Wine tourism: Wine tourism

According to the OMT (World Tourism Organization) enotourism is considered as a typology within tourism. This tourism is carried out in wine-growing areas to get to know their wines better and the environment that surrounds them. Thanks to wine tourism you can enhance and manage the wealth of the area, especially through a product such as wine, enjoying its colors and flavors.

In wine tourism activities related to wine, its culture and everything around him. Activities such as performing routes, show us the natural environment, historical and cultural of the area. Visits to wineries, such as our winery Vega Tolosa, they help us to know its history and the attractive process of winemaking, from the collection of the grapes to their bottling. Another ideal destination of Wine tourism in Manchuela can be Alcalá del Júcar. Alcalá del Júcar is one of the most beautiful municipalities in Spain, declared a Historic Artistic Complex since 1982. In this municipality wine tourism is also a very enriching value and you will find very attractive plans. 

And something special that wine tourism offers us is a wine tasting that is produced, helping us to understand the origin or roots of each of them and the traditions that revolve around them, as well as the why of their taste, their color and their smell.

Also a plus point for wine tourism is the amount of destination services with which it is complemented, such as accommodation and gastronomy, with wine as a common thread.

What are the best areas to practice wine tourism?

Famous areas where to practice wine tourism in the world there are many. Spain is also one of the areas with the greatest reputation for wine tourism, inside and outside Europe. 

The Wine Route of La Manchuela It's one of them. This route was born to combine three key values: the Manchuela Denomination of Origin wines, the exquisite gastronomy and the importance of cultural heritage.

Practice wine tourism in Castilla la Mancha It is synonymous with enjoying real jewels, from the spectacular steppes albaceteñas, to the serranía conquense. A wine tourism route through the Manchuela allows us to know the territory, understand much of its history and above all discover many plans and many new paths. These paths take tourists into the secrets of our region and discover the Wineries of La Manchuela to taste and taste the wines in a special environment. 

What are its origins?

The oenology appears in the middle of the 19th century. But not like the wine tourism we know at this time, but a little more select. The number of wineries that held this type of event was very small and the type of people who visited them belonged to the wealthiest social classes.

In Spain there are wineries with centuries-old documentation, such as signature books. These signature books demonstrate the interest that then aroused the world of wine and the winery that made it. These archives even collect the visits of monarchs, nobles, ecclesiastical hierarchies.. etc. Some examples could be: lEmpress Eugenia de Montijo who visited the winery of Alvear, Isabel II went to the González Byass wineries in 1862 among others.

Another aspect that confirms the interest in the wine tourism, are the events, exhibitions, congresses and scientific meetings that were held in Spanish wineries. There are documents that prove these meetings since the nineteenth century, in some cases events of an international nature.

What should be taken into account when doing this type of tourism?

If you like wine and live a different experience, related to wine; We are sure that your experience in wine tourism will be very good. But to make it excellent, we recommend:

• Take into account the time of year in which you go: There are times when you will be able to learn more than in others. One of the most recommended is the period from August to October. These months usually coincide with the harvest months and if you are curious, you can browse the process.  
• Be curious: That's the only way to learn. Do not be ashamed, all the people who dedicate themselves to wine tourism are looking forward to being able to talk to you about their passion and they will love to answer all your questions.
• Combine the visit with a wine tasting. This way you can put into practice the knowledge acquired during the visit to the winery and you will appreciate in the tasting all the nuances of the wines you taste.
• Choose a good winery: In it you will be guaranteed that you can practice real wine tourism and enjoy all the steps.

Why should you practice wine tourism?

Doing wine tourism It's enriching for everyone. If you have not yet visited a winery or vineyard, this should be the first reason why you should consider this experience. You will be able to discover new corners of our country, new wineries and unique landscapes and incredible experiences such as wine tastings.

Our winery of Vega Tolosa is open all year round, both to make visits to its facilities and to make tastings. The time we recommend to do this type of tourism is summer. In summer you can enjoy the beauty of the vineyards, in their most exuberant time, just before the harvest. In addition, the good weather of this time also allows for more activities. 

Knowing where, how the wine is made and what its characteristics are will make you enjoy and values more, every sip of this delicious drink. You will also get to know very interesting wines and increase your wine culture. Another very important reason is the contribution that this type of tourism makes to the rural and socio-economic development of the area.In many places, wine is an important source of employment and wealth.

Wherever you are, whatever time it is, there will always be some reason to drink some wine. To enjoy the voluptuousness of a red in the fullness of your mouth, the discreet sweetness of a white glass or the soft tingling in the nose of a sparkling liquor. Let's travel, make wine tourism and toast to it.