Catalonia, European Region of Gastronomy 2016.

The region of Catalonia has officially begun its tenure as European Region of Gastronomy 2016, under the slogan Som Gastronomia, or “We are gastronomy”.

The European Region of Gastronomy project is the work of the International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), an association of experts from the aforementioned fields who believe in “celebrating and investigating different subject areas related to culture and food diversity, gastrodiplomacy and sustainable development”.

Among the Institute’s different activities is the annual European Region of Gastronomy designation. Catalonia European Region of Gastronomy 2016 was chosen by an independent jury of international experts for its exquisite and varied gastronomy, and its importance on the world gastronomic stage.

For its part, Catalonia has risen to the challenge under the banner of Som Gastronomia, or “We are gastronomy”, and declared three-Michelin star chef Carme Ruscalleda of Restaurant Sant Pau the region’s ambassador.

Among its plans for the year, Catalonia European Region of Gastronomy 2016 intends to highlight local agricultural products as the cornerstone of its cuisine, as well as its wines, culture and significance as a food tourist destination. Additionally, Catalonia will be hosting the eighth edition of the International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) on April 5th and 6th, 2016.