CERVIM: The 8th International Congress on Mountain Viticulture will take place in Montreux from May 6th to 8th.

Montreux will host for the first time in Switzerland the VIII International Congress on Mountain Viticulture , promoted by CERVIM – Centre for Research, Studies, Safeguarding, Coordination and Promotion of Mountain Viticulture with the patronage of the OIV – Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin , in collaboration with the Canton of Vaud and Lavaux Patrimoine Mondial.
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The event will bring together 110 participants from May 6th to 8th, including researchers, technicians, institutions, and international operators. To analyze the current state of mountain viticulture and identify solutions for its protection and enhancement . The international dimension is also confirmed by the abstracts received from 12 countries , including Cameroon, Comoros, Mexico , and several European countries. The focus of the discussion will be " Heroic vineyards serving worldwide viticulture ," which highlights the increasingly strategic role of heroic viticulture in the future of mountain, terraced, and steeply sloping territories. The Congress will be introduced on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 5, by the masterclass "Swiss Vineyards ," dedicated to local viticultural biodiversity. The conference sessions and technical visits will get underway in the following days.
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"Mountain and steep-slope viticulture is a heritage to be protected, but also a concrete model for addressing the environmental, economic, and social challenges of fragile territories," says Nicola Abbrescia , President of CERVIM. "At a time when climate change is requiring new regulatory attention, it is essential to strengthen the dialogue between research, institutions, and producers , so that heroic viticulture is fully recognized in European and international agricultural strategies."
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The program will address heroic viticulture through three thematic sessions . The first, "Unique landscapes to preserve ," will be dedicated to the systemic role of heroic viticulture in protecting landscapes, biodiversity, and fragile territories. The second, "Economic sustainability of heroic viticulture ," will cover economic aspects, cost sustainability, and development models for mountainous and steep-slope wine-growing areas. Finally, "Technics and agronomy " will delve into agronomic techniques and vineyard management, from the use of technologies and drones to soil, water, and water stress management. There will also be space for technical visits to the Lavaux vineyards . UNESCO World Heritage –, Chablais and Valais , moments of direct comparison with some Swiss wine-growing territories and with the studies conducted in the respective areas .
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Among the key moments will be the round table on May 6th dedicated to the political strategy of heroic viticulture in Europe . The debate will address the future of the sector in Switzerland and the European Union, the role of international organizations and recognition tools, also in light of the Wine Package and regulatory developments related to climate change. Speakers will include Herbert Dorfmann , MEP and EPP coordinator in the Agriculture Committee, Diego Tomasi , President of the CERVIM Technical Scientific Committee and Director of the Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, Frédéric Schwaerzler , representative of the Chamber of Agriculture of Alsace , Olivier Viret , responsible for viticulture in the Canton of Vaud, and Jorge Queiroz of the University of Porto. Moderated by Anick Goumaz , editor of the Swiss-French edition of the magazine VINUM.
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To broaden participation beyond the in-person attendance, the International Congress on Mountain Viticulture will be broadcast live on CERVIM's social media channels.