With more than 15 million apartment bookings per year in partnership with large companies – Booking, Interchalet, TUI, Housetrip or Trip Advisor-, the Holidu platform has published a “scientific” and popular ranking of European wine tourism regions.
The research took into account not only the quality and variety of wines produced, the tourist infrastructure and the number of wineries open to visitors, but also the consumption of wine per capita, the average price of bottles consumed on site, as well as the number delivery of diplomas for sommeliers in local training centers. The list that was established showed logic and surprises.
Sicily – Italy
The surprise has already appeared with Sicily’s second place. But, known for its long history, its rich heritage and its peculiar culture, the island is increasingly positioned in wine tourism. Wines such as Malvasia, Novello and Catarratto Bianco are some of the wonders to be discovered. Holidu’s tip : on the outskirts of the famous Etna volcano, 18 hectares of vineyards have been producing a dark wine since the 17th century, which can be tasted after the visit, accompanying the “polpette”, the traditional meat balls.
Castile-La Mancha – Spain
The first producing region in Spain, Castilla La Mancha stands out for its wide variety of grapes, Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Macabeu or Airén. In the land of mills, reds, rosé or whites impress for their quality and excellent price/quality ratio. Holidu’s tip : before starting the visits to the wineries, visit the “enchanted city” in the Serranía de Cuenca natural park.
Campanie – Italy
Almost reaching the podium in this ranking, Campania is still little known in the world of wine, but it has a 3,200-year-old winemaking tradition and an exceptional tourist wealth. Several of its wines should be tasted, for example Greco, Asprinio, white Pallagrello, Fiano, Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, Forastera or Biancolella. Holidu’s tip: don’t forget to visit the ruins of Pompei, a unique experience in the world still enriched by recent archaeological discoveries.
