What was the challenge/problem addressed?

In recent years, problems as the decreasing wine production and the deterioration of grape quality have become particularly acute on a global scale. Quality is related to the lack of knowledge of varietal potential, the health of propagating material and the depletion of natural resources, all of which threaten the viability of vineyards in areas such as the western Peloponnese, where varieties of particular historical, viticultural and socio-economic importance (such as Mavrodafni ) are cultivated.

How did you solve the problem?

The implementation of new cultivation practices can lead to an increase in the quantity of wine products without depleting natural resources. It can also change their qualitative characteristics, enabling the development of new products and increasing the profitability and competitiveness of Mavrodafni and other local varieties (such as Muscat of Patras).

In this context, a series of measures are being adopted to implement new cultivation practices in vineyards with Mavrodafni and other varieties on a pilot scale. It is planned to identify and record the existing vineyards and their soil and climate characteristics and then distinguish, identify and evaluate their wine-growing potential. New cultivation systems will be applied to these vineyards, the impact of which on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the grapes will be evaluated. The grapes will be used as raw material for vinification and their productivity and quality will be re-evaluated. It is expected that the new practices will reduce the exploitation  of natural resources. At the same time the discovery of new terroirs will help to develop products with new quality characteristics that will improve the competitiveness of Mavrodafni and other varieties.

 

What is innovative in your practical case?

The use of new cultivation systems (stump shaping, vegetation management…) and the identification of new terroirs for the development of differentiated products are innovative elements that will be applied for the first time in the cultivation of Mavrodafni.

What are the success factors in solving the problem?

Close collaborations, good communication and trusted relationships among scientists, advisors and farmers is of upmost importance for the success of the project.

Lessons learned

The innovations is still in progress.

What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?

Independent advisors and scientists of Agricultural University of Athens (Faculty of Crop Science, Lab. of Viticulture ) are in charge of supervising and monitoring the implementation of the new cultivation systems and practices and providing feedback to grape-growers.

Can your approach be transferred and/or adapted for other innovation challenges and regions?

Yes

Estimated transferability on a scale from 1 to 5

(where 1 is easy and 5 very difficult)

3

 

For sharing the experience on the good practice, please contact

Katerina Biniari

kbiniari@aua.gr , +30 2105294632

Link to external information