Innovative Tourism Award bestowed on Zuccardi

Familia Zuccardi has been awarded the international title of ‘Innovative Wine Tourism Experience’ for their visitor centre at the 2008 ‘Best Of Wine Tourism’ Awards. The annual awards were announced at a ceremony in Oporto, Portugal last week.

The Zuccardi visitor centre was cited by the judges as being “among the most impressive, comprising vineyard and winery tours, encompassing tastings, a gourmet restaurant and even an art museum”.

Every year, exceptional properties in each member city receive ‘Best Of Wine Tourism’ awards across a number of categories – and the national winners (8 national winners were awarded in Mendoza this year) go on to compete for the prestigious international prizes. This is the fifth year of the awards, with over 320 properties from five continents competing for the titles.

The Zuccardi Visitor Centre opened in 2004 and attracts around 45,000 visitors each year. Situated in the heart of the Maipu vineyards, half an hour east of Mendoza City, visitors are able to sample traditional Argentine food – empanadas cooked in the oven, dulce de leche, barbeques paired with their Santa Julia wines, or taste a range of single varietal olive oils made by young Miguel Zuccardi.

They can also take a cycle ride through the vineyards or have a guided tour under the leafy Parral System which acts like a luscious green cathedral over the vines. Finally, as well as being able to buy experimental blends and cuvées not yet in the market, visitors can also buy wines from the entire Zuccardi range.

Comments José Alberto Zuccardi, “We are delighted to have won this award and to be able to provide such a service for the excellent mix of local and international guests that we receive at the vineyard each year. We have evenings with readings by poets and authors as well as cookery demonstrations by Argentina’s top chefs. There’s the best for everyone.”

To find out more, visit Familiazuccardi.com and Greatwinecapitals.com.