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Wine tourism in Tuscany: arriving at the goal. After the circular issued by the Ministero delle politiche agricole alimentari, at the request of Coldiretti, the regional committee of Tuscany has just issued a bill that makes the wine tourism activities operational.

This implies that agricultural wine-growing entrepreneurs, management committees of the Wine Routes, cooperative social wineries and wine consortia will simply have to present the Scia to the Municipality (a certified notification of commencement of activity) to receive wine tourists in their vineyard and cellars.

“Wineries will be able to sell and offer their wines for tasting in combination with some typical “cold“ local foods – says Simone Ciampoli, director of Coldiretti Firenze – explaining to tourists the authentic features of quality wine production”.

The term “Wine tourism” refers to all the activities aimed at educating visitors about wine which are carried out in the place where it’s produced, including visits to the vineyards, production or display of the tools used for the cultivation of the vines, wine tasting and marketing of the company’s wine productions – also in combination with food products – and all educational and recreational initiatives that take place in the cellars.

Once approved by the regional council, the new regional law will be an organic part of the legislation on agro-tourism activities of the Regione Toscana (L.R.30 / 2003).

“In recent years the companies which operate in Tuscany’s wine regions have invested so much to meet the taste and needs of the consumers. Wine tourism in our area has been growing considerably – Ciampoli explains – for this reason we worked together with the Regione Toscana, to make the provisions of the national legislation operational as soon as possible“.

“This simplifies things considerably – concludes the director of Coldiretti Firenze – which will allow our wine companies to enhance and monetise their heritage, which is not only made by excellent Tuscan wines, but also represents culture, landscape and good nutrition. Educational and recreational activities offered in the cellars are also included in the legislation. In short, it will be easier to welcome wine tourists all year round, not only on the occasion of special events like Cantine Aperte”.

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