We define it as “an event that unites a geographically dispersed community (read scattered all over the country/globe) of wine lovers to taste wine & share/post/twitter their individual thoughts on website/blog/forum.”
This can include multi-media such as live streaming video from the winery with the winemaker and possible include related events like music, fine foods, or friends at either or both ends of the information exchange. The point is to have FUN and enjoy wine.
Visiting a winery and its vineyards is one of the ultimate personal wine tourism experiences, but the cost and challenge of a multi-day travel vacation in these terribly down economic times requires creative alternatives on the part of tourists, wine consumers, and wineries.
Another wine tourism option for those fortunate enough to live in a wine region large or small is a “staycation” a newly coined word describing for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions.
Staycations have achieved high popularity in current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high.Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals.
Some staycationers also like to follow a set of rules, such as setting a start and end date, planning ahead, and avoiding routine, with the goal of creating the feel of a traditional vacation.
