The future and sustainability of the wine sector in economic, social and environmental terms were the focus themes. More than 200 participants from the 11th edition of the Alentejo Viticulture Symposium took place on 15, 16 and 17 May in Évora, at the Auditory of the Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission.

A number that includes the main universities of the country and that surpassed the participation of the previous event. "It's great to be looking at the audience and seeing a lot of new people, including new technicians and researchers, that means we're rejuvenating," said Francisco Mateus, president of the Alentejo Regional Wine Commission (CVRA).
 
This event, which was held under the joint organization of CVRA, ATEVA, Technical Association of Alentejo and CCDRA,

Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission, University of Évora and DRAP Alentejo, discussed the future and sustainability of the sector. wine in economic, social and environmental terms.
 
Francisco Mateus takes a positive view and believes that the sector, despite some constraints and the path that still has to go, contributes to the development of the region, which accounts for 13% of the total national vineyard area.
 
Reinhard Töpfer, a German professor, was one of the keynote speakers at the event. Töpfer stressed that winemakers should bet on "more resistant varieties to adapt to climate change". "Existing traditional grape varieties have strengths and weaknesses, and in this preparation for the future, winemakers should start experimenting with new things that may be better suited to particular environments and climatic conditions," he said.
 
In addition to Töpfer, the Symposium was attended by other speakers such as Flor Etchebarne, who since 2016 has been an Independent Scientist, João Barroso, holds a degree in Environmental Engineering and holds a Masters in Sustainability from the University of Lund in Sweden, Joana Faria. Executive Secretary at FSC Portugal, Mafalda Evangelista, Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD Portugal), Javier Tardaguila, Full Professor of Precision Viticulture at the University of La Rioja (Spain) and Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold, who created Destinate , a bespoke tourism marketing and destination management agency.
 
The Symposium is held every three years since 1988 and is an important forum for debate on priorities for the sector.
 

Main objectives of the Symposium

- To update technical knowledge in the field of ​​Winegroing, Winemaking and Marketing;
- Presentation of scientific research and development papers related to the viticulture sector;
- Bring together technicians and professionals from the wine industry from the various winemaking regions of the world;
- Contribute to the dissemination and exchange of knowledge amongst those working in the wine industry;
- To organize technical working sessions and to discuss key topics;
- Presentation of sustainability practices in the area of ​​viticulture and winemaking.
 
More information: simposio@vinhosdoalentejo.pt