The Future of Viticulture in the Upper Rhine Region: Innovation Meets Sustainability🍇

At the closing meeting of the tri-national WiVitis and KliwiReSSe projects at the University of Basel, the focus was on a central question: How can viticulture address the challenges of climate change—while remaining sustainable and economically successful?

The results clearly show that fungus-resistant grape varieties (PIWIs) play a key role. They are often superior to traditional varieties in terms of climate resilience and disease susceptibility. Innovative analytical methods—from 3D scans to cryo-SEM examinations—provide new insights into the resilience of the berries.

Genetic approaches also open up new possibilities: by utilizing wild grapevine genomes and new stress markers, climate-resistant varieties can be specifically bred. At the same time, an often underestimated factor is coming into sharper focus: the soil. High microbial diversity can significantly strengthen the resilience of the vines.

Practical examples show that sustainable viticulture is already working today—for instance, through biodiverse cultivation systems and the avoidance of pesticides. But one thing is also clear: change takes time, education, and acceptance.

🍷 Conclusion after wine tasting: PIWI wines not only stand for sustainability and future viability—they also impress with their taste.

(Text and photos: C. Möller, SNI, 2026)