Recently there have been frantic efforts in the wine community of Italy, and the world, to save the beloved Italian wine region of Lugana, and they could certainly use the extra support from us wine-loving travel freaks.
Current plans for a new high speed rail connecting Milan and Venice would, if built, completely wipe out one third of the vineyards, as well as totally alter the delicate environment and ecosystem of the area. This could potentially change or harm the remaining vineyards, not to mention the beautiful landscape including the nearby Lake Garda. The grapes of the northern Italian region aren’t just loved by wine enthusiasts today, but they hold a firm stance in the history of Italian wine, dating back to Medieval times as proven by seeds found during the excavations of ruins, as well as the white wine being mentioned in ancient ceremonial texts.
Photo via Flickr/Jeff Rose
Wine producers and their supporters are being made to look like they are against progress in the region, but the reality is that the group fighting the high speed train has proposed a more than reasonable solution. Wine producers have pointed out that by moving the plans for the new line just 400m over to make use of already-existing 9km of tracks, the historic area would be spared greatly, and the train ride would only sacrifice a mere four minutes of time. This seems to be a proper plan for the new train regardless of the protection of the vineyards, as it is important for the over all health of the planet that people repair and utilize already existing constructs instead of abandoning them and creating more.
Photo via Flickr/Città di Desenzano del Gard
The area is also a big tourist spot in Italy, greatly because of the vineyards, and it would be impossible to put a price on or compensate for the financial damage done to all of those depending on the wine and tourism industry. If you want to help promote sustainability, green travel, and a fair balance between progress and preservation and environment when you travel, then Like the group’s Facebook page and use the hashtag #SaveLugana on Twitter to voice your support of the fair solution.
Photo via Flickr/flavia pizzini
