of almost 1200 vineyards in the US, offers videos on winetasting and wine inspired clothing.
GreatWineCapitals.com – Focuses more on the European vineyards with information and history on the different countries and regions.
WineTourismDay.org – Official website of the upcoming national event, it also provides information on events around the country.
Enotourism is not just for the elite or super rich. Sure, it may include renting a villa in the South of France, but maybe it’s just hopping in the car and taking a trip to a local winery for a tour or a tasting.
The important thing is that you spend time with like-minded people learning and experiencing something you love.
Cheers!
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