Within the framework of POSEIDONE, the Slovenian institute KGZS and VEGAL organised a joint event to explore the topic of agroecological transition in the wine sector and to initiate a discussion on the creation of a cross-border wine road, representing and promoting wines produced with innovative and sustainable techniques.
The centrepiece of this initiative was an event consisting of a workshop and a round table, which took place on Tuesday 10 December 2024 from 10 a.m. onwards. This meeting was attended by winegrowers from Italy and Slovenia, as well as representatives from the world of wine tourism, consultancy and training, with the aim of fostering a constructive exchange of experiences and good practices in the wine sector.
After the opening greetings by VEGAL Vice President Giorgio Puppin and the welcome address by KGZS Director, the following speakers took the floor:
- Andreja Škvarč, Head of Department at the Vine Breeding Centre in Vrhpolje - Varietal diversity: an underused but promising option for adapting to climate change
- Daniele Piccinin, President Biodistretto Venezia, Winemaker - Organic and resistant wines, between value and opportunities
- Jan Žežlina, Specialist - Application of the confusion method to reduce vine borer populations in vineyards
- Raffaele Foglia, Business consultant - The importance of a distinctive brand identity for wine promotion
- Jani Peljhan, Agency Director - The wine train in the Vipava Valley: in line with sustainable tourism
- Giancarlo Pegoraro, Director of VeGAL - Cross-border Itineraries and Wine Routes.
The Round Table, dedicated to discussion with representatives of the wine routes, winegrowers and consultants, was attended by
- JakobJarc, project coordinator at the Regional Development Agency, RR Rod Ajdovščina - Giacomo Munegato, Agenda 21 consultant for the Engreen 2 project
- Ingrid Mahnič, President of the Association of Winegrowers of Slovenian Istria
- Giorgio Puppin - winegrower area ‘Strada dei Vini di Lison Pramaggiore
- David Štok, President of the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers KRAS
- Kristijan Keber, winegrower from Brda
- Massimo Marino - Director Cefap FVG, Agricultural Training Centre of FVG.
The round table served not only to discuss the feasibility of creating this wine road, but also to define the guidelines for the conservation of native plant varieties, which will be implemented with activities that cross those of another Interreg Italy-Slovenia project: ENGREEN 2. These guidelines aim to ensure the easy identification of autochthonous products on the market, thanks to innovative branding techniques.
The initiative represented a unique opportunity for winegrowers from both regions to come together to promote quality wines, strengthen the area's brand and embrace sustainable practices that respect the environment and enhance local resources. With this event, KGZS and VEGAL hope to lay the foundations for a cross-border network that can bring innovation and competitiveness to the wine sector.
