Kick off Wijnstraat

Monday 29 April - The start of the Interreg Flanders-Netherlands project 'Wine Route' was given during a sun-drenched kick-off at Leut Castle (Vilain XIIII Castle). With the announcement of this wine route, connecting 4 wine regions: Hageland, Haspengouw, the Belgian-Dutch Meuse Valley and Mergelland/South Limburg, 9 partners from Flanders and the Netherlands are joining forces to develop sustainable wine tourism in this region.

The kick-off Wijnstraat was attended by wine growers, wine lovers, tourism (wine) entrepreneurs, wine press, cities and provincial authorities, ... In the shadow of the castle of Leut, one of the future wine hubs*, attendees enjoyed a selection of local wines and matching snacks. The flavours of the region and local craftsmanship came to life.

The explanation of the project and its objectives was followed by the unveiling of the Wijnstraat map, which defines the physical wine route. This route will lead wine lovers on foot, by bike and/or in stages past wine hubs, wine stops and through the unique landscape of the 3 provinces.

During a panel discussion with Flemish Minister of Tourism and the deputies of the 3 provinces, the importance, vision and impact of the project were discussed. The afternoon ended with a network drink, where the future of the Wijnstraat was discussed and the first contacts for the wine ecosystem were made.

With the launch of the Wijnstraat, the consortium hopes not only to attract wine lovers but also to inspire a wide audience to enjoy a sustainable and meaningful tourist (wine) experience.

*Castle of Horst (Hageland), Syrup factory Borgloon (Haspengouw), Castle of Leut (Meus Valley Belgium), Wine estate Raar Saint Remi Meerssen (Meus Valley Netherlands), Visit South-Limburg Experience Gulpen (Mergelland/South Limburg).