Vinotourism...What is it?
AI Overview
(subject to change as “Generative AI is experimental.”)
Wine travel, also known as enotourism, oenotourism, or vinotourism, is a type of tourism that involves traveling to wine regions to experience the culture, history, and topography of the area, while also tasting, consuming, or purchasing wine. Wine travel can include visiting wineries, vineyards, museums, restaurants, and wine festivals, and may also involve taking part in activities like vineyard walks or harvesting. Some say that wine travel is an example of “slow tourism,” where visitors try to connect with people, places, and communities, and get closer to nature
-Google AI results
This definition of wine travel is so spot on, that I almost feel like this post is already written. However, I want to expound on this as someone who is an active member of vinotourism, better known as wine travel.
The part of this definition that stood out to me is ‘slow tourism’. This speaks to my heart and my purpose. If I can inspire ten people to slow down and take in the moments worth gratitude in life, then I am on the correct path. Understanding that life is not about getting everything done, and/or beating everyone, but about stopping to see what the small details have to offer. Taking the time to feel your personal growth in the tiny moments. Being appreciative. So when I think of ‘slow tourism’ I think of going away to somewhere that is not your everyday surroundings and taking it all in a moment at a time.
I am not a person with simple definitions. I am a writer by nature so I want to say all the words. Poetry is not my thing to do by that standard. With that said, I will try to make this concise, but I want to give a couple of ways to understand it. It is my hope that even if people are not able to get into wine tourism or eno-/oeno- or vinotourism, then you will still be inspired, at least, by ‘slow tourism’. One definition of slow tourism, when planning, is to plan little. Instead of packing your schedule with lots of ‘things to do’, pick a couple of big things and a couple small things and go with the flow. For example, as a wine traveler, whenever I plan a trip or happen to be going somewhere, I only research the wineries in the area. I consider the location where I’m staying overnight and my transportation options. Once those factors have been regarded, then I give some thought to the time frame and that’s pretty much all of the planning. This works out really well if I’m visiting family or friends out of town because a lot of times I say, “Hey, I’m gonna check out the winery twenty minutes from your house.”. Then I will invite them to come along for the experience and maybe offer to pay for the gas if they’re driving. Most times, they’ve never even heard of the winery, even after having lived in the place for over a year. We end up going and not only enjoying the experience of wine tasting and scenery and meeting other people. We also end up strengthening our family/friend bond. I couldn’t ask for better slow tourism, taking time to enjoy and appreciate moments while traveling.
Another way to look at ‘slow tourism’ is simply as relaxation. I love how British and European cultures call it a ‘holiday’ instead of vacation. When you think of a holiday you think of no work, hanging with family and friends and just ‘chillin out maxin’, relaxin’ (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reference). So thinking of ‘slow tourism’ as having a holiday takes the stress of planning so much for so little time. Also, ‘slow tourism’ is going to areas where everyday things are happening. Not necessarily the ‘touristy’ areas, though I have been to some interesting wineries in tourist hot spots. Not as common to find however. Alternatively, when you think of a relaxing holiday, try including slow tourism and this is right on target.
Wine travel is slow tourism. Going to a place with the priority of visiting a winery is amazingly relaxing. I love theme parks. I am a big Disney fan myself. If someone gifted me passes, I’d be booking my flight a.s.a.p. However, I’d be thinking in the other half of my brain ‘How can I get to a winery and just chill as well’. Because planning to visit theme parks and other activities can weigh heavy on the cortisol levels.
Even in your own town or city, as I am currently editing some of my posts, wine travel is possible. I enjoy a winery about thirty minutes from my front door. Far enough that I don’t feel like I’m in my everyday hamster wheel and it honestly feels like a tiny holiday. What better way to work! I even recall visiting family a couple hours away and staying with them for a few nights. I mentioned that I was going to visit a local winery and asked if they’d like to go. One of my relatives said they’d be interested, so the two of us went and had a blast. We tried wines that my relative said they never would have tried, had some snacks, some good conversation and laughs. That’s been over a year ago and we still regale that time of slowing down and bonding.
In addition to the lower stress levels, we end up learning a lot when we practice slow tourism. Again, wine travel is perfect for this. Oftentimes we learn about the history of the area and city/town where the winery is located. I have found connections to my hometown in a city a couple hours away. Even learning of relatives of another guest working at the college I attended, when they were from over 500 miles away.
The things we learn and grow from when we slow down are truly amazing. I get this most every time I visit a winery. Even when I haven’t gotten at the time of visiting the winery, my reflection time reveals that because I slowed down, I have learned something. Something valuable about myself. Usually, that something is that I have an ability to create strong connections.
In conclusion, wine travel is when one goes to a place where wine is crafted (usually with a vineyard) in order to experience the wine but receives so much more because they have slowed down and lived in that moment. So I challenge you to do a little vinotourism. Learn something about yourself and the world around you through this kind of travel and most of all, slow down and enjoy the moments.
I would love to hear from you if you have done any wine travel or plan to. Send me a comment below, let’s connect. Also, winery suggestions are always welcomed!
Let’s slow down (and have a sip),
B.- The Wine Guy
