In total, the congress will feature around 130 speakers who will be covering a broad range of topics relevant to modern viticulture. From new enological approaches, particularly in response to climate change, to innovative digital tools such as AI-supported systems or modern breeding technologies, participants will be offered insights into current developments in the sector. The event program is complemented by various market and consumer analyses addressing such trends as shifting consumption patterns, origin profiling, and international competition. As such, the congress will not only highlight scientific progress, but also provide an platform for the exchange of ideas on the central challenges facing the industry.
During the opening ceremony, John Barker, Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), emphasized the event’s role as a platform for international exchange. In his speech, Barker stressed that sustainability is a core component of the wine sector, but one that must be implemented individually in each region and each country, in harmony with the specific conditions established by the area's nature, climate, and consumer preferences.
Representing the political sphere, Ingmar Jung, Hessian Minister for Agriculture and Environment, Viticulture, Forestry, Hunting, and Homeland, underscored the importance of connecting policy, science, and practice. ‘The DWV Congress demonstrates the close collaboration of science and practice needed to make viticulture fit for the future. Politics must support this dynamic, and it’s our task to create a reliable and uncomplicated framework for it to thrive within. This is why we gathered the wine-producing ministers of the German states in November and jointly developed guidelines for German viticulture,' stated Jung.
A highlight of the second day of the congress was the keynote address by Professor Moritz Wagner of Hochschule Geisenheim University, who spoke on the topic of “Future-Ready Viticulture: Innovations at the Interface of Efficiency, Quality, and Environmental Impact”. His address provided an excellent foundation for thoughts and ideas for the sessions that followed; in it, he discussed the challenges facing the wine sector with regard to climate change, economic viability, wine tourism, carbon footprint, and the scientific and practical approaches needed to respond to these issues. He urged attendees that ‘future-ready viticulture requires the courage to put ideas into practice.’
The 65th International DWV Congress will continue at the Electoral Palace in Mainz until December 3, 2025. For further information and the detailed congress program, please visit the congress website: https://www.dwv-kongress.de/. In the coming days, the congress will offer participants a variety of formats such as workshops, panel discussions, and presentations, allowing for in-depth engagement with the latest scientific and practical developments. Key topics include climate change, sustainable cultivation methods, the role of digital transformation in viticulture, economic viability, and fostering the next generation in both the profession and research.
The German Winegrowers’ Association (DWV) is the professional organization representing German winegrowers. It advocates for the overall interests of its members at national and international levels and works to protect and promote the professional interests of the German winegrowing community.
Source of the original (German) text: German Winegrowers’ Association (DWV)
