Holidays in vineyard cellars
Objectives: The project addresses the challenges of rural depopulation and the underutilization of traditional vineyard cellars. It transforms these historic spaces into comfortable accommodations, allowing tourists to experience authentic rural life while supporting local winemakers. The initiative fosters economic diversification in rural areas, encouraging sustainable tourism and promoting local products.
Results: This initiative has successfully converted multiple vineyard cellars into eco-friendly holiday accommodations, attracting both domestic and international tourists. Visitors benefit from immersive experiences such as wine tastings, vineyard tours, and traditional culinary events. Increased tourism revenue and creation of new jobs in hospitality and agritourism boosts local economies. It has also encouraged vineyard owners to invest in the preservation of historic cellars, contributing to cultural and environmental sustainability.
Practical Implications/ Recommendations: For winemakers and rural entrepreneurs, this initiative provides an alternative revenue stream by repurposing existing infrastructure. Cost of conversion is relatively low compared to building new accommodations, and the experience’s uniqueness enhances marketability. Tourists witness local traditions and winemaking processes, enhancing cultural appreciation and loyalty to regional products.
To maximize success, vineyard owners should leverage digital marketing strategies and collaborate with regional tourism boards for visibility. Financial support from government rural development programs or EU funding can facilitate the cellar renovations. Ensuring compliance with hospitality and safety regulations is essential. Long-term sustainability can be achieved by integrating eco-friendly practices such as renewable energy use, waste reduction, and local sourcing for hospitality services.
Empowering rural communities to act for change
Ongoing | 2023-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine