The UVaMOX research group at the University of Valladolid has received the SIAD International Award for Innovation in Viticulture and Oenology 2025 for a handbook dedicated to oxygen management in the winery. The award ceremony took place on 23 June 2026 in Rovereto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy.
The work “Definition of good oenological practices for the proper management of oxygen in the winery”, developed by the UVaMOX–University of Valladolid research group, has received the SIAD International Award for Innovation in Viticulture and Oenology 2025, promoted by SIAD in collaboration with Infowine.
The award was presented on 23 June 2026 in Rovereto, during a stage of Vinidea on the Road, the event dedicated to technical updates and exchange among professionals in the wine sector.
The winning project, presented by the group as “Technical manual. Good practices for O₂ management in the winery ”, provides tools, protocols and practical guidelines to support wineries in the proper management of oxygen throughout the different stages of winemaking. In addition to the scientific recognition, the selected project received the SIAD Medal and a cash prize of €6,000, awarded as part of the sixth edition of the competition.
From scientific research to practical tools for the winery
Oxygen management is one of the key technological topics in contemporary oenology. When properly controlled, it can help preserve wine quality and stability, modulate aromatic and sensory evolution, and improve the effectiveness of certain winery operations. Conversely, inadequate management can promote oxidative phenomena and compromise the characteristics of the final product.
The work of the UVaMOX group stems from the experience gained over years of research and collaboration with institutions and wine professionals. Its aim is to make scientific knowledge truly accessible to companies by translating it into operational guidance and good practices that can be applied in the day-to-day work of the winery.
The manual has been published in Open Access in five languages — Spanish, English, Italian, French and Portuguese — ensuring free access to the research results for wine-sector technicians worldwide.
“This recognition highlights the importance of bringing scientific knowledge closer to wineries and wine professionals,” Ignacio Nevares and María del Álamo emphasised on behalf of the UVaMOX group during the award ceremony. “Research must be transformed into practical tools, protocols and good practices capable of generating a tangible impact on wine quality and on the sustainability of production processes.”
An assessment based on innovation, sustainability and applicability
The applications were evaluated anonymously by a committee comprising representatives of SIAD, Infowine and academic experts.
The evaluation took four main criteria into account: the originality of the work, environmental sustainability, its contribution to improving wine quality and production processes, and its applicability on an industrial scale.
The UVaMOX project obtained the highest final weighted score in the competition, standing out in particular for achieving the maximum score for the improvement of wine quality and production processes, as well as for its applicability on an industrial scale.
An edition with a strong international profile
The high standard of the applications confirmed the international value of the SIAD Oenology Award and the growing interest in innovative solutions for the wine sector.
The submitted works explored, among other topics, oxygen management during fermentation and in the winery, wine treatment for the selective removal of certain aromatic compounds, the recovery and reuse of fermentation gases, and the use of ozone for the microbiological control of grapes.
The proposals also addressed the role of CO₂ in preserving the freshness of rosé wines and the development of innovative solutions for serving wine in amphorae, confirming a shared focus on improving quality, process efficiency and production sustainability.
The SIAD Oenology Award 2026 is now underway
During the Vinidea on the Road event, which hosted the award ceremony, the new edition of the SIAD International Award for Innovation in Viticulture and Oenology 2026 was also presented. The award will continue to recognise projects and experimental work focused on the innovative use of technical gases in the wine sector.
The Award is open to oenologists, researchers, technicians, students, PhD candidates and professionals in the sector, either individually or as part of working groups. Preliminary-stage proposals or ongoing experimental work may also be submitted, provided they are characterised by an innovative approach and by their potential transferability to viticultural or oenological practices.
The main novelty of the new edition will be the introduction of three awards, with the aim of recognising innovative projects in the field of viticulture and oenology in a broader and more structured way. The specific categories, selection criteria and award procedures will be announced with the official launch of the call.
Through the Oenology Award, SIAD and Infowine aim to continue fostering dialogue between applied research and production realities, supporting solutions capable of improving wine quality, process efficiency and the sustainability of the value chain.
To receive information and documentation for participating in the SIAD Oenology Award 2026:
paloma.caldentey@vinidea.it
Deadline for submitting applications: 31 December 2026.
