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1
A Selected Internet Guide to Culinary Trails
Dr. Hersch Jacobs
Department of Geography
Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Ryerson University
November 2010
2
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Australia
3.0 Austria
4.0 Belgium
5.0 Canada
6.0 Chile
7.0 Croatia
8.0 Czech Republic
9.0 France
10.0 Germany
11.0 Great Britain
12.0 Italy
13.0 New Zealand
14.0 South Africa
15.0 Spain
16.0 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 Fabulous Food Trails - Ireland
Figure 2.1 Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Cover
Figure 2.2 Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Contents
Figure 2.3 Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Map
Figure 2.4 The Para Wine Route
Figure 2.5 Barossa Wine Route
Figure 2.6 The Riverland Wine and Food Trail
Figure 2.7 South Australia Riesling Trail Cover
Figure 2.8 South Australia Riesling Trail Map
3
Figure 2.9 Chapman River, Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island
Figure 2.10 Tamar Valley Wine Route
Figure 2.11 The Margaret River
Figure 2.12 Margaret River North
Figure 2.13 Margaret River Central
Figure 2.14 Margaret River
Figure 2.15 Margaret River South
Figure 2.16 Margaret River Food Trail
Figure 2.17 The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail
Figure 2.18 The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail Signage
Figure 2.19 South Burnett Wine and Gourmet Trail Map
Figure 2.20 Location of the Hunter Valley
Figure 2.21 Hunter Valley Main Wine Country
Figure 2.22 Hunter Valley - Cessnock and Kurri Kurri
Figure 2.23 Hunter Valley - Broke Fordwich, Singleton, The Upper Hunter, Denman ,
Jerrys Plains, Sandy Hollow, Muswellbrook
Figure 2.24 The Hunter Region to Sydney Route
Figure 3.1 Styrian Wine Route
Figure 3.2 Styrian Apple Route
Figure 3.3 Styrian Wine Routes
Figure 4.1 My Gourmet Trail.of Brussels
Figure 5.1 Niagara Culinary Trail
Figure 5.2 Ontario Craft Beer Route
Figure 5.3 The Butter Tart Trail
Figure 5.4 The Apple Route
Figure 5.5 The Blue Mountains Apple Pie Trail
Figure 5.6 Prince Edward County Taste Trail
Figure 5.7 Maple in the County Events
Figure 5.8 Stratford Chocolate Trail
Figure 5.9 County Epicurean Trek
Figure 5.10 Stratford Local Buy Fresh
Figure 5.11 Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Association
Figure 5.12 Niagara Wine Route
Figure 5.13 Toronto Wine Route
Figure 5.14 Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Wine Route
Figure 5.15 Prince Edward County Wine Route
Figure 5.16 The Icewine Trail Map
Figure 5.17 La Route des Fromages Navigational Map
Figure 5.18 The Quebec Cider Route
Figure 5.19 Route des Cidres Signage
Figure 5.20 Quebec Wine Route
Figure 5.21 Charlevoix Gourmet Route
Figure 5.22 La Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix
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Figure 5.23 Cheese, Cranberry and Gourmet Delight Drive
Figure 5.24 Saguenay-lac-St. Jean Cheese Route
Figure 5.25 The Okanagan Cultural Corridor Project
Figure 5.26 The Okanagan Valley Wine Route
Figure 5.27 The Cowichan Valley Wine Route
Figure 5.28 PEI Flavours Culinary Trail
Figure 5.29 Culinary Experiences and Suppliers
Figure 5.30 Coastal Drives
Figure 5.31 Culinary Guide to PEI Flavours
Figure 6.1 Colchagua Valley Wine Route
Figure 7.1 The Buje Olive Route
Figure 7.2 The Porec Olive Route
Figure 7.3 The Buzet Olive Route
Figure 7.4 The Vodnjan Olive Route
Figure 7.5 Olive Route Legend
Figure 8.1: South Bohemian Beer Route
Figure 9.1 La Route du Cidre de Cambrener
Figure 9.2 Sur la route du Poiré
Figure 9.4 The Olive Tree Route
Figure 10.1 The German Wine Route
Figure 11.1 The Ice-cream Trail
Figure 11.2 South East Food Trails
Figure 11.3 South East England Wine Trail
Figure 11.4 South East Seafood Trail
Figure 11.5 The Ribble Valley Food Trail
Figure 11.6 Gourmet Yorkshire Trail
Figure 11.7 Herefordshire Cider Route
Figure 11.8 Isle of Arran Taste Trail
Figure 11.9 The Outer Hebrides Food Trail
Figure 11.10 Scottish Cheese Trail
Figure 11.11 Scottish Farm Shops Logo
Figure 11.12 Scottish Farm Shops
Figure 11.13 Flavours of Scotland
Figure 11.14 Itinerary for Flavours of Scotland
Figure 11.15 Dumfries & Galloway Food Trail
Figure 11.16 The Seafood Trail
Figure 11.17 Real Ale Trail Regions of Scotland
Figure 11.18 Real Ale Trail Members
Figure 11.19 The Whisky Coast
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Figure 11.20 Scotch Malt Whisky Trail
Figure 12.1 Via del Grande Fiume,Via delle Corti Estensi and Via del Delta Food
Trails
Figure 13.1 North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail
Figure 13.2 Hawke’s Bay Wine Company Food Trail
Figure 14.1 Wine Routes of South Africa
Figure 14.2 Breedeckloof Wine Region
Figure 15.1 La Ruta de l’Oli
Figure 15.2 Wine Regions of Spain
Figure 15.3 Navarre Wine Route
Figure 15.4 Rioja Alavesa Wine Route
Figure 16.1 Connecticut Food Trail Logo
Figure 16.2 Connecticut Food Trail Interactive Map
Figure 16.3 The Amazing Chile Cheeseburger Trail
Figure 16.4 New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail
Figure 16.5 The Prairie Home Cooking Trail
Figure 16.6 The Southern Gumbo Trail
Figure 16.7 The Southern Boudin Trail
Figure 16.8 The Southern BBQ Trail
Figure 16.9 The Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail
Figure 16.10 The Urban Bourbon Passport
Figure 16.11 Maine Beer Trail Members and Products
Figure 16.12 Maine Beer Trail Route
Figure 16.13 Interactive Map of Santa Barbara Wine Country
Figure 16.14 Santa Barbara Wine Country
Figure 16.15 Santa Maria and Los Alamos Valley Wine Trail
Figure 16.16 Buelton & Sta. Rita Hills
Figure 16.17 Los Alivos Promenade
Figure 16.18 Santaq Ynez Wine Trail
Figure 16.19 Solvang Wine Walk
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1.0 Introduction
Culinary tourism has become a recognized and significant segment of the travel market. An
important strategy that numerous destination marketing organizations have employed to attract
and hold visitors promote is the food and beverage trail, route or path.1 The product connects
similar and complementary enterprises on maps that are distributed in traditional print formats
and accessed on the internet. The growing functionality of personal devices further enhances
their value, particularly for those who prefer narrative guidance and appreciate the ability to
access supplemental information.2
The need for collaboration among potential destinations is most evident in rural areas. Where
they tend to be widely dispersed, formal business linkages generate a necessary threshold of
interest that justify the travel effort. In large urban places where the potential number of
destinations is large, delineated routes enable visitors to navigate smoothly between stops.
The following survey samples culinary trails in sixteen countries. While the actual number that
operates around the world cannot be easily calculated, clearly most viticultural regions have an
established wine route. In addition, trails have also been established for other beverages such as
beer and cider and increasingly public agencies, industry associations, non-profit groups,
institutions and private tour operators have created those that feature locally grown or processed
foods.
The discussion begins with an examination of commercial trail products before a review of those
that have been established by leading public destination tourism organizations. Collectively,
they reveal diverse approaches to content, promotional strategies and cartographic representation
which can serve to inform choice in other jurisdictions with an interest in assessing or
developing their own trails. 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 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 posted along roads to serve the needs of visitors for
various modes of travel
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
7
Corporate Operators
The demand for culinary experiences is evident in the growth of the number of commercial food
and beverage trails. Typically, they are led by food writers, experts who have been trained in
culinary schools and other food service industry guides. Useful links for travelers in search of
food, cooking and wine tours can be found in The Food Reference Website.3 Examples of
prominent culinary trails, vacations and cooking classes that are available from private tour
operators are shown in Table 1. 1.
Table 1.1: A Sample of Private Sector Culinary Trail Products
Tour Company Country Website
A Question of Taste Seville, Spain http://www.aqot.com/
Active Gourmet
Holidays
France, Italy,
Portugal, Spain
http://www.activegourmetholidays.com/
Australian Food &
Wine Tours
Cairns, Australia http://www.findseedo.com/spfoodandwine.html
Chocolate Lovers
Tours, Gourmet Tours
Belgium [email protected]
Creative Culinary
Tours
VT, ME, NH, NY,
RI, TN, USA
http://www.creativeculinarytours.com
Culinary Discoveries Spain www.culinarydiscoveries.com
Culinary Tours Italy, Thailand,
New Zealand,
Chile, Argentina,
Austria, Hungary,
Czech Republic,
France and Spain
www.culinarytours.net
Culinary Tours California www.thewinecomesfirst.com
Discover Friuli - Italy http://www.discoverfriuli.com/eng/index.html
Epiculinary Inc France, Italy,
Spain, Mexico,
USA, Ireland,
Morocco, Greece,
Peru, Vietnam and
Thailand
www.epiculinary.com
Epicurean Ways Spain epicureanways.com
Fabulous Food Trails Ireland www.fabfoodtrails.com.
Fontana del Papa - Italy http://www.fontanadelpapa.it/
Food & Wine Trails CA, USA; Austria www.foodandwinetrails.com/?
French Wine Explorers France www.wine-tours-france.com
3 http://www.foodreference.com/html/culinary-tours-gourmet-tours.html
8
Gastronomicom France http://www.gastronomicom.fr/cadre.asp
Good Food Kangaroo Australia www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com
Good Tastes of
Tuscany
Italy http://www.tuscany-cooking-class.com/
Gourmet Getaways www.gourmetgetaways.net
Gourmet Safari Inc Italy, France, Spain
and Morocco.
www.gourmetsafari.com
Headwater Global www.headwater.com
Horizon & Co Global www.horizon-co.com
I Viaggi di Kipling Italy http://www.iviaggidikipling.com/
iExplore Inc Global www.iexplore.com
Makansutra Singapore www.makansutra.com/index.php
Maria’s Cookery
Course
Italy http://www.mariascookerycourse.com/site-map.htm
New Orleans Culinary
History Tours
LA, USA http://www.noculinarytours.com/
O’Sole Mio Tours Italy http://www.osolemiotour.com/tours.htm
Okanagan Wine
Country Tours
Canada http://www.okwinetours.com/
Oldways Culinary
Journeys
Italy, Barcelona,
Spain
Paris Culinary
Treasures Tours,
Tea..Chocolate.Paris
Tours -
France http://www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com/culinary_tour.cfm
Reggio Lingua Italy http://www.reggiolingua.it/
Savory Sojourns New York City www.savorysojourns.com
Scandinavian Culinary
Tours
Scandinavia www.scandinavianculinarytours.com
Tasting Places Italy, UK,
Thailand, France,
Greece, Spain
www.tastingplaces.com
Tour Kangaroo Island Australia www.tourkangarooisland.com
Tourcaster USA, Italy, France,
Spain, Australia,
Cambodia, South
Africa
www.tourcaster.com/
Tuscan Way Italy www.tuscanway.com
Vagabond Gourmet Mexico, USA,
France, Italy, UK,
Spain, Central
Europe, South
America and New
Zealand
www.vagabondgourmet.com
The opportunity to explore the culinary landscapes of major urban regions is provided by firms
that offer visitors a wide range of themes and experiences. 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.4 There is a
4 http://www.celiabrooksbrown.com/gastrotours.php
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London Chocolate Trail that connects with complementary activities around Britain.5 Fabulous
Food Trails of Ireland holds cooking days that feature such topics as Thai6, Japanese
7, Indian
8
and Chocolate9 Days and has developed five trails throughout the country, including a 2½ 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.”10
5 http://www.holidaycityflash.com/article/britain_food&drink.htm
6 http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_asian.asp
7 http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_sushi.asp
8 http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_indian.asp
9 http://www.fabulousfoodtrails.ie/fab_trail_choc.asp
10 http://www.fabfoodtrails.com/fab_trail_walk.asp
10
Figure 1.1: Fabulous Food Trails – Ireland
Cooking Days...
Thai Day
Japanese
Day
Indian Day
Chocolate
Day
Food Trails...
Dublin
Walking
Tour
East/North
Cork
Galway &
Connemara
South East
Wicklow
Dublin Tasting Trail
Cultural tasting walks in Dublin
'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
11
The Makansutra Company in Singapore has developed a "mainstream" and "off the beaten track"
four-hour food safaris through the neighborhoods of Little India, Chinatown, Geylang Serai and
Katong. 11
In addition to a midnight tour several self-guided tours have also been organized.
Participants can listen to a local FM station and download podcasts of individual episodes that
describe the local foods.12
Info Hub is a specialty travel site that has compiled a list of thirty-three Australian wine and food
tours.13
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.14
On the west coast, the Wok Wiz Daily Tour in San Francisco explores 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.15
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.16
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.17
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.18
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.19
Ahla Tours of
Boston offers a Jewish Cuisine Tour that features visits with Brookline purveyors and accounts
of the area’s Jewish heritage over 4 ½ hours. A walking tour called From Russia with Love
features the food and drinks of that country. Another Brookline Highlights tour takes
participants to various neighbourhoods and cultural attractions of the city.20
Several guided
gastronomic tours are also available through Boston University.21
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,
11
http://www.makansutra.com/foodtours.html 12
http://www.makansutra.com/foodcast.html#episodes 13
http://www.infohub.com/travel_packages/food_wine_australia_106.html 14
http://www.zerve.com/CulinaryTour 15
http://www.zerve.com/WokWiz/Daily 16
http://www.localtastesofthecitytours.com; 17
http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/tours/epicurean_excursion.php 18
http://www.seattlefoodtours.com 19
http://www.zerve.com/MicheleTopor/NEMT3 20
http://www.brooklinetour.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/ 21
http://www.bu.edu/foodandwine/tours/index.html
12
the university sponsors a Walking Tour of Chinatown to experience exotic ingredients and
prepared foods, to shop for cooking utensils and enjoy dim sum.22
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.23
Ethnic Grocery Store Tours in Chicago provides customized automobile excursions that are
designed to explain the properties and cultural histories of various foods.24
Chicago Food Planet
arranges several walking tours that are designed to “tease your taste buds and entice your mind
with the sights, flavours, and way of life in Chicago.”25
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 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.26
The City Food Tours Company instructs visitors to Philadelphia: “Don’t just see the
city…TASTE it!”27
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 prosciutto and chorizo sausages and explains how they are made. There
is also a 4th of July Red, White & Blue Tour, a Charcuterie, Olive Oil and Fine Wine Tour,
28 and
Valentine’s Aphrodisiac Guided Tastings.29
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.30
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.31
Visitors to New York City have access to several tour operators that feature the city’s
particularly 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.
22
http://www.bu.edu/foodandwine/tours/index.html 23
http:// www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com 24
http://www.ethnic-grocery-tours.com 25
http://www.zerve.com/ChicagoFoods/CFTour 26
http://www.zerve.com/Culinary/Tour1030 27
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/philadelphia-food-tours.cfm 28
http://www.zerve.com/CityFoods/PhlWine 29
http://www.zerve.com/CityFoods/PhlVal 30
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/calendar.php 31
http://www.hawaiifoodtours.com/
13
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."32
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.33
The Enthusiastic Gourmet features the ethnic
flavour and culture of the Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy.34
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. 35
City Food Tours invites visitors to enjoy “The delicious way to savour the city.”36
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.37
The Foods of New York Company runs food tasting and cultural walking tours throughout the
city’s historic neighbourhoods.38
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,39
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. 40
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.41
NoshWalks mounts various ethnic
tours, including Turkish, Russian and Chinese tours.42
A final New York example is the package
32
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10638972 33
http://www.scottspizzatours.com/p/tourdescriptions/w/bybus/ 34
http://www.enthusiasticgourmet.com/ 35
http://www.nyc.com/guided_tours/soul_food_and_jazz.76231/editorial_review.aspx 36
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/ 37
http://www.cityfoodtours.com/new-york-food-tours.cfm 38
http://www.foodsofny.com/ 39
http://www.zerve.com/FoodTours/GVTour 40
http://www.bknypizza.com 41
http://www.sweetwalks.com 42
http://www.noshwalks.com
14
of 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 who
explore ethnic enclaves.
Several companies specialize in rural culinary experiences throughout the United States.
American Table Culinary Tours offers “edible expeditions” and Rural Bounty organizes
agriculturally based locations across the country.43
Although fewer privately operated culinary tours operate in Canada, a 2½ hour tour in Toronto’s
St. Lawrence Market Food and History Walking Tour includes a visit to the market gallery and
food samplings.44
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 Toronto and guided or self-guided tours on jump-on,
jump-off yellow double-decker buses. Finally, Shirley Lum operates "Taste of the World" Tours
through neighbourhood Bicycle Tours & Walks Inc.45
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.46
Prince Edward County Wine and Culinary Tours offers van, mini-coach or bicycle packages.47
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 uses the expression, “Montreal ... deliciously yours” to promote culintary
tours.48
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.
43
http:// www.ruralbounty.com 44
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/tours.html 45
email: [email protected] 46
http://www.beerloverstour.com/toronto.html 47
http://www.pecwinetours.com/van.html 48
http://www..visitesdemontreal.com
15
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).49
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 brochure50
and trail map or join various
specialist tours (Figure 2.3).
Figure 2.1: Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Cover
49
Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley, Erye Peninsula, Flieurieu, Flinders Ranges & Outback, Kangaroo
Island, Limestone Coast, Murrylands, Riverland and Yorke Peninsula 50
http://www.southaustralia.com/Butcher_Baker_Winemaker_Trail_brochure.pdf
16
Figure 2.2: Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Brochure Contents
17
Figure 2.3: Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail Map
The Barossa Valley, renowned for its wines, promotes an image that it is the only true regional
cuisine in Australia with three food trails. 51
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).52
51
http://www.southaustralia.com/BarossaFoodTrails.aspx 52
http://www.southaustralia.com/Para_Rd_Wine_Path_Brochure.pdf
18
Figure 2.4: The Para Wine Route
19
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 Barossa-branded
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).53
Figure 2.5: Barossa Wine Route
53
http://www.southaustralia.com/Barossa_CheeseTrail_map.pdf
20
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.
The Riverland Wine and Food Trail in South Australia 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).54
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 habitat and
54
http://www.southaustralia.com/Riverland_WINE_MAP.pdf
21
plate.55
An interactive map shows the locations of seven operators on Table 2.1 who provide
organized tours.56
Table 2.1: Seaford and Aquaculture Activities on the Eyre Peninsula
Tour Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Admission
Stuart High
School
Murray Cod
10.00am 10.00am 10.00am 10.00am 10.00am child
adult
family
$5.00 -
$10.00
$20.00
Aqa
Oysters
2.00pm 2.00pm 2.00pm 2.00pm 2.00pm $7.00
Fresh Fish
Place
10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am $5.00 -
$12.00
Triple Bay
Aquaculture
Tours
daily services available by appointment - weather permitting $30.00 -
$50.00
Marina
Boat
Cruises
10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am $17.00 -
$26.00 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm 3.00pm
Evans
Oyster Shed
11.30am 11.30am $8.00 -
$16.00
Bill's
Seafood
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).57
55
http://www.southaustralia.com/SeafoodAquacultureTrail.aspx 56
http://www.seafoodtrail.com/tours.htm
57http://www.southaustralia.com/Riesling_Trail_Brochure.pdf
22
Figure 2.7: South Australia Riesling Trail Cover
Figure XX:
23
Figure 2.8: South Australia Riesling Trail Map
Kangaroo Island is 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.58
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 producers
58
http://www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com/
24
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).59
A strong emphasis is placed on the landscape and human historyof
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.
59
http://www.discovertasmania.com/itineraries/tamar_valley_wine_route
25
Figure 2.10: Tamar Valley Wine Route
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
26
Margaret River is both one of the newest and the largest wine regions of Australia (Figure 2.11 –
2.15).60
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: The Margaret River
60
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: Margaret River North
Figure 2.13: 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.61
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).62
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.63
Figure 2.16: Margaret River Food Trail
61
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/intro.htm 62
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/rests.htm 63
http://www.margaret-river-online.com.au/foodtrail/intro.htm
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).64
Figure 2.17: The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail
64
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.65
Figure 2.19: South Burnett Wine and Gourmet Trail Map
65
http://www.southburnettwine.com.au/
32
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.66
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.67
The Hunter Valley Wine Country
website provides maps and comprehensive information about wineries, local foods,
accommodation, events and travel products.68
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).69
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.70
Figure 2.20: Location of the Hunter Valley
66
http://www.winecountry.com.au/Content/?ids=Maps 67
http://www.huntervalleyeguide.com/ 68
http://www.winecountry.com.au/ 69
http://www.huntervalleyeguide.com/ 70
http://www.winecountry.com.au/content/?ids=WCTrails
34
Figure 2.21: Hunter Valley Main Wine Country
35
Figure 2.22: Hunter Valley - Cessnock and Kurri Kurri
Figure 2.23: 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.71
71
http://www.about-australia.com/travel-guides/victoria/yarra-valley-dandenongs/attractions/agriculture-
produce/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. 72
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.73
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).74
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.
72
http://www.cheeseandwinetrails.com.au/ 73
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 74
http://www.austria.info
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.75
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).76
75
Collin Michael Hall et al, Food Tourism, p. 152 76
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.77
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.78
77
http://www.bregenzerwald.at/ 78
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 trip79
. 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
79
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).80
Figure 5.1: Niagara Culinary Trail
80
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.81
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.82
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).83
81
http://www.norfolktourism.ca 82
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com./content.php?nextpage=daytrips 83
http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/pdf/media_beerRoute.pdf
43
Figure 5.2: Ontario Craft Beer Route
44
North-Wellington County has developed The Butter Tart Trail™ 84
that in addition to bakeries
includes antique stores, artisan studios, bed and breakfasts, country markets, greenhouses and
garden centres, parks and pavilions and farm gate operations where honey, flowers, maple syrup
and dairy products can be purchased (Figure 5.3). The Township of Wellington will customize
tours to meet the needs of individual organizations.
Figure 5.3: The Butter Tart Trail
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.85
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
markets and accommodation that can be found in Port Hope, Cobourg, Colborne, Bright and
Trenton (Figure 5.4).
84
http://www.wellington-north.com/documents/2008_Butter_Tart_Trail_Map_%26_Brochure.pdf 85
http://www.appleroute.com
45
Figure 5.4: The Apple Route
The largest concentrated area of apple production in Canada has given rise to the Blue
Mountains Apple Pie Trail that centres on the Georgian Bay town of Thornbury in Grey County
Ontario. Established in 2009, visitors are encouraged to stop along the route of 28 members with
apple pie certification that appear on the map that is shown on Figure 5.5. The map is
accompanied with a brief description about each establishment, including a photograph and
information about principal apple-themed products.
Figure 5.5 The Blue Mountains Apple Pie Trail
46
Prince Edward County, a leader in promoting culinary tourism, has developed the Taste Trail to
enable travelers to experience culinary and agricultural products.86
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 5.6)
Figure 5.6: 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.87
Figure 5.7 shows the locations of sugar bushes, processors,
restaurants, retailers and maple-related activities that are held in this weekend event.
86
www.tastetrail.ca 87
http://www.mapleinthecounty.ca/MapleMap2009.pdf
47
Figure 5.7: Maple in the County Events
Local ingredients do not always provide the basis for food routes in Ontario, but reflect instead
the emergence in a region of highly valued manufacturing and processing skills (Figure 5.8).
Emily Chandler has created the Stratford Chocolate Trail that includes stops at 16 chocolatiers
in the city. Visitors are encouraged to sample and purchase with “choco-passes”.
48
Figure 5.8: Stratford Chocolate Trail
The City of Stratford has produced a County Epicurean Trek that consists of 11 culinary
destinations in the City of Stratford and 15 in Perth County and the surrounding area. Two maps
guide visitors to various farm markets, cheese makers, bakeries and farms (Figure 5.9).
49
Figure 5.9: County Epicurean Trek
50
51
A link is provided to the Buy Local Buy Fresh Map (Figure 5.10) which provides residents and
visitors alike with information about the available of farm produce.
Figure 5.10: Stratford Local Buy Fresh
Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Association began in 2005 and was incorporated as a non-
profit corporation in 2007. 88
It consists of area farmers, farmers’ markets, restaurants and
includes other community partners in the health field, food security, government, tourism and
economic development. To raise the awareness of the availability of locally grown food, an
interactive food route maps was produced to locate 90 farms and businesses which can be
88
http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/route.php
52
selected by category (Figure 5.11). While no formal trail has been designed, visitors can
organize their own route with this tool.
Figure 5.11: Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Association
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 5.12 – 5.15).89
89
http://winesofontario.org/PDFs/2008WineRouteMap.pdf
53
Figure 5.12: Niagara Wine Route
54
Figure 5.13: Toronto Wine Route
55
Figure 5.14: Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island Wine Route
Figure 5.15: Prince Edward County Wine Route
56
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 5.16).
Figure 5.16: The Icewine Trail Map
The website provides information about the history of each of the 22 participating wineries and
details the varietals that are used.90
It also provides a schedule of special events that are themed
to capitalize on the allure of icewine.
90
http://www.icewinetrail.com/
57
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 5.17). Its website contains information about where
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.91
Figure 5.17: La Route des Fromages Navigational Map
91
http//www.routedesfromages.com/repertoire2.php?lg=en
58
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-Paul-
d’Abbotsford, Mont-Saint-Grégoire and Hemmingford.92
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 5.18) and followed by easily recognizable signage on the
ground (Figure 5.19).93
92
http://www.canadatravel.ca/sojourner/2005/06/quebecs-cider-route.html 93
http://www.tourisme-monteregie.qc.ca/forfaits/RouteDesCidres/carte.html
59
Figure 5.18: The Quebec Cider Route
Figure 5.19: Route des Cidres Signage
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.94
In addition to
wineries, it features local farm products and restaurants and provides information about artist
workshops, outdoor activities and places to stay (Figure 5.20).95
94
http://www.winesofquebec.com/ 95
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-fr/routevins.html
60
Figure 5.20: Quebec Wine Route
Le Parcours Gourmand or the Gourmet Route supports agritourism in the Quebec-Charlevoix
region.96
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 5.21).
96
http://www.parcoursgourmand.com/eng/default.asp
61
Figure 5.21: 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 5.22).
62
Figure 5.22 : 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 5.23).97
97
http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/fiches/en/attraits/45285932.html
63
Figure 5.23: 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 5.24). 99
98
http://www.tableagro.com/carte.php 99
http://atlas.uqac.ca/saguenay-lac-saint-jean/cartes/d2_1_1/2007/index_fromage.html
64
Figure 5.24: Saguenay-lac-St. Jean Cheese Route
British Columbia offers several food and wine routes, including the ambitious Okanagan
Cultural Corridor Project that was began in 2003 with the support of Tourism British Columbia.
Figure 5.25 shows the interactive maps which enables users to locate various arts, heritage and
agri-tourism attractions over its 250 kilometre length.
65
Figure 25: The Okanagan Cultural Corridor Project
British Columbia also offers several other 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 5.26).100
100
http://www.okanagan.com/maps/wine_map.htm
66
Figure 5.26: 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 5.27).102
101
http://www.wineislands.ca/pages/touring/ 102
http://wines.cowichan.net/Winebro1_08_final_map.pdf
67
Figure 5.27: The Cowichan Valley Wine Route
Vancouver Island has a self-guided Chocolate Trail although a map has not been produced.
Links are provided to manufacturers and retailers that include Roger’s Chocolates, Moziro
Coffee Roasters and Chocolatiers, Harlan’s Chocolates, Hot Chocolate, Denman Island
Chocolates and Chocolate Tofino in the communities of Victoria, Shawnigan Lake, Salt Spring
Island, the Comox Valley, Denman Island and Tofino.103
103
http://www.vancouverisland.travel/media/newsreleases2007/7dayswithoutchocolate.php
68
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 (Figure 5.28).104
Figure 5.28: 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 on the basis of culinary experience
categories and locations (Figure 5.28). Google map can be used to personalize coastal drives in
five regions of the island, each with its own character and culture (Figure 5.29).
104
http://peiflavours.ca/
69
Figure 5.29: Culinary Experiences and Suppliers
Figure 5.30: Coastal Drives
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 5.31).
70
Figure 5.31: 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.
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.
71
Figure 6.1: Colchagua Valley Wine Route
7.0 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).105
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).
Figure 7.1 The Buje Olive Route
105
http://www.istra.com/maslina/ulaz-eng.htm
72
Figure 7.2 The Porec Olive Route
73
Figure 7.3 The Buzet Olive Route
74
Figure 7.4; The Vodnjan Olive Route
75
Figure 7.5: Olive Route Legend
76
8.0 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).
Figure 8.1: South Bohemian Beer Route
77
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.106
9.0 France
106
www.czecot.com/en/?id_tema=17
78
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.107
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. 108
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.109
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).110
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
107
http://www.winetrailsoffrance.com/ 108
http://www.vins-rhone.com/pages/route-des-vins/deguster.asp?route=azur&lng=en&rub=4110 109
http://www.french-wines.com/tourism.htm 110
http://www.cambremer.com/normandy/cambremer_gb.htm
79
tastings of local and traditional foods, ciders, berries, preserves eaux-de-vie and the most famous
beverage of the region, Calvados (Figure 9.2).111
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 Dozol-
Autrand, Vieux Moulins à huile, Moulin Ramade, Coopératif du Nyonsais, Lou Viei Moulin
111
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/feb/16/top100foodbreaks.foodtrails?page=all
80
d'Oli du Puits Communal, Moulin de Chameil, Le Vieux Moulin and Moulin à huile Chauvet. 112
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 The Olive Tree Route
10.0 Germany
Few culinary and agricultural tourism routes can be found in Germany,113
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 The German Wine Route
112
http://www.guideweb.com/provence/circuits/olivetreeroute.php 113
http://www.deutsche-weinstrasse.de/
81
Another wine road that is called the Buje in the north-western part of Istria is notable for the
assortment of wines.114
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.115
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.116
The Heart of England, which extends from Coventry to the Welsh
114
http://www.istra.com 115
http://www.visitbritain.com/ 116
http://www.wda.co.uk/index.cfm/developing_your_business/welsh_agrifood_sector/food_wales/welsh_cheese/the
_cheese_trail/en3350
82
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,117
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 home-
made scones, cream, cakes and delicate sandwiches.118
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).119
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.120
117
www.sausagelinks.co.uk/news_detail.asp?id=171; www.nw-fine-foods.co.uk 118
www.golakes.co.uk/teatrailcumbria 119
http://www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/display.aspx?id=48 120
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
83
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.121
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.122
The South East
Seafood Trail celebrates the maritime bounty of the island (Figure 11.4).
Figure 11.3: South East England Wine Trail
121
http://www.buylocalfood.co.uk/ 122
http://www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/upload/South%20East%20England%20Wine%20Trail.pdf
84
85
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 route123
123
http://www.ribblevalleyfoodtrail.co.uk/food.htm
86
Figure 11.5 The Ribble Valley Food Trail
87
01 1. The Millstone Hotel 02 2. Fairfield Farm Shop 03 3. Mrs Dowsons Ice
Cream
04 4. The White Bull
05 5. Northcote Manor 06 6. Food by Breda
Murphy
07 7. The Freemasons
Arms
08 8. The Three Fishes
09 9. Waterfields Food
Ltd
10 10. Weezos 11 11. Cowman's
Butchers
12 12. Mansell's Coffee
Shop
13 13. Taste @ Clitheroe 14 14. D. Byrne and Co 15 15. Harrison and Kerr 16 16,. Exchange Coffee
17 17 Wellgate Fisheries 18 18. Cheesie
Tchaikovsky
19 19. Roy Porter
Butchers
20 20. Hudsons Ices
21 21. La Locanda 22 22. CocoMoyo 23 23. Bowland Brewery 24 24. Bashall Barn
25 25. The Bayley Arms 26 26. The Craven Heifer 27 27. The Red Pump Inn 28 28. The Inn at
Whitewell
29 29. Leagram Organic
Dairy
30 30. The Gibbon Bridge
Hotel
31 31. Robinson Bros
Butchers
32 32. Little Town Dairy
33 33. The Corporation
Arms
34 34 The Longridge
Restaurant
35 35. Thyme 36 36. Tina's Corner
Bakery
The Gourmet Yorkshire website contains information about restaurants, producers,
accommodation, markets, local products and culinary events that are held throughout the
region.124
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
124
http://gourmetyorkshire.co.uk
88
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.125
Routes are signposted for motorists, hikers, cyclists and even those
who prefer bus travel.126
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.127
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 Orgasmic Cider Company
13 Brook Farm Cider
14 Rathays Old Goat Cider 15 Ledbury Cider & Perry Co.
16 Jus
Specialist Retailers
A Orchard, Hive & Vine
B The Hop Pocket
C Truffles Delicatessen
125
http://www.tastefuljourneys.com/5838666_8304.htm 126
www.ciderroute.co.uk 127
http://www.ciderroute.co.uk
89
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.128
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: Isle of Arran Taste Trail
128
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/about-eatscotland.html
90
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).129
Figure 11.9 The Outer Hebrides Food Trail
129
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/hebrides-food-trail.html
91
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.130
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.131
Its website displays attractive photographs, a
distinctive logo (Figure 11.11) and a map where members can be found (Figure 11.12).
130
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/cheese-trail.html 131
http://www.scottishfoodguide.com/scottishfarmshops/default.aspx
92
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 budgets132
A map (Figure 11.13) enables visitors to follow a structured 10 day itinerary that has been
designed (Figure 11.14).
132
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/Repository/documents/flavourofscotland.pdf
93
Figure 11.13: Flavours of Scotland
94
Figure 11.14: Itinerary for Flavours of Scotland
The Dumfries & Galloway Food Trail encourages visitors to Savour the Flavours of the
region.133
The website lists major food events and contains a map that locates individual
operators on the basis of food category (Figure 11.15).
133
http://www.savourtheflavours.co.uk/assets/pdf/Savour4Print_A3(1).pdf
95
Figure 11.15 Dumfries & Galloway Food Trail
96
The Seafood Trail west of Glasgow follows the Argyll coastline.134
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
134
http://www.theseafoodtrail.com/map.html
97
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,135 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.136 The location
of Real Trail members is shown on Figure 11:18.
Figure 11.17 Real Ale Trail Regions of Scotland
135
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/real-ale-trail.html 136
http://www.scotlandsrealaletrail.com/trail.htm
98
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).137
137
http://www.whiskycoast.co.uk/map/default.htm
99
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.138
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).
138
http://eatscotland.visitscotland.com/trips/itineraries-trails/malt-whisky-trail.html
100
Figure 11.20: Scotch Malt Whisky Trail
12.0 Italy
Italy’s rank as the largest producer of wine in the world suggests the likelihood that numerous
wines trails have been established.139
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.140
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.
139
Touring Club of Italy, The Italian Wine Guide: The Definitive Guide to Touring, Sourcing and Tasting. 140
http://winecountry.it/regions/veneto/
101
Italy offers three wine and food trails named Via del Grande Fiume, Via delle Corti Estensi and
Via del Delta (Figure 12.1).141
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.142
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
141
http://www.beccatidaniele.it/inglese/strada.html 142
http://www.romaincampagna.it/en/scoprire_content.pl?content_id=2
102
the region's distinctive rural food and wine flavours and personalities.143
The trail website
contains a guide with a map (Figure 13.1) and photographs of the route.144
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
143
http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/northcanterburytrail.html 144
103
Hawke’s Bay grown and Hawke’s Bay made food products.145
A map and guidebook are
available from local businesses and the visitor centre (Figure 13.2).146
Figure 13.2: Hawke’s Bay Wine Company Food Trail
14.0 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).147
145
http://www.foodhawkesbay.co.nz/files/Food%20Trail%20v5%202006.pdf 146
http://[email protected] 147
http://www.wine.co.za/Tour/Routes/Default.aspx
104
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
105
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
106
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.148
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).149
Figure 15.1: La Ruta de l’Oli
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
148
http://beer.kzn.org.za/beer/ 149
http://www.lleidatur.com/cat/rutaoli.html
107
and restaurants, the nature of the wines that each region produces, events and activities such as a
sleeping in the vineyard package.150
Figure 15.2: Wine Regions of Spain
Figure 15.3: Navarre Wine Route
.
150
http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/Rutas+Vino/?Language=en
108
Figure 15.4: Rioja Alavesa Wine Route
16.0 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).
Figure 16.1 Connecticut Food Trail Logo
109
The organization hosts a sophisticated and interactive website which provides a “gateway to
New England’s finest specialty foods.”151
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
.
151
http://www.ctfoodtrail.com/
110
New Mexico has established the Amazing Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail that celebrates a
staple that has appeared on local menus since the middle of the last century.152
It consists of
almost 50 green chili cheeseburger restaurants and cafes, drive-ins “To further attract visitors
who make destination and other travel choices based on food and beverages, their local
producers, and related experiences, we are developing a series of Culinary Trails and
promotional material that will showcase New Mexico restaurants, farmers’ markets, wineries,
microbreweries, and other producers throughout the state (Figure 16.3).”
Figure 16.3: The Amazing Chile Cheeseburger Trail
152
http://www.newmexico.org/greenchilecheeseburger/images/gcct_revise.pdf
111
highly colourful interactive map shows the location of each establishment amidst various
attractions that range from alien landing sites to outstanding natural features of the western
landscape (Figure 16.4).
Figure 16.4: New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail
112
Louisiana has developed several food trails that feature the state’s distinctive culinary
heritage.153
The Praire Home Cooking Trail can be accessed on an interactive map that shows
destinations where Cajun and Creole products can be found (Figure 16.5)
Figure 16.5: The Prairie Home Cooking Trail
The Southern Foodways Alliance has created several trails to document iconic foodways of the
American South and to support culinary tourism throughout the region.154
Trip planners enable
users to construct their own route on interactive maps and provide information about the history
of various dishes and access classic recipes. They include the Southern Gumbo Trail155
(Figure
16.6), The Southern Boudin Trail156
(Figure 16.7), The Southern BBQ Trail157
(Figure 16.8) and
the Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail158
(Figure 16.9).
153
http://louisianaculinarytrails.com/trail/Prairie-Home-Cooking/ 154
http://www.southernfoodways.com/ 155
http://www.southerngumbotrail.com/map.shtml 156
http://www.southernboudintrail.com/ 157
http://www.southernbbqtrail.com 158
http://www.tamaletrail.com
113
Figure 16.6: The Southern Gumbo Trail
114
Figure 16.7: The Southern Boudin Trail
115
Figure 16.8: The Southern BBQ Trail
116
Figure 16.9: The Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail
117
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.159
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).160
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
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
159
http://www.gotolouisville.com/content.aspx?id=5166 160
http://www.justaddbourbon.com/
118
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 16.10)
Figure 16.10: 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.
119
The Maine Beer Trail has 25 members who have combined to create a Maine Beer Trail Pass
(Figure 16.11) that offers prizes depending upon the number of breweries that have been visited
along the route that is shown in Figure 16.12.161
Figure 16.11 Maine Beer Trail Members and Products
161
http://www.mainebrewersguild.org/BeerTrailWeb.pdf
120
Figure 16.12: Maine Beer Trail Route
Every year the Santa Barbara Vintners' Association produces an interactive map (Figure 16.13)
which enables users to find winery tasting rooms, tastings rooms and wine shops, restaurants and
lodging.162
162
http://www.sbcountywines.com/visit/interactive.html
121
Figure 16.13: Interactive Map of Santa Barbara Wine Country
The Association also prints touring maps that are intended to assist visitors during their time in
Santa Barbara Wine Country, a distance of more than 50 miles from the northern to southern
tasting rooms (Figures 16.14 – 16.19).163
163
http://www.sbcountywines.com/visit/map.html
122
Figure 16.14: Santa Barbara Wine Country
Figure 16.15: Santa Maria and Los Alamos Valley Wine Trail
123
Figure 16.16: Buelton & Sta. Rita Hills
Figure 16.17: Los Alivos Promenade
124
Figure 16.18: Santaq Ynez Wine Trail
Figure 16.19: Solvang Wine Walk
125
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 print maps and the internet.
Regardless of whether the trails are figurative or formal, information about them is infrequently
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
126
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 success of culinary trails depends on the ability to offer travel experiences that are
distinctive, enticing, coherent and feasible. This survey of food and beverage routes, both public
and privately operated, provides an opportunity to assess a wide variety of products whose
features could potentially be used to develop or enhance culinary tourism strategies in Ontario.
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