An Internet Guide to Culinary Trails

An Internet Guide to Culinary Trails
Dr. Hersch Jacobs
Department of Geography
Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
1
Table of Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
13.0
14.0
15.0
16.0
Introduction
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
France
Germany
Great Britain
Italy
New Zealand
South Africa
Spain
United States
List of Tables
Table 1.1
Selected Culinary Tour Operators
Table 2.1
Seaford and Aquaculture Activities on the Eyre Peninsula
Table 16.1
Calendar of Events on the Urban Bourbon Trail
List of Figures
Figure 1.1
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4
Figure 2.5
Figure 2.6
Figure 2.7
Figure 2.8
Figure 2.9
Fabulous Food Trails - Ireland
Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Cover
Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Contents
Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Map
The Para Wine Route
Barossa Wine Route
The Riverland Wine and Food Trail
South Australia Riesling Trail Cover
South Australia Riesling Trail Map
Chapman River, Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island
2
Figure 2.10
Figure 2.11
Figure 2.12
Figure 2.13
Figure 2.14
Figure 2.15
Figure 2.16
Figure 2.17
Figure 2.18
Figure 2.19
Figure 2.20
Figure 2.21
Figure 2.22
Figure 2.23
Figure 2.24
Tamar Valley Wine Route
The Margaret River
Margaret River North
Margaret River Central
Margaret River
Margaret River South
Margaret River Food Trail
The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail
The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail Signage
South Burnett Wine and Gourmet Trail Map
Location of the Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley Main Wine Country
Hunter Valley - Cessnock and Kurri Kurri
Hunter Valley - Broke Fordwich, Singleton, The Upper Hunter, Denman ,
Jerrys Plains, Sandy Hollow, Muswellbrook
The Hunter Region to Sydney Route
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.3
Styrian Wine Route
Styrian Apple Route
Styrian Wine Routes
Figure 4.1
My Gourmet Trail.of Brussels
Figure 5.1
Figure 5.2
Figure 5.3
Figure 5.4
Figure 5.5
Figure 5.6
Figure 5.7
Figure 5.8
Figure 5.9
Figure 5.10:
Figure 5.11
Figure 5.12
Figure 5.13
Figure 5.14
Figure 5.15
Figure 5.16
Figure 5.17
Figure 5.18
Figure 5.19
Figure 5.20:
Figure 5.21
Figure 5.22:
Figure 5.23:
Niagara Culinary Trail
Ontario Craft Beer Route
The Apple Route
Prince Edward County Taste Trail
Maple in the County Events
Niagara Wine Route
Toronto Wine Route
Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Wine Route
Prince Edward County Wine Route
The Icewine Trail Map
La Route des Fromages Navigational Map
The Quebec Cider Route
Quebec Wine Route
Charlevoix Gourmet Route
La Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix
Cheese, Cranberry and Gourmet Delight Drive
Saguenay-lac-St. Jean Cheese Route
The Okanagan Valley Wine Route
The Cowichan Valley Wine Route
PEI Flavours Culinary Trail
Culinary Experiences and Suppliers
Coastal Drives
Culinary Guide to PEI Flavours
3
Figure 6.1
Colchagua Valley Wine Route
Figure 7.1
Figure 7.2
Figure 7.3
Figure 7.4
Figure 7.5
The Buje Olive Route
The Porec Olive Route
The Buzet Olive Route
The Vodnjan Olive Route
Olive Route Legend
Figure 8.1:
South Bohemian Beer Route
Figure 9.1
Figure 9.2
La Route du Cidre de Cambrener
Sur la route du Poiré
Figure 9.4
The Olive Tree Route
Figure 10.1
Figure 11.1
Figure 11.2
Figure 11.3
Figure 11.4
Figure 11.5
Figure 11.6
Figure 11.7
Figure 11.8
Figure 11.9
The German Wine Route
The Ice-cream Trail
South East Food Trails
South East England Wine Trail
South East Seafood Trail
The Ribble Valley Food Trail
Gourmet Yorkshire Trail
Herefordshire Cider Route
Isle of Arran Taste Trail
The Outer Hebrides Food Trail
Figure 11.10
Figure 11.11
Figure 11.12
Figure 11.13
Figure 11.14
Figure 11.15
Figure 11.16
Figure 11.17
Figure 11.18
Figure 11.19
Figure 11.20
Scottish Cheese Trail
Scottish Farm Shops Logo
Scottish Farm Shops
Flavours of Scotland
Itinerary for Flavours of Scotland
Dumfries & Galloway Food Trail
The Seafood Trail
Real Ale Trail Regions of Scotland
Real Ale Trail Members
The Whisky Coast
Scotch Malt Whisky Trail
Figure 12.1
Via del Grande Fiume,Via delle Corti Estensi and Via del Delta Food
Trails
Figure 13.1
Figure 13.2
North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail
Hawke’s Bay Wine Company Food Trail
Figure 14.1
Wine Routes of South Africa
4
Figure 14.2
Breedeckloof Wine Region
Figure 15.1
Figure 15.2
Figure 15.3
Figure 15.4
La Ruta de l’Oli
Wine Regions of Spain
Navarre Wine Route
Rioja Alavesa Wine Route
Figure 16.1
Figure 16.2
Figure 16.3
Connecticut Food Trail Logo
Connecticut Food Trail Interactive Map
The Urban Bourbon Passport
5
1.0
Introduction
Tourists whose travel decisions are strongly motivated by the culinary attractions of their
destinations face diverse food and beverage opportunities. Various products facilitate choice
across the range of available opportunities, including trails that are distributed in print version or
through the internet.1 They show routes, paths and itineraries in the form of maps, guides,
brochures and leaflets that increasingly capitalize on recent developments in communications
technology, including MP3 players and iPods and other PD.2
The need for collaboration among potential destinations is most evident in rural areas.
Where they tend to be widely dispersed, formal linkages of businesses generate a necessary
threshold of interest that is able to encourage longer trips. In large urban places where the
potential number of destinations is large, delineated routes enable visitors to navigate smoothly
between stops.
The following paper provides a selective description of culinary trails around the world
that guide travellers to both food and beverage experiences. The actual number of trails around
the world cannot be easily calculated, but it is reasonable to surmise that most viticultural regions
have an established wine route. Wine XT is a website that links to 115 wine tours.3 While less
common, trails have also been established for other beverages such as beer and cider. In recent
years, the growth of culinary tourism has also led to the development of routes that specifically
feature locally grown or produced foods. Culinary trails are often developed by public agencies,
such as offices of tourism and economic development agencies. The Chicago Office of Tourism
operates the Taste of the Neighbourhoods Tour, a bus excursion to several communities to
sample some of the city's ethnic restaurants, bakeries, and delis.4 Increasingly, they are also a
product of non-profit groups, institutions and private tour operators who sell to a growing market
for culinary experiences.
The discussion concentrates on commercial operators before examining prominent
culinary trails that leading tourist destinations have developed. They reveal various approaches
in content, promotional strategies and cartographic representation that can inform decisions that
are made in other jurisdictions with an interest in establishing or improving their own tourism
products.
Corporate Operators
The demand for culinary experiences is evident in the growth of the number of commercial food
and beverage trails, from individual operators to comprehensive tour companies. Typically, they
are led by food writers, experts who have been trained in culinary schools and others who work
in the food service industry. The Food Reference Website provides useful links for travelers
1
According to The International Trail Data Standards, a trail is “a linear feature constructed for the purpose of
allowing the free movement of people, stock, or Off Highway Vehicles.” ITDS, 2003
2
http://www.tourcaster.com/TourDetails.aspx?TourId=428
3
http://www.winebook.de/winesoftware/English/links/node7.shtml
4
http:// www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com
6
with an interest in food tours, culinary, cooking and wine tours.5 Several prominent culinary
trails, vacations and cooking classes that are available from private tour operators are shown in
Table 1. l.
Londoner Celia Brooks Brown is a cookbook author and television personality who
operates Gastrotours that offers various dining and tasting packages in Notting Hill, "Borough
Market and Marylebone Village.6 There is a London Chocolate Trail that connects with
complementary activities around Britain.7 Fabulous Food Trails of Ireland holds cooking days
that feature such topics as Thai8, Japanese9, Indian10 and Chocolate11 Days and has developed
five trails throughout the country, including a 2 ½ hour guided Dublin Walking Tour (Figure
1.1). Combining culture and history, it offers the opportunity to discover hidden tastes and “be a
local for the morning,” to meet cheesemongers, fishmongers, butchers and bakers who have
traded on one spot for generations and who have introduced new products that reflect the modern
Irish table.”12
5
http://www.foodreference.com/html/culinary-tours-gourmet-tours.html
http://www.celiabrooksbrown.com/gastrotours.php
7
http://www.holidaycityflash.com/article/britain_food&drink.htm
8
http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_asian.asp
9
http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_sushi.asp
10
http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_indian.asp
11
http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_choc.asp
12
http://www.fabfoodtrails.com/fab_trail_walk.asp
6
7
Figure 1.1: Fabulous Food Trails – Ireland
Cooking
Days...
Thai Day
Dublin Tasting Trail
Japanese
Day
Cultural tasting walks in Dublin
Indian Day
Chocolate
Day
Food
Trails...
Dublin
Walking
Tour
East/North
Cork
Galway &
Connemara
South East
Wicklow
'Packed with enough information - and enough food to satisfy even the fussiest foodie'
The Dubliner
Taste the food and culture of Dublin.
---
The best food and cultural off-the-beaten-track
experience to be had in Dublin offering the
opportunity to discover hidden tastes and be a
local for the morning!
Fabulous Food Trails have come up with a new
and exciting tasting and cultural walk around
the lesser known parts of Dublin - a terrific
introduction to a lively but largely ignored part
of the city.
Soak in the history and culture; enjoy delicious
foods in historic neighbourhoods within a
stone's throw of the city centre. Meet the
people whose family have traded in one spot
for generations, and meet the people who have
introduced new products to us reflecting the
modern Irish table.
No need for lunch after this walk, tastings are
frequent and generous!
Our walk takes a gentle 2 ½ hours, and is led
by an experienced and knowledgeable guide
with a food background. Along the way we
point out good places for lunch or dinner, for a
cup of coffee or a pint, or indeed anything else
you might like to know.
We visit food halls, fruit and flower stalls,
cheesemongers, fishmongers, butchers and
bakers and lots more besides.
To keep it fun and personal, numbers are small.
Dublin Walk Trail Dates
Time: 10 am
Day: Friday mornings
Durations: 2 ½ hours
Cost: €45
Frequency: weekly
8
Table 1.1: Selected Commercial Culinary Tour Operators
Tour Company
A Question of Taste
Active Gourmet Holidays
Australian Food & Wine
Tours
Chocolate Lovers Tours,
Gourmet Tours
Creative Culinary Tours
Culinary Discoveries
Culinary Tours
Culinary Tours
Discover Friuli Epiculinary Inc
Epicurean Ways
Fabulous Food Trails
Fontana del Papa Food & Wine Trails
French Wine Explorers
Gastronomicom
Good Food Kangaroo
Good Tastes of Tuscany
Gourmet Getaways
Gourmet Safari Inc
Headwater
Horizon & Co
I Viaggi di Kipling
iExplore Inc
Makansutra
Maria’s Cookery Course
New Orleans Culinary
Country
Seville, Spain
France, Italy,
Portugal, Spain
Cairns, Australia
Website
http://www.aqot.com/
http://www.activegourmetholidays.com/
Belgium
info@intrend.com
VT, ME, NH,
NY, RI, TN,
USA
Spain
Italy, Thailand,
New Zealand,
Chile, Argentina,
Austria,
Hungary, Czech
Republic, France
and Spain
California
Italy
France, Italy,
Spain, Mexico,
USA, Ireland,
Morocco,
Greece, Peru,
Vietnam and
Thailand
Spain
Ireland
Italy
CA, USA;
Austria
France
France
Australia
Italy
http://www.creativeculinarytours.com
Italy, France,
Spain and
Morocco.
Global
Global
Italy
Global
Singapore
Italy
LA, USA
http://www.findseedo.com/spfoodandwine.html
www.culinarydiscoveries.com
www.culinarytours.net
www.thewinecomesfirst.com
http://www.discoverfriuli.com/eng/index.html
www.epiculinary.com
epicureanways.com
www.fabfoodtrails.com.
http://www.fontanadelpapa.it/
www.foodandwinetrails.com/?
www.wine-tours-france.com
http://www.gastronomicom.fr/cadre.asp
www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com
http://www.tuscany-cooking-class.com/
www.gourmetgetaways.net
www.gourmetsafari.com
www.headwater.com
www.horizon-co.com
http://www.iviaggidikipling.com/
www.iexplore.com
www.makansutra.com/index.php
9
http://www.mariascookerycourse.com/site-map.htm
http://www.noculinarytours.com/
History Tours
O’Sole Mio Tours
Okanagan Wine Country
Tours
Oldways Culinary
Journeys
Paris Culinary Treasures
Tours,
Tea..Chocolate.Paris
Tours Reggio Lingua
Savory Sojourns
Scandinavian Culinary
Tours
Tasting Places
Tour Kangaroo Island
Tourcaster
Tuscan Way
Vagabond Gourmet
Italy
Canada
http://www.osolemiotour.com/tours.htm
http://www.okwinetours.com/
Italy, Barcelona,
Spain
France
nicole@oldwayspt.org
Italy
New York City
Scandinavia
http://www.reggiolingua.it/
www.savorysojourns.com
www.scandinavianculinarytours.com
Italy, UK,
Thailand, France,
Greece, Spain
Australia
USA, Italy,
France, Spain,
Australia,
Cambodia, South
Africa
Italy
Mexico, USA,
France, Italy,
UK, Spain,
Central Europe,
South America
and New Zealand
www.tastingplaces.com
http://www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com/culinary_tour.cfm
www.tourkangarooisland.com
www.tourcaster.com/
www.tuscanway.com
www.vagabondgourmet.com
The state of Singapore boasts the best food in Southeast Asia. In this extraordinarily hygienic
city, the Makansutra company has developed a "mainstream" and "off the beaten track" fourhour food safaris through the neighborhoods of Little India, Chinatown, Geylang Serai and
Katong. 13 In addition to a midnight tour several self-guided tours have also been organized.
Participants can listen to the local 98FM station and download podcasts of individual episodes
that describe the local foods.14
Info Hub is a specialty travel site that has compiled a list of thirty-three Australian wine and food
tours.15 Information is provided about their itineraries, themes, when they operate, their duration
and price.
Numerous culinary tours are available throughout American Cities. Culinary Tours of
Charleston runs a Savour the Flavors Tour of Downtown Charleston and a Chef’s Kitchen Tour
of Charleston.16 On the west coast, the Wok Wiz Daily Tour in San Francisco informs
13
http://www.makansutra.com/foodtours.html
http://www.makansutra.com/foodcast.html#episodes
15
http://www.infohub.com/travel_packages/food_wine_australia_106.html
16
http://www.zerve.com/CulinaryTour
14
10
participants about the history, folklore, culture and food of America's largest Chinatown. There
are visits to a Taoist and Buddhist temple, a Chinese teashop, neighbourhood markets and
Chinese herbal shops. A luncheon is provided at the end of the tour.17 Visitors to San Francisco
can also take various Local Tastes of the City Tours which offers excursions to Chinatown,
Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, North Beach/Little Italy and Haight-Ashbury.18 In
Portland Oregon, Portland Walking Tours incorporates food throughout its tour programmes, but those
with particular culinary interests can take the Epicurean Excursion to the Pearl District.19 Visitors to
Seattle can purchase tickets from Seattle Food Tours for 2 ½ hour walks through Pike Place and Belltown
to learn about history and culture and to taste foods of the city and region.20
In Boston, the North End Market Tour features the history, ethnic heritage and authentic Italian
food of “Little Italy.” Participants are led to shops where fine Italian ingredients can be tasted
and purchased while they learn about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.21 Another company
that specializes in the foods of Boston is Ahla Tours. There is a Jewish Cuisine Tour that
features visits with Brookline purveyors and accounts of the area’s Jewish heritage. A walking
tour called From Russia with Love features the food and drinks of that country. And a 4 ½ hour
Brookline Highlights tour takes participants to various neighbourhoods and cultural attractions of
the city.22 Several guided gastronomic tours are also available through Boston University.23
Visits to grocery stores, cheese, shops, bakeries and wine shops have been organized on another
North End Stroll in this historic Italian enclave. There is a walking tour of Boston’s Latin
Quarter in the Hyde Park neighbourhood of Jamaica Plain. Getting Your Hands Dirty at
Westport Rivers involves a day with the owners at Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery who
host a lunch that features the pairing with local foods. A Walking Tour of Providence’s Federal
Hill visits traditional and modern bakeries, an Italian wine shop, butchers and poultry and
specialty food markets. Finally, the university sponsors a Walking Tour of Chinatown to
experience exotic ingredients and prepared foods, to shop for cooking utensils and enjoy dim
sum.24
Ethnic Grocery Store Tours in Chicago provides customized automobile excursions that are
designed to explain the properties and cultural histories of various foods.25 Chicago Food Planet
arranges several walking tours that are designed to “tease your taste buds and entice your mind with the
26
sights, flavours, and way of life in Chicago.” The Near North Chicago Food Tasting and Cultural
Walking Tour starts in the heart of Downtown and explores of Gold Coast, Old Town, and
Lincoln Park neighbourhoods. The guided, narrated walking tour explores the Chicago's rich
history and architecture while sampling a wide variety of foods. The French Quarter Culinary
17
http://www.zerve.com/WokWiz/Daily
http://www.localtastesofthecitytours.com;
19
http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/tours/epicurean_excursion.php
20
http://www.seattlefoodtours.com
21
http://www.zerve.com/MicheleTopor/NEMT3
22
http://www.brooklinetour.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
23
http://www.bu.edu/foodandwine/tours/index.html
24
http://www.bu.edu/foodandwine/tours/index.html
25
http://www.ethnic-grocery-tours.com
26
http://www.zerve.com/ChicagoFoods/CFTour
18
11
Tasting Tour in New Orleans is a walking and tasting tour that describes the history of the city
and the origin of its unique Creole and Cajun cuisine.27
The City Food Tours Company instructs visitors to Philadelphia: “Don’t just see the
city…TASTE it!”28 Participants meet local chefs and food experts, sample and become educated
about foods through several 2- 2 ½ hour tours. Center City Food Lovers Adventure includes
artisanal and hand-crafted foods such as farmstead cheeses, hand-made chocolates and exotic
loose-leaf teas. The Evening Wine, Chocolate & Tea Experience has been specifically designed
for people with disabilities who are interested in sampling and learning about quality teas,
chocolates and wines. The Artisanal Beer, Cheese, and Prosciutto Tasting involves a tasting of eight
craft beers, of fine cheese and of proscuitto and chorizo sausages and explains how they are made. Other
options include a 4th of July Red, White & Blue Tour, a Charcuterie, Olive Oil and Fine Wine Tour,29 and
Valentine’s Aphrodisiac Guided Tastings.30 Another option in Philadelphia is a Taste of Philadelphia
Tour to the indoor Reading Terminal Market which provides an opportunity to sample the many foods
that have become associated with the city, including cheese steaks, hoagies, soft pretzels and
scrapple.31
Matthew Grey Gourmet Adventures operates a Hawaiian Feast in Paradise Tour, a Gourmet
Trilogy Tour and a Hole-in-the-Wall Tour that includes transportation and stops at four ethnic
restaurants.32
Visitors to New York City have access to several tour companies that feature the city’s diverse
foods. The Epiculinary Tour Company offers 50 culinary vacations packages in New York in
addition to various destinations throughout the United States and Europe. destinations in other
American in addition to Destinations European and North.
Famous Fat Dave operates tours of the city’s five boroughs out of his taxi cab. Tourists can
choose a general eating tour or choose a theme such as the "Midnight Munchies Cruise" or "Real
Little Italy."33 For those with a specific interest in pizza, Scott’s Pizza tours offer a NYC Pizza
Bus and a walking tour to explain the “intricacies of pizza history and culture” and to taste the
product at some of the city’s premier parlours.34 The Enthusiastic Gourmet features the ethnic
flavour and culture of the Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy.35 The walking tour
provides the opportunity to taste the foods that are sold in the shops that are located in these
neighbourhoods.
The Harlem Spirituals Gospels & Jazz Tours explores Harlem's diverse ethnic history and
contribution to music through a five hour tour that includes a jazz show and a meal at a club. 36
27
http://www.zerve.com/Culinary/Tour1030
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/philadelphia-food-tours.cfm
29
http://www.zerve.com/CityFoods/PhlWine
30
http://www.zerve.com/CityFoods/PhlVal
31
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/calendar.php
32
http://www.hawaiifoodtours.com/
33
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10638972
34
http://www.scottspizzatours.com/p/tourdescriptions/w/bybus/
35
http://www.enthusiasticgourmet.com/
36
http://www.nyc.com/guided_tours/soul_food_and_jazz.76231/editorial_review.aspx
28
12
City Food Tours invites visitors to enjoy “The delicious way to savour the city.”37 Regularly
scheduled public walking tours provide an opportunity to meet culinary experts and taste a wide
variety of artisanal foods and beverages. Options include A Chocolate, Desserts & Wine Tour of
the Upper West Side and The Lower East Side Artisan Food Highlights Tour which features
iconic food establishments and the opportunity to learn about the immigrant experience. NoLIta:
Eat A Bite of Ethnic New York takes visitors to a quaint area of interesting architecture between
Little Italy, Chinatown and SoHo where participants can sample, a wide variety of ethnic foods,
cheese cake, authentic Italian Cookies & Pastries, gelato, pastries, hand made candy and fresh
cheeses.38
The Foods of New York Company runs food tasting and cultural walking tours throughout the
city’s historic neighbourhoods.39 The experience includes visits to specialty food shops,
neighbourhood and ethnic restaurants and the opportunity to sample foods. Options include a 3
½ hour Greenwich Village Food Tasting and Cultural Tour,40 a Chelsea Market / Meatpacking
Dist Food Tasting Tour, a Central Village/SoHo Food and Culture Tour and a Chinatown
Walking Tour and Sit-Down Experience. The Company’s comprehensive website contains
information for each about pricing, scheduling, details about the kinds of foods that will be tasted
and customer reviews.
The Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour offers a full sit-down meal at the beginning and at the end of
the tour. 41 In between participants are taken in a vehicle and shown movie clips of Brooklyn
where various scenes along the route were shot. New York Chocolate Tours runs the New
Cuisine Chocolate Tour and a Luxury Chocolate Tour.42 NoshWalks mounts various ethnic
tours, including Turkish, Russian and Chinese tours.43 A final New York example are the tours
that the New York Institute of Culinary Education offers. One takes place in a single restaurant,
while others are run by accomplished food writers and culinary historians into ethnic enclaves.
Several companies specialize in rural culinary experiences throughout the United States.
American Table Culinary Tours offer “edible expeditions” and Rural Bounty organizes
agriculturally based locations across the country.44
Although opportunities for culinary tours are fewer in Canada, several commercial culinary tours
are available in Toronto. Toronto has a 2½ hour St. Lawrence Market Food and History
Walking Tour that includes a visit to the market gallery and food samplings.45 There is a Toronto
Food and Culture Tour called Heaven, Earth & Enchantments of the Chinese Zodiac that
involves a weekend package based at the Sutton Place Hotel and visits to Chinatown. Tim
Finlason runs the Shop Dine Tour Toronto that offers shopping and dining packages throughout
37
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/new-york-food-tours.cfm
39
http://www.foodsofny.com/
40
http://www.zerve.com/FoodTours/GVTour
41
http://www.bknypizza.com
42
http://www.sweetwalks.com
43
http://www.noshwalks.com
44
http:// www.ruralbounty.com
45
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/tours.html
38
13
Toronto and guided or self-guided tours on ump-on, jump-off yellow double-decker buses.
Finally, Shirley Lum operates "Taste of the World" Tours through neighbourhood Bicycle Tours
& Walks Inc.46 There is also the full day Old Toronto Beer Tour whose activities include tutored
beer tastings, visits to a brewery, a tavern, malting silos, the Distillery District and Corktown.47
In Prince Edward County, Prince Edward County Wine and Culinary Tours offers four van,
mini-coach or bicycle packages.48 Taste the County Wine and Culinary Experience includes
private tastings at boutique wineries and a producer and a visit to the 100 year-old Black River
Cheese Company. The Wine and Culinary Adventure in Prince Edward County Tour includes a
tasting at one winery, visits to old barns and houses and a three course lunch that features
regional cuisine. An Afternoon Island and Wine Tasting Adventure involves a visit to three
wineries. Based at Huff Estates, the Luxurious Winery Inn Accommodation and Gourmet Wine
and Dinner Tour arranges for tastings at local wineries and dinner at Harvest Restaurant.
Visites de Montreal leads uses the expression, “Montreal ... deliciously yours” to promote
culintary tours.49 The Flavourful Montreal tour includes tastings in Chinatown, the Plateau
Mont-Royale and Little Italy, while Follow that Chocolate takes visitors to several chocolate
factories in the Latin Quarter, Old Montreal, Plateau Mont-Royal and the Mile End
neighbourhood. Other options include a progressive meal where each course is enjoyed at a
different restaurant, a multicultural feast at restaurants which offer different ethnic cuisines and a
tour that features type Montreal and Quebecoise fare such as caribou and smoked meat, ending
with samplings at a microbrewery.
This review avoids the large number of private companies that offer culinary and wine
experiences that can be accessed through the internet. Rather, it focuses public agencies that
have developed self-directed food and beverage trails, routes and itineraries that can be followed
on maps that are available in print form or on the internet. Using examples from around the
globe, it sets out to:
•
•
•
•
•
provide useful insight into models of administration, including funding, and criteria for
membership.
illustrate the range of cartographic devices in both paper and electronic formats
reveal decisions that have been made about the level of detail to include for each
operators.
show what strategies have been employed to encourage linkages along the route.
describe signage that has been emplaced along roads to serve the needs of visitors for
various modes of travel
]
46
email: info@torontowalksbikes.com
http://www.beerloverstour.com/toronto.html
48
http://www.pecwinetours.com/van.html
49
http://www..visitesdemontreal.com
47
14
2.0
Australia
As a global leader in culinary tourism, numerous food and beverage trails have been established
throughout Australia. For example, formal trails have been developed for each of the twelve
regions of South Australia (Figure 2.1).50 The Butcher, Baker Winemaker Trail, the first of its
kind established in South Australia, connects local wineries, dining venues and that rely on
products made with traditional methods and ingredients (Figure 2.2). Visitors can find retailers
and artisans in the 2008 Butcher, Baker, Winemaker trail brochure51and trail map or join various
specialist tours (Figure 2.3).
Figure 2.1:
Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Cover
50
Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley, Erye Peninsula, Flieurieu, Flinders Ranges & Outback, Kangaroo
Island, Limestone Coast, Murrylands, Riverland and Yorke Peninsula
51
http://www.southaustralia.com/Butcher_Baker_Winemaker_Trail_brochure.pdf
15
Figure 2.2: Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Contents
16
Figure 2.3: Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Map
The Barossa Valley, renowned for its wines and arguably the only true regional cuisine in
Australia, provides three examples of food trails. 52 The Para Road Wine Path has been created to
lead hikers through vineyards along the Para River where wines and complimentary tastings are
available from long-established cellar doors (Figure 2.4).53
52
53
http://www.southaustralia.com/BarossaFoodTrails.aspx
http://www.southaustralia.com/Para_Rd_Wine_Path_Brochure.pdf
17
Figure 2.4:
The Para Wine Route
18
Visitors can also follow the Barossa Cheese and Wine Trail that consists of six routes,
each of which includes five wineries. Typically, visitors arrive at the cellar door with a Barossabranded cooler bag that is equipped with a cheese knife, a small cheeseboard made from old oak
barrels, four locally made cheeses, crackers and a trail map (Figure 2.5).54
Figure 2.5:
54
Barossa Wine Route
http://www.southaustralia.com/Barossa_CheeseTrail_map.pdf
19
Value can also be added through the purchase of a Trail card by phone or purchased or at
information centres. For AUD65, AUD200.00 worth of food, wines and experiences can be
purchased. For example, visitors can collect a hamper which contains a four course taste of the
Barossa and then select one of three suggested touring routes to visit participating wineries
where each course is matched to a specific wine for tasting.
In the Riverland region of South Australia, The Riverland Wine and Food Trail
distinguishes wineries that use classic from those which favour new grape varieties. Travelers
enjoy taste experiences at produce stalls, factory outlets and farmers markets (Figure 2.6).55
Figure 2.6:
The Riverland Wine and Food Trail
The largest trail within Southern Australia is the Clare Valley Riesling Trail, which is also one of
the first rail-trails to have been developed in the country. Named after the Riesling grape, the
trail runs past wineries for 25 km along the Riverton to Spalding.
The Seafood and Aquaculture Trail on the Eyre Peninsula, which produces 60% of the
region’s food, caters to travellers who are interested in understanding the link between ocean
55
http://www.southaustralia.com/Riverland_WINE_MAP.pdf
20
habitat and plate.56 An interactive map shows the locations of seven operators on Table 2.1 who
provide organized tours.57 Table 2.1: Seaford and Aquaculture Activities on the Eyre Peninsula
Tour
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Stuart High 10.00am 10.00am 10.00am
School
Murray Cod
10.00am 10.00am
Aqa
Oysters
2.00pm 2.00pm 2.00pm
2.00pm
Fresh Fish
Place
10.30am 10.30am 10.30am
10.30am 10.30am
Triple Bay
Aquaculture
Tours
Marina
Boat
Cruises
Evans
Oyster Shed
Bill's
Seafood
Saturday Sunday Admission
child
adult
family
2.00pm
$7.00
$5.00 $12.00
daily services available by appointment - weather permitting
10.30am 10.30am 10.30am
3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm
$5.00 $10.00
$20.00
$30.00 $50.00
10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am $17.00 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm $26.00
11.30am 11.30am
$8.00 $16.00
10.30am
10.30am
10.30am $5.00 $10.00
A rewards card can be purchased to receive discounts and earn points towards accommodations,
attractions and tours.
The Clare Valley Riesling Trail offers 25 km of accessible walking, wheelchair and
cycling paths through countryside and vineyards. A brochure (Figure 2.7) describes restaurants,
cafés, and cellars doors that are shown on a detailed map (Figure 2.8).58
56
57
http://www.southaustralia.com/SeafoodAquacultureTrail.aspx
http://www.seafoodtrail.com/tours.htm
58
http://www.southaustralia.com/Riesling_Trail_Brochure.pdf
21
Figure 2.7:
South Australia Riesling Trail Cover
Figure XX:
22
Figure 2.8:
South Australia Riesling Trail Map
Kangaroo Island has become South Australia’s newest wine region. In 2008, 30 growers planted
vines on 200 hectares. A temperature climate allows a long, slow ripening of the grapes that
yield wines with strong varietal fruit flavours and intense colours.59 The region emphasizes the
pristine qualities of its natural environment in its promotion of culinary tourism. Food and wine
tastings and production demonstrations can be found along a route shown on Figure 2.9. Most
59
http://www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com/
23
producers have retained small-scale operations ensure the quality of products that consist mainly
of regional cheeses and yoghurts to olive oil and native jams. The island is also renowned for its
honey, produced from pure strain Ligurian bees, and free-range chickens and eggs. Local
seafood is promoted along with natural and farmed produce from oysters, prawns and crayfish to
whiting, barramundi, snapper and freshwater marron.
Figure 2.9:
Chapman River, Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island
The most south region of Australia, Tasmania, grows cold climate wines in the Tamar Valley. A
brochure and map lead visitors along a signed 58 km scenic wine route between Lauceston and
Bass Straight (Figure 2.10).60 A strong emphasis is placed on the landscape and human history
of the region. Naturalists can enjoy penguins, seals and platypus and the great variety of water
birds congregate at the Tamar Island Wetland, while those who are interested in settlement can
learn about gold mining, visit heritage homes and learn about the maritime history of the region.
60
http://www.discovertasmania.com/itineraries/tamar_valley_wine_route
24
Figure 2.10:
Tamar Valley Wine Route
1.
7.
2.
8.
9.
3.
10.
4.
11.
5.
12.
6.
25
26
Margaret River is both one of the newest and the largest wine regions of Australia (Figure 2.11 –
2.15).61 Plantings began as recently as 1967 and the 2500 ha of vineyards still represent only a
small part of an area that extends 120km from north to south and 30km west to east. While
growing only three per cent of the nation’s grapes, notably chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon,
region nevertheless accounts for over 20 per cent of premium wine production of the country.
Figure 2.11:
61
The Margaret River
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/winesnew/index.html
27
Over 90 vineyards sell to the public and offer tastings at the cellar door. The Margaret River
Wines Online website contains maps for the North, Central, Margaret River and South districts.
The interactive website allows users to search for a winery and to select and download products
in PDF format that include among others Vintage Wine Tours, Lifestyle Margaret River, Village
Golf & Wine Tours, Taste the South, Cape to Cape Wine Tours,
Figure 2.12:
Figure 2.13:
Margaret River North
Margaret River Central
28
Figure 2.14: Margaret River
Figure 2.15:
Margaret River South
29
The Margaret River Food Trail has been created to capitalize on the long-established connection
between fine food and the premium wines for which the region has become noted.62 Success has
led in growing demand for high quality fresh fruits, vegetables and exotic meats such as ostrich
and venison. Even olives are now grown because of the Mediterranean climate of the area. The
Trail is an online resource that offers hyperlinks to restaurants, cafés, gourmet shops, farm gates,
local produce, markets, takeaways, breweries, chefs and catering and cooking schools (Figure
2.16).63 Information is provided about participating operations, contact information and maps of
their locations (Figure 2.14). A pdf file can be downloaded that can be used as a guide for
visitors.64
Figure 2.16:
Margaret River Food Trail
62
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/intro.htm
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/rests.htm
64
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/intro.htm
63
30
The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail is located in the City of Swan, a rural suburb of Perth,.
Although the oldest wine region in Western Australia, a wine trail has been recently established
to attract visitors to what is often described as the most remote urban place in the world (Figure
2.17). A well-designed map and brochure and clear road signage leads visitors to numerous
wineries, eateries, restaurants, artisanal producers and farmers (Figure 2.18).65
Figure 2.17:
65
The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail
Sharon O’Reilly, Case Study: Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail, 2005 Australian Wine and Tourism
Conference, Adelaide, http://www.wfa.org.au/PDF/Sharon%20O'Reilly.pdf
31
Figure 2.18:
The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail Signage
The South Burnett Wine Industry Association has produced a Wine Trail Guide to attract visitors
to this region lies in the state of Queensland that lies about two and a half hours northwest of
Brisbane and one and half hours from the Sunshine Coast (Figure 2.19). With the invitation to
Uncork the Magic, visitors can sample local wines at the 13 established cellar doors. The guide
is available through the internet or can be obtained at visitor information centres and local retail
outlets.66
66
http://www.southburnettwine.com.au/
32
Figure 2.19:
South Burnett Wine and Gourmet Trail Map
T
33
The Hunter Valley in the state of New South Wales is one of the oldest and the most widely
recognized wine producing regions in Australia, dating back to the first European settlement
during the 1700s.67 About 250 km of Sydney, it has become a thriving tourist destination that
features state of the art wineries in terms of both wine making practices and the buildings where
they can be appreciated (Figure 2.17). Despite rapid growth, the Hunter Valley has managed to
preserve a great deal of its rural and idiosyncratic character.68 The Hunter Valley Wine Country
website provides maps and comprehensive information about wineries, local foods,
accommodation, events and travel products.69 A small-scale maps shows the general location of
the Hunter Valley in Australia while detailed maps are provided for the Main Wine Country,
Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, and Broke Fordwich, Singleton & Upper Hunter (Figures 2.20 –
2.23). A map of the Hunter Region to Sydney is also available (Figure 2.24).70 A Gourmet
Outing is the name of the trail in the Hunter Valley that has been created for culinary enthusiasts.
Described as a trail for the ultimate foodie, visitors can sample and purchase locally produced
gourmet foods, olives, cheeses, condiments and ice cream.71
Figure 2.20:
Location of the Hunter Valley
67
http://www.winecountry.com.au/Content/?ids=Maps
http://www.huntervalleyeguide.com/
69
http://www.winecountry.com.au/
70
http://www.huntervalleyeguide.com/
71
http://www.winecountry.com.au/content/?ids=WCTrails
68
34
Figure 2.21:
Hunter Valley Main Wine Country
35
Figure 2.22:
Figure 2.23:
Hunter Valley - Cessnock and Kurri Kurri
Hunter Valley - Broke Fordwich, Singleton, The Upper Hunter, Denman ,Jerrys
Plains, Sandy Hollow, Muswellbrook
36
Figure 2.24:
The Hunter Region to Sydney Route
The state of Victoria has energetically promoted culinary tourism through various media. In
2006, the Department of Primary Industries sponsored a six-episode television series. Entitled
the Food Trail, viewers were taken along on a tour of Victoria to discover the diversity, quality
and abundance of food that is produced and processed in that state. The quality of food in the
markets and restaurants of Melbourne place the city in the first tier of destinations for culinary
tourists. Beyond the urban boundary, many are attracted to countryside where they can enjoy the
Yarra Valley Regional Food Trail. A self-drive tour that was introduced in 1998 includes 100
epicurean outlets whose distinctive blue and orange road signs mark opportunities to purchase,
and sometimes harvest crops, catch fish and sample artisanal products such as cheese, fruit and
vegetable preparations, breads, handmade pastas, chocolates and ice cream.72
72
http://www.about-australia.com/travel-guides/victoria/yarra-valley-dandenongs/attractions/agricultureproduce/yarra-valley-regional-food-trail/
37
Travellers with a particular interest in wine and cheese can purchase a card from Cheese & Wine
Trails Australia that can be used in the Yarra Valley of Victoria, the Barossa Valley, McLaren
Vale, the Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and the Hunter Valley and Mudgee
in New South Wales. 73 Valid for one year, participants receive a special pack that contains
listings of available trails in each area, including the wineries, the cheese producers and
information about each producer.
3.0
Austria
Numerous local and regional tourist boards in Austria promote the country’s culinary and
agriculturally based routes. Several culinary routes have been developed in the region of Styria
which surrounds the city of Graz. The region’s website provides information in several
languages about activities that complement its website complementary outlines trips of various
duration and facilitates reservation at local hotels.74 The Southern Styrian Wine Road is the
nation’s oldest “theme trail” and while no specific map has been produced for it, a link to Google
map is provided to outline the route (Figure 3.1).75
Figure 3.1:
Styrian Wine Route
Opened in 1955, it runs for 25 km along eight wine roads, passing though villages from
Ehrenhausen to Leutschach. The Styrian Apple Route, clearly marked by wooden signposts
along the B54 trunk road, runs for the same distance through five towns.
73
http://www.cheeseandwinetrails.com.au/
http://www.steiermark.com/en/order_catalogue.asp?id=28,29,34,42,18,15,31,10,63,48,62,74,22&menuid=17200&
channel=STG
75
http://www.austria.info
74
38
Figure 3.2:
Styrian Apple Route
A smaller trail, the Styrian Oil Trail was established in the 1990s to feature local production of
pumpkinseed and pumpkinseed oil and to promote its health benefits.76 The 200 km. long Cider
Trail Lower Austria signposts about 20 cider inns, 21 cider taverns and 24 farms who sell their
produce directly to the patrons. The Lower Austria Wine Route links all eight wine-growing
areas of the province: Carnuntum, Weinviertel, Wachau, Thermenregion, Donauland, Kamptal,
Traisental and Kremstal (Figure 3.3).77
76
77
Collin Michael Hall et al, Food Tourism, p. 152
http:// www.weinstrassen.at/wein/e/
39
Figure 3.3
Styrian Wine Routes
The Bregenzerwald Cheese Trail, which has operated for a decade, is a concept rather than a
delineated route that consists of a network of roads where travelers can learn about cheese
production.78 It comprises 69 alpine cheesemakers, innkeepers and grocers, each marked with a
large K who can be easily found on an interactive, scalable map. Visitors are encouraged to try
mountain cheeses, to eat local dishes and to participate in food events such as Gourmet Day and
numerous culinary conferences. Information can also be obtained about various packages such
as Cheese Delights and Hiking & Culture. Five basic themes are emphasized, namely käsewirte
or the cheese chefs, typical and traditional dishes, honest and creative cuisine, “this is how the
Bregenzerwald tastes” and MundArt, an alliance of eight restaurants which share a common food
philosophy. A well-designed website enables travelers to arrange accommodation and visits and
find out local weather conditions.79
78
79
http://www.bregenzerwald.at/
http://www.bregenzerwald.at/xxl/en/839981/_season/at1/_articleId/874197/index.html
40
4.0
Belgium
My Gourmet Trail in Brussels is one of the many trails can be found in the municipal website
that streams visitors according to the purpose of their trip80. A two-hour walk takes visitors past
various cafés, confectioners, bakers, beer pubs and cheese shops. One of the gastronomic
capitals of Europe, the city boasts a Museum of Coco and Chocolate, a Belgium Brewers’
Museum, the Schaerbeek Museum of Beer, and a centre that celebrate the production of limbic
beers, and the Brewers of the Grand Palace (Figure 4.1).
Figure 4.1: My Gourmet Trail.of Brussels
80
http://www.brusselsinternational.be/wabxlint/visitor/discover/popup.jsp?nid=1442
41
5.0
Canada
The Niagara Culinary Trail arches farm to table through links to 70 member establishments.
They include accommodation, bakeries, cafes, farms, markets, restaurants, retail shops and
wineries. A website contains an interactive map which enables the visitor to zoom or out of
urban places and find the best way to navigate through the region (Figure 5.1).81
Figure 5.1:
81
Niagara Culinary Trail
www.niagaraculinarytrail.com
42
Norfolk County has published a map with the theme of Ontario’s South Coast that shows where
the public can purchase foods of the region. In addition to traditional fruits and vegetables
whose availability is shown on a harvest calendar, specialized products such as artisanal cheese,
Saskatoon berries, wines, lavender, popping corn and peanuts are available.82
Ontario Craft Brewers has designed the Craft Beer Route in Ontario with five segments that are
found in the Capital Region, Golden Horseshoe, Greater Southwest, Lake Country and
Toronto.83 Maps and a guide that provides information about the names and locations of the
twenty-nine participating breweries can be downloaded from a website (Figure 5.2).84
Figure 5.2:
Ontario Craft Beer Route
82
http://www.norfolktourism.ca
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com./content.php?nextpage=daytrips
84
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/pdf/media_beerRoute.pdf
83
43
North-Wellington County has developed the Butter Tart Trail.85
The Apple Route along a 64 km stretch on Lake Ontario’s Northern Shore was created in 1993
through an alliance of five municipal tourist organizations to promote the apple history of the
Lake Ontario region.86 The Apple Route website contains information about the route and the
events that can be enjoyed along it, while the printed maps provide insets for galleries, museums,
attractions, restaurants, spats, shops and services, antiques and crafts, agricultural sales and
85
86
http://www.wellington-north.com/documents/2008_Butter_Tart_Trail_Map_%26_Brochure.pdf
www.appleroute.com
44
markets and accommodation that can be found in Port Hope, Cobourg, Colborne, Bright and
Trenton (Figure 5.3).
Figure 5.3:
The Apple Route
Prince Edward County, a leader in promoting culinary tourism, has developed the Taste Trail to
enable travelers to experience culinary and agricultural products.87 An interactive map enables
visitors to click on the location of 23 wineries, breweries, cideries, restaurants, cafes, inns and
artisanal producers who feature local products (Figure 5.4)
87
www.tastetrail.ca
45
Figure 5.4:
Prince Edward County Taste Trail
Prince Edward County has also created a seasonal trail that supports the Maple in the County
Event that is held every March.88 Figure 5.5 shows the locations of sugar bushes, processors,
restaurants, retailers and maple-related activities that are held in this weekend event.
88
http://www.mapleinthecounty.ca/MapleMap2009.pdf
46
Figure 5.5:
Maple in the County Events
The Wine Council of Ontario has developed wine routes and well marked trails in the four
designated VQA wine regions of the province. Figure 28 to 31 shows the locations of wineries
that can be found in the Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Pelee Island, Toronto, York
Region and Prince Edward County (Figures 5.6 – 5.9).89
89
http://winesofontario.org/PDFs/2008WineRouteMap.pdf
47
Figure 5.6:
Niagara Wine Route
Figure 5.7:
Toronto Wine Route
48
Figure 5.8:
Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Wine Route
49
50
Figure 5.9:
Prince Edward County Wine Route
Within the Niagara Region, the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake have created an Icewine Trail
four wine growing areas of Niagara River, Niagara Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek and St. David’s
Bench (Figure 5.10).
Figure 5.10: The Icewine Trail Map
51
The website (http://www.icewinetrail.com/) provides information about the history of each of the
22 participating wineries and details the varietals that are used. It also provides a schedule of
special events that are themed to capitalize on the allure of icewine.
Quebec has arguably made the strongest commitment to the establishment of food and beverage
trails in Canada. La Route des Fromages connects the many cheese factories that have been
established across the province (Figure 5.11). Its website contains information about where
52
Quebec cheeses can be tasted and purchased, but also is designed to educate the visitor about
tastings and cheese-making heritage of the province. An interactive Google map shows the
locations of producers in each of the seventeen regions of the province.90
Figure 5.11:
90
La Route des Fromages Navigational Map
http//www.routedesfromages.com/repertoire2.php?lg=en
53
In 1998, the Quebec Cider Route was created in the south and west of the island of Montreal.
The trail is self-guided and runs through Rougemont, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Saint-Pauld’Abbotsford, Mont-Saint-Grégoire and Hemmingford.91 A detailed interactive map that shows
the locations of member producers, while difficult to find on the website, can be ordered along
with a brochure of the route (Figure 5.12).92
91
92
http://www.canadatravel.ca/sojourner/2005/06/quebecs-cider-route.html
http://www.tourisme-monteregie.qc.ca/forfaits/RouteDesCidres/carte.html
54
Figure 5.12:
The Quebec Cider Route
Quebec’s first wine route, the 132 km Route des Vines, was established in 2003 through
Lanaudière, Québec, Centre-du-Québec, Basses Laurentides and Montérégie.93 In addition to
wineries, it features local farm products and restaurants and provides information about artist
workshops, outdoor activities and places to stay (Figure 5.13).94
93
94
http://www.winesofquebec.com/
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-fr/routevins.html
55
Figure 5.13:
Quebec Wine Route
Le Parcours Gourmand or the Gourmet Route supports agritourism in the Quebec-Charlevoix
region.95 Members have been grouped into fourteen categories so visitors can readily find the
names and location of the foods they wish to enjoy. A comprehensive website provides recipes,
news about developments in the region and links to local tourism offices within the region and
organizations like Slow Food. It also contains an interactive map of firms that are committed to
traditional methods of food production (Figure 5.14).
95
http://www.parcoursgourmand.com/eng/default.asp
56
Figure 5.14:
Charlevoix Gourmet Route
La Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix celebrates local producers, artisans and restaurants of the
region. Travelers are directed to set paths where they can experience the food and culture of the
area (Figure 5.15).96
96
La Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix
57
Figure 5.15
La Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix
The Cheese, Cranberry and Gourmet Delight Drive is a 337 km route east of Drummondville.
An interactive map is available for travelers with an interest in tasting local foods and learning
about how they are produced. (Figure 5.16).97 ,
97
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/fiches/en/attraits/45285932.html
58
Figure 5.16:
Cheese, Cranberry and Gourmet Delight Drive
Table Agroalimentaire du Saguenay-lac-St. Jean98 maintains a comprehensive website that offers
visitors information that includes a map of the cheese route (Figure 38) and educates consumers
about the importance of terroir (Figure 5.17:). 99
98
99
http://www.tableagro.com/carte.php
http://atlas.uqac.ca/saguenay-lac-saint-jean/cartes/d2_1_1/2007/index_fromage.html
59
Figure 5.17:
Saguenay-lac-St. Jean Cheese Route
British Columbia has several routes in the regions where wine is produced, such as the Okanagan
Valley Wine Route whose 66 wineries are grouped in the areas of Vernon, Kelowna and
Penticton (Figure 5.18).100
100
http://www.okanagan.com/maps/wine_map.htm
60
Figure 5.18:
The Okanagan Valley Wine Route
Offshore, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have been promoted as the Wine Islands. With
one-quarter of British Columbia’s wineries, visitors to this fastest growing wine region in
Canada are encouraged to take advantage of an interactive map that locates producers of ciders,
mead, local vegetables, fruit, seafood, meat, poultry, herbs and artisanal products.101 The
Cowichan Valley Wine Route is available for download from the internet and widely distributed
during the annual Wine & Culinary Festival that is held in September (Figure 5.19).102
101
102
http://www.wineislands.ca/pages/touring/
http://wines.cowichan.net/Winebro1_08_final_map.pdf
61
Figure 5.19:
The Cowichan Valley Wine Route
The smallest province in Canada has developed a culinary trail as part of a website whose banner
is PEI Flavour: Where Food & Culture Come to life http://peiflavours.ca/ (Figure 5.20).
62
Figure 5.20:
PEI Flavours Culinary Trail
The Flavours Trail folder does not contain a map of a specific route, but enables travellers to
search for various categories of culinary experiences (Figure 5.21) and create a Google map of
coastal drives in five regions of the island, each with its own character and culture (Figure 5.22). 63
Figure 5.21
Culinary Experiences and Suppliers
Figure 5.22: Coastal Drives
64
The website also provides information about the availability and location of seasonal produce
and culinary events, a rationale for purchasing PEI foods and articles about individuals who are
responsible for producing them. A culinary guide features Chef Michael Smith who has become
the face of PEI cuisine (Figure 5.23).
Figure 5.23: Culinary Guide to PEI Flavours
Those who wish additional information and received culinary tips, vacation ideas and learn more
about PEI Flavours can provide their email address. Users are encouraged to connect through
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and RSS Feed and are invited to share their PEI experience
through SHARE PEI. Finally, the website markets relevant products such as Flavours of Prince
Edward Island: A Culinary Journey by Jeff McCourt, Alan Williams and Austin Clement .
65
6.0
Chile
Various producers in the Colchagua Valley of Chile have cooperated in the establishment of a
wine route (Figure 6.1). The circuit places a strong emphasis on education that explains how the
wines are made and the way they reflect the geographical context of the region.
Figure 6.1:
7.0
Colchagua Valley Wine Route
Croatia
Olive oil production in Croatia is promoted through an interactive website that contains maps for
the four major zones of Buje, Porec, Buzet - Pazin, and Rovin - Vodnjan (Figures 7.1 – 7.4).103
They direct travelers to operations that provide information about olive harvesting and
production and opportunities to purchase olives and related products. Producers along the route
can be recognized by two styles of flag, one that signifies the use of numerous varieties of
cultivars and modern technology and a smaller distinctive version where traditional processing
techniques are employed (Figure 7.5).
103
http://www.istra.com/maslina/ulaz-eng.htm
66
Figure 7.1
The Buje Olive Route
Figure 7.2
The Porec Olive Route
67
Figure 7.3
The Buzet Olive Route
68
69
Figure 7.4;
The Vodnjan Olive Route
70
Figure 7.5:
8.0
Olive Route Legend
Czech Republic
Several food and beverage routes can be found in the Czech Republic, including the Baden
Asparagus Route that extends for 136 km from Schwetzingen to Scherzheim through Reilingen,
Karlsruhe and Rastatt. Travelers are not only directed to asparagus farms, but lakes, museums
and historical sites. Radegast brewery has developed the Beskydy Radegast Cycling Track along
the South Bohemian Beer Route (Figure 8.1).
71
Figure 8.1:
South Bohemian Beer Route
UNESCO World Heritage and other historical sites attract visitors to the 53.3 km trail which runs
south of Prague almost to the Austrian border. Forty pubs and restaurants are passed along a
route that can be readily followed with information boards, signposts and free maps. Participants
are encouraged to collect a stamp on a postcard that displays all the member pubs.104
9.0
104
France
www.czecot.com/en/?id_tema=17
72
France offers a plethora of trails that feature wines and cuisines that are universally respected.
Thirteen one-half our episodes called Wine Trails of France feature each of the major regions.105
The country has no fewer than nine principal wine routes: Azure Route, Coral Route, Emerald
Route, Indigo Route, Mauve Route, Purple Route, Saffron Route, Sepia Route, and the
Turquoise Route. 106 Travelers can learn about the process of making wine and of course taste
the exceptional products of the Alsace Wine Trail, the Beaujolais Wine Trail, the Bordeaux Wine
Trail, the Burgundy Wine Trail, the Champagne Wine Trail, the Corsican Wine Trail, The
Northern Côtes-du-Rhône Wine Trail, The Southern Côtes-du-Rhône Wine Trail and the Jura
Wine Trail.107
Another beverage route is the Route du cidre de Cambremer à Beuvron en Auge, a 40 km trail
that passes through the towns of Grandouet, Saint-Ouen-le-Pin, la-Roque-Baignard, Bonnebosq,
Durval, Beaufor, Beuvron-en-Auge and Victot-Pontfol. Visitors observe the process of making
cider in the traditional manner that is made under the regulations of AOC Pays d’Auge (Figure
9.1).108
Figure 9.1:
La Route du Cidre de Cambrener
La Route du Poiré is a 75 km circuit in Normandy that starts at Domfront and passes through the
communities of Passais-la-Conception and Barenton. A map guides visitors to free tours and
105
http://www.winetrailsoffrance.com/
http://www.vins-rhone.com/pages/route-des-vins/deguster.asp?route=azur&lng=en&rub=4110
107
http://www.french-wines.com/tourism.htm
108
http://www.cambremer.com/normandy/cambremer_gb.htm
106
73
tastings of local and traditional foods, ciders, berries, preserves eaux-de-vie and the most famous
beverage of the region, Calvados (Figure 9.2).109
Figure 9.2:
Sur la route du Poiré
Within the circuit, another map shows where local products can be purchased, including the
famous Calvados (Figure 9.3).
Figure 9.3:
The Calvados Route
Another route in France is the Olive Tree Route that links the operations of Moulin DozolAutrand, Vieux Moulins à huile, Moulin Ramade, Coopératif du Nyonsais, Lou Viei Moulin
109
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/feb/16/top100foodbreaks.foodtrails?page=all
74
d'Oli du Puits Communal, Moulin de Chameil, Le Vieux Moulin and Moulin à huile Chauvet. 110
They provide an opportunity to sample and purchase olive products and to view the harvest and
the way olives are processed into oil (Figure 9.4).
Figure 9.4
10.0
The Olive Tree Route
Germany
Few culinary and agricultural tourism routes can be found in Germany,111 but the German Wine
Route (Deutsche Weinstrasse), created in 1935, is the oldest wine road in the world. It extends
for 85km through the nation’s largest wine growing area (Figure 10.1).
Figure 10.1
110
111
The German Wine Route
http://www.guideweb.com/provence/circuits/olivetreeroute.php
http://www.deutsche-weinstrasse.de/
75
Another wine road that is called the Buje in the north-western part of Istria is notable for the
assortment of wines.112 Visitors can sample and purchase wines made from Istrian malvazija,
muskat, white and grey pinot, chardonnay, hrvatica, refosk, teran, borgonja, merlot and cabernet
sauvignon.
11.0
Great Britain
Great Britain offers a considerable diversity of routes that have contributed to a revised
perception of the country’s poor food image. VisitBritain, the official national website, provides
numerous links to food and beverage trails.113
For example, cheese trails are likely the most common category of culinary routes in Britain and
it may be worth noting the Cheese Trail in Wales, the Stilton Trail in the Midlands and the Heart
of England’s Cheese Trail.114 The Heart of England, which extends from Coventry to the Welsh
112
http://www.istra.com
http://www.visitbritain.com/
114
http://www.wda.co.uk/index.cfm/developing_your_business/welsh_agrifood_sector/food_wales/welsh_cheese/the
_cheese_trail/en3350
113
76
border offers other trails as well, including the Ice-Cream Trail (Figure 11.1) whose ten
producers make exotic flavours like elderberry and lavender and the Sausage Trail,115 which
celebrates the product that was introduced by the Romans in 500 B.C.. Visitors to the northwest
can follow the Lake District Tea Trail which features the tradition of afternoon tea with homemade scones, cream, cakes and delicate sandwiches.116
Figure 11.1: The Ice-cream Trail
With the country’s growing reputation for fine cuisine an organization called the South East
Food Partnership has published three trails in the South East that emphasize cheese, wine
producers and fish retail outlets (Figure 11.2).117 With the support of the South East England
Development Agency (SEEDA) and the National Farmers’ Union, a hyperlink leads to a
narrative about the history of cheese and cheese making in the region. Additional information
about food and drink can be found through links to organizations in individual counties such as
Produced in Kent, Taste of Sussex, Surrey Food Links, Hampshire Fare, Isle of Wight Food
Association and Berks,Bucks and Oxon Food Groups.118
115
116
www.sausagelinks.co.uk/news_detail.asp?id=171; www.nw-fine-foods.co.uk
www.golakes.co.uk/teatrailcumbria
117
http://www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/display.aspx?id=48
118
http://www.producedinkent.co.uk; http://www.atasteofsussex.co.uk; http://www.surreyfoodlinks.co.uk;
http://www.hampshirefare.co.uk; http://www.islandfca.org; www.local-food.net
77
Figure 11.2: South East Food Trails
The South East culinary routes include the South East England Wine Trail and the Seafood Trail.
The first includes farmers markets, vineyards, wineries and local culinary entrepreneurs.119 A
well-designed map provides travelers with numerous route options. The South East England
Wine Trail leads visitors to 20 wineries in the region. Its website features 20 wineries (Figure
11.3) with detailed information about the products that are available at each.120 The South East
Seafood Trail celebrates the maritime bounty of the island (Figure 11.4).
Figure 11.3:
119
120
South East England Wine Trail
http://www.buylocalfood.co.uk/
http://www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/upload/South%20East%20England%20Wine%20Trail.pdf
78
79
Figure 11.4: South East Seafood Trail
The Ribble Valley Food Trail in Lancashire features 36 restaurants, inn, shops and delicatessens
that have made a commitment to local and high quality produce (Figure 11.5). Established by
the Borough Council after the region was severely impacted by an outbreak of foot and mouth
disease, it is supported by Taste Lancashire, a year of events and activities that are co-ordinated
by the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board. An internet site provides a map along with a
brief profile of hospitality and retail establishments along the route121
121
http://www.ribblevalleyfoodtrail.co.uk/food.htm
80
Figure 11.5
The Ribble Valley Food Trail
81
01 1. The
Millstone Hotel 02 2. Fairfield Farm Shop 03 3. Mrs Dowsons Ice
Cream
05 5. Northcote
Manor
09 9. Waterfields
Food
06 6. Food
by Breda
Murphy
10 10. Weezos
07 7. The
11 11. Cowman's
Butchers
13 13. Taste
@ Clitheroe
17 17 Wellgate
Fisheries
14 14. D.
Byrne and Co
18 18. Cheesie
15 15. Harrison
Locanda
Bayley Arms
29 29. Leagram
Organic
33 33. The
Porter
Butchers
23 23. Bowland
26 26. The
Craven Heifer
27 27. The
30 30. The
Gibbon Bridge 31 31. Robinson Bros
Butchers
Hotel
Corporation
and Kerr
22 22. CocoMoyo
Dairy
34 34 The
Arms
Longridge
Restaurant
08 8. The
Three Fishes
12 12. Mansell's
Coffee
Shop
19 19. Roy
Tchaikovsky
25 25. The
White Bull
Arms
Ltd
21 21. La
Freemasons
04 4. The
Brewery
Red Pump Inn
35 35. Thyme
16 16,. Exchange
20 20. Hudsons
24 24. Bashall
Coffee
Ices
Barn
28 28. The
Inn at
Whitewell
32 32. Little
36 36. Tina's
Town Dairy
Corner
Bakery
The Gourmet Yorkshire website contains information about restaurants, producers,
accommodation, markets, local products and culinary events that are held throughout the
region.122 Interactive maps are available for four trails whose towns reveal details about each
culinary destination when highlighted by a cursor. A printable version of each can be
downloaded (Figure 11.6).
Figure 11.6: Gourmet Yorkshire Trail
122
http://gourmetyorkshire.co.uk
82
Apple wine enthusiasts can follow The Cider Trail that winds through many rural areas of
Britain. The website contains information about places where cider can be tasted, purchased and
enjoyed in local dishes.123 Routes are signposted for motorists, hikers, cyclists and even those
who prefer bus travel.124 One example is the Herefordshire CiderRoute whose distinctive brown
and white signs identify the location of the Herefordshire Cider Museum and links large and
small scale producers throughout the County.125 Two detailed itineraries have been created for
cyclists, the 20 mile Ledbury Cider Cycling Route and the 19 mile Pembridge Cider Cycling
Route (Figure 11.7).
Figure 11.7: Herefordshire Cider Route
Cider Producers
1 Cider Museum &
King Offa Distillery
2 Dunkertons Cider Mill
3 Newton Court Cidery
4 Butford Farm
5 Oliver's Cider and Perry
6 Knights Cider Co Ltd.
7 Gregg's Pit Cider & Perry
8 Westons Cider
9 Lyne Down Farm
10 Broome Farm Cider
11 Gwatkin Cider
Small Scale Producers
The following small scale cider, perry and apple juice
producers are only open to the public by prior
arrangement. Please always telephone in advance.
12
13
14
15
16
Orgasmic Cider Company
Brook Farm Cider
Rathays Old Goat Cider
Ledbury Cider & Perry Co.
Jus
Specialist Retailers
A Orchard, Hive & Vine
B The Hop Pocket
C Truffles Delicatessen
123
http://www.tastefuljourneys.com/5838666_8304.htm
www.ciderroute.co.uk
125
http://www.ciderroute.co.uk
124
83
Scotland has long suffered from a well-deserved reputation for inferior food, but has now
emerged as a culinary tourism leader. VisitScotland, its primary tourism marketing agency, has
created an official eating and drinking guide which is called Eat Scotland.126 The organization
recognizes importance of benchmark destinations, but also works to encourage all types of
operations to develop higher standards. Nine trails and itineraries integrate culinary
opportunities into the local history and culture. The Arran Trail, for example, educates visitors
about the Viking raiders, Brodick Castle and the region’s connection with Robert the Bruce. At
the same time, it encourages an appreciation of local producers and traditional and modern
cooking that features traditional Scottish ingredients such as lobster, Scottish beef, venison,
lamb, pheasant, grouse, duck trout and salmon. Eat Scotland’s website includes a map of
locations, numerous videos and search engine that facilitates the search for destinations on the
basis of location, type of cuisine and speciality (Figure 11.8).
Figure 11.8:
126
Isle of Arran Taste Trail
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/about-eatscotland.html
84
Creeler's of Arran
Island Cheese Company
Wooley's of Arran
Kingscross Herbs
Arran Fine Foods (Paterson Arran
Ltd)
Torrylinn
Creamery
The Arran Brewery
James's Chocolates
Isle of Arran
Distillers
Auchaleffan Free Range
Foods
Arran Coffee
Kirkend Nursery
Arran Ice Cream
Kinloch Bakery
Another route on the Eat Scotland website is the Outer Hebrides Food Trail that champions
members of the Outer Hebrides Speciality Food Producers Association on the islands of Lewis,
Harris, North and South Uist , Benbecula and Barra (Figure 11.9).127
Figure 11.9
127
The Outer Hebrides Food Trail
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/hebrides-food-trail.html
85
The Scottish Cheese Trail shows the locations of many of the country’s fine cheese
manufacturers along with a description of the kinds of cheese they manufacture.128 A website
lists members, a brief description and photograph of their products and a map where they can be
found (Figure 11.10).
Figure 11.10:
Scottish Cheese Trail
The Scottish Farm Shops Trail highlights farm-gate operations whose products range form fish,
to vegetables to eggs to rare breeds of pigs.129 Its website displays attractive photographs, a
distinctive logo (Figure 11.11) and a map where members can be found (Figure 11.12).
128
129
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/cheese-trail.html
http://www.scottishfoodguide.com/scottishfarmshops/default.aspx
86
Figure 11.11 Scottish Farm Shops Logo
Figure 11.12:
Scottish Farm Shops
Flavours of Scotland offers and itinerary of restaurants that appeal to broad tastes and budgets130
A map (Figure 11.13) enables visitors to follow a structured 10 day itinerary that has been
designed (Figure 11.14).
130
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/Repository/documents/flavourofscotland.pdf
87
Figure 11.13: Flavours of Scotland
88
Figure 11.14:
Itinerary for Flavours of Scotland
The Dumfries & Galloway Food Trail encourages visitors to Savour the Flavours of the
region.131 The website lists major food events and contains a map that locates individual
operators on the basis of food category (Figure 11.15).
131
http://www.savourtheflavours.co.uk/assets/pdf/Savour4Print_A3(1).pdf
89
Figure 11.15 Dumfries & Galloway Food Trail
90
The Seafood Trail west of Glasgow follows the Argyll coastline.132 Visitors are given directions
to the region and are guided to 11 establishments that offer high quality seafood dining
experiences and convenient accommodation (Figure 11.16).
Figure 11.16: The Seafood Trail
132
http://www.theseafoodtrail.com/map.html
91
Unlike its food, Scotland’s high reputation for beverages has never been questioned. The Real
Ale Trail, which also operates under the umbrella of VisitScotland,133 features brewers in eight
distinct regions (Figure 11:17). The well-designed website contains detailed information about
each brewer, events, news, shopping and an interactive, Google powered map.134 The location
of Real Trail members is shown on Figure 11:18.
Figure 11.17 Real Ale Trail Regions of Scotland
133
134
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/real-ale-trail.html
http://www.scotlandsrealaletrail.com/trail.htm
92
Figure 11.18
Real Ale Trail Members
The most celebrated Scottish beverage is whisky or Scotch which is made throughout the
country. Sixteen distilleries are located in western Scotland on the Whisky Coast. A website
contains informative text provides about the history and the geography of this scenic region and
an interactive scalable Yahoo map that locates each single malt distillery (Figure 11.19).135
135
http://www.whiskycoast.co.uk/map/default.htm
93
Figure 11.19
The Whisky Coast
The Speyside countryside on east coast of Scotland is a concentration of seven working
distilleries and cooperage operations that comprise the Scotch Malt Whisky Trail.136 Its website
contains links to accommodation and a four day itinerary that reveals the history and explains the
process of each operation. An interactive map directs visitors to sign-posted members (Figure
11.20).
136
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/malt-whisky-trail.html
94
Figure 11.20:
12.0
Scotch Malt Whisky Trail
Italy
Italy’s rank as the largest producer of wine in the world suggests the likelihood that numerous
wines trails have been established.137 The first “enoturista” or wine route in the country was
established along 50 km of road that winds through the countryside around Soave, northeast of
Verona.138 There are more than 100 members, including 50 producers, 13 regional associations,
10 farm restaurants, seven olive oil presses, a ham producer, a baker, a dairy and a distillery.
Visitors are encouraged to tour and learn about the history of the region a map that shows the
location of members is not provided.
Two other major wine routes have been created, the Castelli Romani Wine Route and The
Cesanese Wine Route. The Castelli Romani Wine Route traverses through Colli Albani, Colli
Lanuvini, Frascati, Marino, Montecompatri-Colonna and Velletri e Zagarolo and was created to
allow visitors to discover the Italian tradition of making wine. The Cesanese Wine Route
connects the Casilina and Prenestina consular roads traditionally used for the commerce of food
products. The route passes through the towns of Anagni, Paliano, Piglio e Serrone, Affile,
Arcinazzo Romano, Genazzano, Olevano Romano, and Roiate e San Vito Romano.
137
138
Touring Club of Italy, The Italian Wine Guide: The Definitive Guide to Touring, Sourcing and Tasting.
http://winecountry.it/regions/veneto/
95
Italy offers three wine and food trails named Via del Grande Fiume, Via delle Corti Estensi and
Via del Delta (Figure 12.1).139 Along the Via del Grande Fiume in the towns of Bondeno, Berra,
Migliarino and Massa Fiscaglia, duck, pumpkin and salami can be sampled and purchased.
Products that are available along the Via delle Corti Estensi include rice, garlic and truffle. The
third route, the Via del Delta brings travelers to places where they can purchase fish, mussels,
shellfish, eel and Bosco Eliceo wines .
Figure 12.1:
Via del Grande Fiume,Via delle Corti Estensi and Via del Delta Food Trails
Another popular trail is the Olive Oil Route which was created by the Italian Chamber of
Commerce on behalf of some 100 companies to connect many of Italy’s wine and food routes to
the Italian capital. Although a website provides considerable information about producers and
the history of olive production, maps of the route are not readily available.140
13.0
New Zealand
An important New Zealand venture is the North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail. It includes
forty businesses that feature wineries, fruit and vegetable growers, artisan producers,
accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants. The trail, which was initiated by Enterprise
North Canterbury, was conceived to showcase North Canterbury's culinary talents and highlight
139
140
http://www.beccatidaniele.it/inglese/strada.html
http://www.romaincampagna.it/en/scoprire_content.pl?content_id=2
96
the region's distinctive rural food and wine flavours and personalities.141 The trail website
contains a guide with a map (Figure 13.1) and photographs of the route.142
Figure 13.1: North Canterberry Food and Wine Trail
Another New Zealand culinary route is the Hawke’s Bay Wine Country Food Trail that was
created in 2000 by The Hawke’s Bay Food Group. A website explains the trail’s objectives
which include the intention to highlight the abundance of exceptional food products in the area,
to work co-operatively to provide visitors a complete wine and food experience, to identify large
and small producers, to highlight the range and diversity of produce in the region, to encourage
excellence in purity and freshness of food products through quality standards and to promote
141
142
http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/northcanterburytrail.html
info@visitwaimakariri.co.nz
97
Hawke’s Bay grown and Hawke’s Bay made food products.143 A map and guidebook are
available from local businesses and the visitor centre (Figure 13.2).144
Figure 13.2:
14.0
Hawke’s Bay Wine Company Food Trail
South Africa
South African wines can be expierienced along several wine routes, including the Breedekloof,
Constanti Wine Route, Durbanvillie Wine Valley, Helderberg Wine Route, Klein Karoo Wine
Route, Paarl Vintners, Robertson Wine Valley, Route 62, Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Wine Route,
Swartland Wine Route, Tulbagh Wine Route, Vignerons de Franschhoek, Wellington Wine
Route and Worcester Winelands (Figure 14.1).145
143
http://www.foodhawkesbay.co.nz/files/Food%20Trail%20v5%202006.pdf
http://info@visitwaimakariri.co.nz
145
http://www.wine.co.za/Tour/Routes/Default.aspx
144
98
Figure 14.1: Wine Routes of South Africa
Breedekloof
Brandy Routes
Constantia Wine Route
Darling Tourist Bureau
Devon Valley Vintners Association
Durbanville Wine Valley
Helderberg Wine Route
Klein Karoo Wine Route
Paarl Vintners
Robertson Wine Valley
Route 62
Simonsberg
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Swartland Wine Route
99
Tulbagh Wine Route
Vignerons de Franschhoek
Wellington Wine Route
Worcester Winelands
Constantia Valley
Each wine route provides a map that leads tourists to participating wineries and information
about local accommodation and restaurants. Figure 14.2 provides an illustration of Breedeckloof
region.
Figure 14.2:
Breedeckloof Wine Region
100
South Africa also has The Brew Route that was created by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal to promote
small and large breweries. Operating in an area that is known as the Zulu Kingdom are the
Congella-United National Breweries, South African Breweries, Firkin Hophouse Micro Brewery
& Pub, Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville, The Nottingham Road Brewery, Wartburger
Brauhaus, the Ijuba-United National Breweries, The Farmers Brauhaus and the Zululand
Brewing.146
15.0
Spain
Like most European nations, Spain has developed culinary trails to feature their foods and
beverages. La Ruta de l’Oli is an oil route where visitors can visits olive groves, pressing
operations and even an oil theme park called Parc Temàtic de l'Oli (Figure 15.1).147
Figure 15.1:
146
147
La Ruta de l’Oli
http://beer.kzn.org.za/beer/
http://www.lleidatur.com/ing/rutaoli.html
101
The wine regions of Spain also contain numerous paths that lead to winery doors, although there
are few clearly marked routes or trails. An interactive map of the Spanish wine regions (Figure
15.3) leads to more detailed locations of wineries, as shown in Figures 15.2 and 15.3 of the
Navarre and the Rioja Alavesa Wine Routes. Information is also provided about accommodation
and restaurants, the nature of the wines that each region produces, events and activities such as a
sleeping in the vineyard package.148
Figure 15.2: Wine Regions of Spain
Figure 15.3: Navarre Wine Route
148
http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/Rutas+Vino/?Language=en
102
.
Figure 15.4:
16.0
Rioja Alavesa Wine Route
United States
Culinary trails are not common in the United States, although the Connecticut Food Trail
provides an example of the growing recognition that foods and beverages are important in the
tourist economy (Figure 16.1).
103
Figure 16.1
Connecticut Food Trail Logo
The organization hosts a sophisticated and interactive website which provides a “gateway to
New England’s finest specialty foods.”149 The goals of the Connecticut Food Trail include the
promotion, marketing and sale of Connecticut specialty food brands in state and nationwide.
The site contains on-line and printed maps for each county which enable visitors to find
restaurants and retail establishments that feature Connecticut-based foods (Figure 16.2). There
are also a search function to find products on the food trail, a food trail blog and information
about numerous forums and events in the state. The organization encourages cross-pollination
and networking among those who make local food products and those who sell it through
coordinated food expositions. No membership fees are charged, but in-kind contributions and
website advertising fees for assistance in maintaining are accepted.
Figure 16.2
Connecticut Food Trail Interactive Map
.
149
http://www.ctfoodtrail.com/
104
Another innovative route is the Urban Bourbon Trail which is meant to position Louisville, KY
as the gateway to the seven distilleries that are located along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.150 A
comprehensive website outlines the history and lore of bourbon, provides a list of distilleries and
bars along the Urban Bourbon Trail, links with podcasts and a contains a calendar of events
(Table 16.1).151
Table 16.1: Calendar of Events on the Urban Bourbon Trail
"The Mark of Great Art" Exhibit
The Great Whiskey Debate - The Ryder Cup of Whiskey
150
151
http://www.gotolouisville.com/content.aspx?id=5166
http://www.justaddbourbon.com/
105
Sip & Sample Bottle Signing
Cornhole Comes to the 2008 Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Balloon Glow
Boots & Bourbon
Learn the Culinary Art of Cooking with Bourbon
Bourbon, Cigars & Jazz
Bourbon Tasting & Gala
Drink and Democracy: A Stroll Down Kentucky's Bourbon Trail
Haunting of the Distillery
Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Dinner
Lighting of the Distillery
106
Visitors can obtain a Bourbon Country Passport from the Visitor Centre in Louisville which
contains the address and short description of each stop, space for notes, a map and instructions
about how to taste bourbon properly (Figure 16.3)
Figure 16.3:
The Urban Bourbon Passport
Participants are encouraged to record their stops with a stamp at drink and food purchase
locations. Once completed, the Passport can be mailed in or redeemed at the visitor center for a
specially designed T-shirt.
107
Discussion:
This document has examined many prominent culinary routes with a greater focus on food than
beverage trails. Most are readily accessible on the internet, but clearly the list is not exhaustive
since virtually every wine region has an established route. Furthermore, there are arcane trails
that have been designed by quirky individuals who provide lists of specific themes foods. Many
of these are figurative in the sense that they consist of a list of destinations with a complementary
theme. Examples include Robb Walsh’s Taco Food Trail and best of lists that are compiled by
print media under such categories as the ten best sandwiches or the ten best bagels or the ten best
corned beef sandwiches in a municipality. A second type of trail, the focus here, is the formal
route which controls and prices membership, brands the product with distinct labels and signage,
and markets the product through the internets and
Regardless of whether the trails are figurative or formal, information about them is rarely
available at tourist offices. Hence, individuals with an interest in a particular destination must
locate the appropriate websites, download brochures and maps for travel. The internet has the
obvious advantage of providing linkages to other attractions to food and to accommodation
facilities which can be often booked online. At the same time, the friendliness of websites varies
considerably with respect to their navigability, particularly with respect to locating maps of
participating operators. In addition to this important quality, the features that are found in the
best culinary trails are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
a conscious commitment to educating the potential user about the historical, architectural
and cultural context of the product
a clear brand that uses simple and memorable symbols such as the growing agreement for
the signage of wine routes
an effective slogan or phrase that typifies the theme of the trail such as (savour the
flavours)
a high level of aesthetic appeal for several senses that uses quality photographs, artwork
and video and audio clips
a provision for modern communication through MP3 players, iPods, downloadable blogs
and access to broadcasts
strong linkages with complementary operations
the inclusion of product information including a calendar of events and the posting of
recipes
hooks such as subscriptions that entitle members to the most topical information about
the product and destination and instil a sense of partnership
readily downloadable maps that can be taken, a problem with interactive maps if there is
no provision for a print version
108
•
•
•
•
•
a planning trip function and calculators
a calendar of events
an effective search engine to explore the site
the creation of organized itineraries that suit the diverse needs of trail users
the appeal of unique or unusual products such as tacos or ice cream
The promotion of food and beverage opportunities requires deliberate and conscious efforts to
develop a culinary profile in cities. While trails have an obvious connection with the
countryside, there are numerous excellent examples of excellent urban routes such as those that
can be found in Singapore, Dublin and Brussels and others that link the city with the surrounding
regions such as those around Rome and Louisville.
While traditional maps may no longer be the best way to offer culinary tours, there is an obvious
need for an Eat Toronto URL that incorporates best features of existing effective websites and
contain the elements that help make the city a unique culinary destination.
Book:
Collin Michael Hall et al. (2003), Food Tourism around the World Butterworth-Heinemann,
Internet References
http://www.about-australia.com/travel-guides/victoria/yarra-valleydandenongs/attractions/agriculture-produce/yarra-valley-regional-food-trail/
http://www.appleroute.com
http://atlas.uqac.ca/saguenay-lac-saint-jean/cartes/d2_1_1/2007/index_fromage.html
http://www.austria.info
http://www.beccatidaniele.it/inglese/strada.html
http://www.beer.kzn.org.za/beer/
http://www.bknypizza.com
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-fr/routevins.html
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/fiches/en/attraits/45285932.html
http://www.bregenzerwald.at/
http://www.bregenzerwald.at/xxl/en/839981/_season/at1/_articleId/874197/index.html
http://www.brooklinetour.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
http://www.brusselsinternational.be/wabxlint/visitor/discover/popup.jsp?nid=1442
http://www.bu.edu/foodandwine/tours/index.html
http://www.buylocalfood.co.uk
http://www.cambremer.com/normandy/cambremer_gb.htm
http://www.canadatravel.ca/sojourner/2005/06/quebecs-cider-route.html
http://www.celiabrooksbrown.com/gastrotours.php
http:// www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com
http://www.cheeseandwinetrails.com.au/
http://www.ciderroute.co.uk
http://www.ciderroute.co.uk/site/ciderCycling.html
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/
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http://www.cityfoodtours.com/new-york-food-tours.cfm
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/philadelphia-food-tours.cfm
http://www.ctfoodtrail.com/
http://www.culinarytourism.org/terms.php
http://www.czecot.com/en/?id_tema=17
http://www.deutsche-weinstrasse.de/
http://www.discovertasmania.com/itineraries/tamar_valley_wine_route
http://www.scottishfoodguide.com/scottishfarmshops/default.aspx
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/about-eatscotland.html
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/Repository/documents/flavourofscotland.pdf
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/hebrides-food-trail.html
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/cheese-trail.html
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/malt-whisky-trail.html
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/real-ale-trail.html
http://www.enthusiasticgourmet.com/
http://www.ethnic-grocery-tours.com
http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_choc.asp
http://www.fabfoodtrails.com/fab_trail_walk.asp
http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_indian.asp
http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_sushi.asp
http://www.foodhawkesbay.co.nz/files/Food%20Trail%20v5%202006.pdf
http://www.foodreference.com/html/culinary-tours-gourmet-tours.html
http://www.foodsofny.com/
http://www.french-wines.com/tourism.htm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/feb/16/top100foodbreaks.foodtrails?page=all
http://www.germany-tourism.de/ENG/destination_germany/master_tlfstrasse-id2.htm
http://www.golakes.co.uk/teatrailcumbria
http://www.golakes.co.uk/teatrailcumbria
http://www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com/
http://www.gotolouisville.com/content.aspx?id=5166
http://gourmetyorkshire.co.uk
http://www.guideweb.com/provence/circuits/olivetreeroute
http://www.holidaycityflash.com/article/britain_food&drink.htm
http://www.hampshirefare.co.uk; http://www.islandfca.org; www.local-food.net
http://www.hawaiifoodtours.com/
http://www.huntervalleyeguide.com/
http://www.huntervalleyeguide.com/
http://www.icewinetrail.com/
http://www.infohub.com/travel_packages/food_wine_australia_106.html
http://www.istra.com
http://www.istra.com/maslina/ulaz-eng.htm
http://www.justaddbourbon.com
http://www.laroutedesvins.ca/en/
http://www.lleidatur.com/ing/rutaoli.html
http://www.localtastesofthecitytours.com
http://www.maltwhiskytrail.com
http://www.makansutra.com/foodcast.html#episodes
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http://www.makansutra.com/foodtours.html
http://www.mapleinthecounty.ca
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/intro.htm
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/rests.htm
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/winesnew/index.html
http://www.montsetdelices.com/en/index.html
http://www.niagaraculinarytrail.com
http://www.noshwalks.com
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10638972
http://www.nw-fine-foods.co.uk
http://www.nyc.com/guided_tours/soul_food_and_jazz.76231/editorial_review.aspx
http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/northcanterburytrail.html
http://www.okanagan.com/maps/wine_map.htm
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.ca
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com./content.php?nextpage=daytrips
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/pdf/media_beerRoute.pdf
http://www.parcoursgourmand.com/eng/default.asp
http://www.peiflavours.ca/
http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/tours/epicurean_excursion.php
http://www.producedinkent.co.uk; http://www.atasteofsussex.co.uk;
http://www.surreyfoodlinks.co.uk
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/calendar.php
http://www.ribblevalleyfoodtrail.co.uk/food.htm
http://www.romaincampagna.it/en/scoprire_content.pl?content_id=2.php
http://www.routedesfromages.com
http//www.routedesfromages.com/repertoire2.php?lg=en
http:// www.ruralbounty.com
http://www.sausagelinks.co.uk/news_detail.asp?id=171
http://www.savourtheflavours.co.uk/assets/pdf/Savour4Print_A3(1).pdf
http://www.scotlandsrealaletrail.com/trail.htm
http://www.scottspizzatours.com/p/tourdescriptions/w/bybus/
http://www.seattlefoodtours.com
http://www.seafoodtrail.com/tours.htm
http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/agritourism/definition.html
http://www.somerset.gov.uk/celebratingsomerset/visitors/pages/foodndrink
http://www.southaustralia.com http://www.southaustralia.com/Barossa_CheeseTrail_map.pdf
http://www.southaustralia.com/BarossaFoodTrails.aspx
http://www.southaustralia.com/Para_Rd_Wine_Path_Brochure.pdf
http://www.southaustralia.com/Riesling_Trail_Brochure.pdf
http://www.southaustralia.com/Riverland_WINE_MAP.pdf
http://www.southaustralia.com/SeafoodAquacultureTrail.aspx
http://www.southburnettwine.com.au/
http://www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/display.aspx?id=48
http://www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/upload/South%20East%20England%20Wine%
20Trail.pdf
http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/Rutas+Vino/?Language=en
http://www.speyside.moray.org/Aberlour/web/page4.html
111
http://www.steiermark.com/en/order_catalogue.asp?id=28,29,34,42,18,15,31,10,63,48,62,74,22
&menuid=17200&channel=STG
http://www.stiltoncheese.com
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/tours.html
http://www.sweetwalks.com
http://www.tableagro.com/carte.php
http://www.tastefuljourneys.com/5838666_8304.htm
http://www.tastetrail.ca
http://www.theseafoodtrail.com
http://www.tiac-aitc.ca/english/glossary.asp
http://www.tourcaster.com/TourDetails.aspx?TourId=428
http://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com/en/circuits/saveurs.asp
http://www.tourisme-monteregie.qc.ca/forfaits/RouteDesCidres/carte.html
http://www.vins-rhone.com/pages/route-des-vins/deguster.asp?route=azur&lng=en&rub=4110
http://www.visitbritain.com/
http://www.visitbritain.com/chocolate
http://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk
http://www.weinstrassen.at/wein/e/
http://www.wda.co.uk/index.cfm/developing_your_business/welsh_agrifood_sector/food_wales/
welsh_cheese/the_cheese_trail/en3350
http://www.wfa.org.au/PDF/Sharon%20O'Reilly.pdf
http://www.whiskycoast.co.uk/map/default.htm
http://www.wine.co.za/Tour/Routes/Default.aspx
http://www.winecountry.com.au/
http://www.winecountry.com.au/Content/?ids=Maps
http://www.winecountry.com.au/content/?ids=WCTrails
http://winecountry.it/regions/veneto/
http://www.winebook.de/winesoftware/English/links/node7.shtml
http://www.wineislands.ca/pages/touring/
http://www.winesofontario.org
http://winesofontario.org/PDFs/2008WineRouteMap.pdf
http://www.winetrailsoffrance.com/
http://wines.cowichan.net/Winebro1_08_final_map.pdf
http://www.winesofquebec.com/
http://www.zerve.com/CulinaryTour
http://www.zerve.com/ChicagoFoods/CFTour
http://www.zerve.com/CityFoods/PhlWine
http://www.zerve.com/CityFoods/PhlVal
http://www.zerve.com/Culinary/Tour1030
http://www.zerve.com/FoodTours/GVTour
http://www.zerve.com/MicheleTopor/NEMT3
http://www.zerve.com/WokWiz/Daily
112
Simcoe County food route http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/route.php)
Several food routes developed for Louisiana (advertised in April Gourmet)
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/nrenfa.nsf/LinkView/2B75BE17B80A83F5CA25711C001BCAC
5000C7A01CF2DEC1CCA25732E007F16E1 Look at Grey Bruce
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