Although climate change has been damaging cultures and production in traditional wine growing regions of Europe, like Spain and the south of France, leading to one of the worst harvests in over 60 years, the milder temperatures in the north are increasing the winemaking capabilities of countries like Belgium and the Netherlands.
The more numerous sunny days replacing the characteristic gloomy ones have led to wine production in Belgium to quadruple over the past 10 years. While global wine production unfortunately keeps decreasing, Belgium might soon become a new wine hotspot in Europe.
Not letting opportunity go to waste, several regions in Belgium’s Flanders and in the Netherlands have partnered up to promote sustainable wine tourism. The new initiative, called “Wine Street”, introduces a walking and cycling route for visitors to wander through the countryside while discovering local wines.
Flanders is not only known for its beer, but is also an emerging wine region. The production and quality of wines are increasing and wine estates are increasingly investing in tourism experiences.
Zuhal Demir, Flemish Tourism Minister
The 80-kilometre route will connect the Flemish regions of Hageland and Haspengouw with the Belgian-Dutch Meuse valley and the Mergelland region in the Netherlands. Over the next three years sustainable wine tourism experiences will be developed along the route. Visitors will be able to learn about local winegrowers and their practices at 6 wine hubs, which altogether will incorporate around 60 establishments where people will have the chance to try the local wines and cuisine.
Besides offering wine tasting and learning opportunities, the project also foresees the development of a regional wine identity to better promote the emerging kind of tourism under a well-defined branding. Research into product development and an innovative and sustainable wine ecosystem will also be conducted in the project’s implementation.
Financed through the European Regional Development Fund, the Wine Street was inaugurated at the Castle of Leut, in Limburg province, which will be one of the 6 hubs along the route. Whether or not wine will be joining beer as a symbol of Belgium remains to be seen, in the meantime, tourists will the option to walk or cycle through vineyard landscapes and discover local cultures.
