Session VI
Cultural Heritage of Vine and Wine and Wine Tourism
Viticulture and wine culture have been part of history for eight thousand years. High-quality, traditional, and innovative wine production, including organic farming, is part of the cultural heritage of wine regions. Grapes and wine are symbols in many cultures, representing hospitality and community life. Heritage conservation of historical viticultural areas requires an integrated approach that balances preserving the unique tangible (terraced slopes, dry stone walls, historic buildings) and intangible (traditional cultivation methods, local culture, specific grape varieties) elements with the need for sustainable economic viability and adaptation to challenges like climate change.
The cultural heritage of grapes and wine is closely linked to wine tourism, which is based on the appeal of wine regions, quality wines, grape-growing traditions, and the cultural heritage of wine regions. Promoting awareness and understanding of the heritage through education and responsible wine tourism (oenotourism) can provide economic viability and public support for conservation. This approach leverages the historical and cultural value of wine as a unique tourism product. Wine tourism includes presentations of wine-producing regions, visits to wineries, wine tastings, introductions to local cuisine and enjoying wine-related wellness services. Grape- and wine-based wellness services and wine spas are also becoming increasingly popular.