Key Topics This Year:
The Great Drought in the Vineyard
France and many other international wine-growing areas have been severely affected by drought in 2023, especially due to the lack of rain in winter and spring – the phase when vegetation needs to fill its water reserves.
For the German wine industry, the major reckoning with drought already came in 2022. In Australia and California, the major fire problems of recent years can be traced back to preceding drought periods. We investigate how water, water scarcity, and the search for solutions to this problem have become central issues for the global wine industry. Examples range from Clare Valley in South Australia to Rheingau in Germany.
Handmade by Robots - The Arrival of Robotics in the Vineyard
Since the early 1970s, harvest machines have been rolling through the vineyards. And if cars can become autonomous vehicles, why not also harvest machines and tractors for weed control, crown cutting, and soil cultivation? This revolution is finally happening, which can not only reduce cultivation costs but also tackle the problem of labor shortages that many wine regions worldwide are suffering from.
PiWi Take Off
Fungus-resistant grape varieties made their international debut about 20 years ago, but they suffered from a number of prejudices that originated within the wine industry itself. However, the quality of the wines has significantly improved, the professionalism of marketing has increased, and last but not least, customer curiosity has led to a breakthrough. This is mainly due to the fact that the ecological benefits can be effectively communicated. The fact that less spraying is required makes ecological viticulture cheaper and easier. In addition, fewer tractors are needed, most of which are still powered by fossil fuels. Therefore, PiWis also have a plus in the CO2 balance.
Wish Topic
Follow us on social media channels and watch for our call to vote. The last trend topic in 2024, which our authors will cover, is up to you to choose.
