‘Wine Street’ initiative to boost tourism in Low Countries

Four wine regions in Flanders and the Netherlands are joining forces to develop sustainable wine tourism with the Wine Street initiative, a route that takes hikers and cyclists between six wine hubs where they can learn about local winegrowers. The initiative was kicked off ​ the Castle of Leut in Limburg province.

With the campaign initiative, Flanders and the Netherlands will work together over the next three years to develop sustainable wine tourism across their borders. The route will connect the Flemish regions of Hageland and Haspengouw with the Belgian-Dutch Meuse valley and the Mergelland region in the Netherlands.

The Wine Street is an 80km cycling and walking route. Apart from the creation of this route, there will be research projects on regional wine identity, product development and an innovative and sustainable wine ecosystem.

There will be six wine hubs along the route that act as gateways to about 60 locations where people can taste wines and local cuisine, and enjoy the landscape and tourist attractions. The Castle of Leut is one of the six hubs.

“Flanders is not only known for its beer, but is also an emerging wine region,” said Flemish Tourism minister Zuhal Demir. “The production and quality of wines are increasing and wine estates are increasingly investing in tourism experiences.”

The initiative is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

^{#FlandersNewsService | People working in a vineyard © PHOTO ANP / HOLLANDSE HOOGTE / HANS VAN RHOON}