The magazine Gidatu, Cultura y Ocio, published en Alava, has awarded the Rioja Alavesa Wine Trail, sponsored by the Business Association for Promoting Tourism and the Economy, the prize for the Best Tourist Project, in recognition of the association’s contribution to promoting wine tourism in this part of Northern Spain.
Second award in one year
This award, given in a ceremony organised by Gidatu, Cultura y Ocio at Artium (Museum of Contemporary Basque Art), comes after the Euskadi Tourism Prize the association won at the 7th Basque Tourism Gala, held last year during FICOBA (Basque Coast International Fair).
Launched in May 2005
Launched in May 2005 with the aim of promoting the Rioja Alavesa, one of the most tradition wine-growing areas in Spain, 15 municipalities and four administrative boards are currently participating in this initiative.
Managed by the Business Association for Promoting Tourism and the Economy, a semi-public organisation part-financed by the Alava Local Authorities and the Basque Regional Government, the trail comprises 62 companies at present, including wine cellars, wine museums, hotels, wine bars, restaurants, incentive houses and specialised agencies, and is open to new members.
Spanish Wine City Network
At present, the Spanish Wine City Network has 17 destinations or “wine trails” (11 of which are now officially certified): the Bulla and Jumilla Wine Trails, both in Murcia; La Mancha Wine Trail; the Jerez Brandy and Wine Trail; the Montilla-Moriles Wine Trail; the Navarra Wine Trail; the Penedes Wine and Cava Trail; the Rias Baixas Wine Trail; the Rioja Wine Trail; the Rioja Alavesa Wine Trail; the Somontano Wine Trail in Aragon; and the Tacoronte-Acentejo Wine Trail in the Canaries. Likewise, the wine trails of the Condado de Huelva, Ribeiro, Ribera del Duero, Utiel-Requena in the autonomous community of Valencia, and Ycoden-Daute-Isora in the Canary Islands are in the process of being certified.
European Wine City Network
Last March, some 80 representatives of the cities belonging to the European Wine City Network (RECEVIN) agreed to propose to the European Council the designation of 2008 or a future year as “European Wine Tourism Year”. In addition, the “Wine Cities’ Manifesto” was approved by members of the network during the 11th General Assembly held on 17 February in Icod on the Island of Tenerife.
