As part of the GrapeBreed4IPM project, work is progressing across Europe to explore strategies that can improve the perception and market acceptance of wines made from fungus resistant grape varieties known as PIWI. These varieties play an important role in advancing sustainable viticulture by significantly reducing the need for chemical plant protection products.
On 21 January 2026, a Design Thinking Workshop was held at the Fondazione Edmund Mach in San Michele all’Adige in Italy. The workshop brought together experts from research, viticulture and the wine sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the future development of PIWI varieties in Italy.
Using the Design Thinking approach, participants worked collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams to exchange experiences and identify barriers to the wider adoption of PIWI varieties. The interactive format encouraged participants to reflect on market acceptance, future consumer expectations and sustainability challenges, while generating ideas for strengthening the role of robust grape varieties in Italian viticulture.
The workshop was organised within the framework of the GrapeBreed4IPM project by the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft Ludwigshafen in cooperation with the Fondazione Edmund Mach.
Participants and stakeholders from across Europe are also invited to contribute to the ongoing GrapeBreed4IPM survey on the future of sustainable viticulture and the acceptance of robust grape varieties. The survey takes only a few minutes and helps to generate valuable insights for the project.
Participate in the survey: https://www.soscisurvey.de/grapebreed4ipm2
