VINE_ROUTE: The Cultural Path of Wine

Priority
PRIORITY 3 - A more Inclusive Greece-Bulgaria Cross Border Territory
Policy Objective
04 - A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights
Specific Objective
RSO4.2. Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training
Intervention Field
145. Support for the development of digital skills

Project Description

Summary

VINE_ROUTE showcases the shared viticultural heritage of Northern Greece and Southern Bulgaria, connecting ancient traditions with modern wine tourism within a unified cultural route. Covering the entire cross-border area, the route brings to life the history of viticulture — from the Neolithic era to the great ancient civilisations — linking museums, archaeological sites, wineries and local communities into an integrated thematic product.
Through the use of innovative tools such as a multilingual AI-powered application, interactive interpretation hubs, augmented reality (AR) content and educational “Museum Boxes”, the project offers an immersive visitor experience. The project aims to strengthen regional identity, promote sustainable development and establish the cross-border area as a leading destination for global cultural and gastronomic travellers.

Expected Results

The project will lead to the creation of an integrated cross-border cultural route that connects wine-related heritage from antiquity to contemporary viticulture. Its main expected results include increased cultural tourism flows in inland areas, reduced dependence on seasonal coastal tourism, and improved valorisation of underutilised cultural assets. By incorporating AI-based digital interpretation and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, the project will enhance visitor engagement while broadening access to cultural heritage. VINE_ROUTE promotes inclusive and sustainable tourism development by linking economic opportunities with cultural identity. It strengthens territorial cohesion by transforming fragmented regional assets into a unified and compelling cross-border cultural experience.

Project results will benefit a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Local communities in rural and semi-urban areas will experience increased tourism-driven income and greater participation in cultural development. Small and medium enterprises (wineries, restaurants, artisans, accommodation providers) will integrate into a new tourism value chain. Museums and cultural institutions will enhance their interpretive capabilities through AI and AR tools, while education sectors benefit from museum boxes and interpretive materials tailored for schools. Tour operators and destination management organisations gain a new, ready-to-use tourism product. Public authorities will access a replicable model for cultural-tourism integration. Tourists, especially those seeking thematic and experiential travel, will benefit from immersive, personalised routes. The cross-border population will enjoy increased visibility, connectivity, and shared cultural identity, fostering long-term socio-economic cooperation.

Expected Outcomes

The project will produce several high-value outputs:

  1. a newly designed, cross-border thematic cultural route focused on the diachronic evolution of wine and viticulture;
  2. a multilingual multichannel application powered by AI, offering personalised interpretive tours via mobile devices, desktops, and interactive installations;
  3. state-of-the-art interpretation hubs and equipment across museums and partner sites;
  4. augmented reality brochures and promotional materials;
  5. educational “museum boxes” with interpretive content for schools;
  6. a trained network of VINE_ROUTE Interpreters.
These outputs support sustainable cultural tourism by improving the cultural-tourism interface, diversifying regional offerings, and strengthening cross-border cooperation through an innovative visitor experience.
VINE_ROUTE will benefit a wide range of stakeholders: local communities and SMEs will gain increased visitation and new market opportunities; cultural institutions will modernise public engagement using AI and AR tools; educators will benefit from tailored museum boxes promoting cultural education; and tourism professionals will integrate new cultural products into their offerings, improving competitiveness and year-round tourism appeal. Public authorities will strengthen territorial cohesion, while visitors will enjoy immersive, meaningful experiences rooted in shared cultural heritage.

Budget

Total:
1.129.676€
ERDF:
903.741€
National Funds:
225.935€
Private Funds:
0€

Partnership

Lead PartnerNameTypeCountryLocation of Activities
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF THESSALONIKIGoverned by public lawGreeceEL522 - Thessaloniki
CIVIL ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE VINEYARDS OF NORTHERN GREECENGO / Non-Profit OrganizationGreeceEL522 - Thessaloniki
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - SANDANSKIGoverned by public lawBulgariaBG413 - Blagoevgrad
RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT UNIONNGO / Non-Profit OrganizationBulgariaBG422 - Haskovo

Location of Activities

Social Media

Events

News

Multimedia

Distinctions

Keywords

Deliverables

No Deliverables for that Project
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