As climate change continues to reshape agricultural landscapes worldwide, the wine industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The webinar “Heading North: Viticulture’s Search for Cooler Climates” held end of June 2025, explored how viticulture is adapting to rising temperatures by expanding into new northern territories and embracing innovative disease-resistant grape varieties across North America and Europe.
Catch up with the leading experts from renowned institutions as they share cutting-edge research and real-world case studies on the future of sustainable wine growing. From the remarkable 50-year expansion of British viticulture to breakthrough advances in disease-resistant varieties at UC Davis, and from Canada’s ambitious viticultural dreams beyond icewine to century-old innovations from VCR, this event covers the full spectrum of adaptation strategies.
The program features six distinguished speakers who delved into critical topics including genetic innovation, biotechnology applications, rootstock resilience, and the practical challenges of establishing vineyards in previously unsuitable climates. Whether you’re interested in the science behind climate adaptation or the business implications of shifting wine regions, these presentations offer invaluable insights into viticulture’s evolving landscape.
From 200 hectares to 5,000 in 50 years – the growth of British viticulture
Stephen Skelton, Master of Wine and viticultural consultant since 1973. Specializes in British viticulture development, charting climate-driven changes in varietal selection and vineyard expansion. Extensive writer on viticulture topics and member of the Vintner’s Company.
From Genes to Vines: Advancing disease-resistant wine grapes in the U.S.
Antonio Diaz Garcia, Assistant Professor and Grape Breeder specializing in disease-resistant grapevine varieties. Uses wild Vitis germplasm to develop powdery mildew and Pierce’s disease resistance. Focuses on genomic and phenomic approaches to accelerate breeding programs.
Not just Icewine, young Canadian viticulture dreams big
Simone Castellarin, Canada Research Chair in Viticulture and 2009 Rudolf Hermanns Prize winner. Investigates grape ripening processes, quality mechanisms, and environmental impacts on wine production. Develops viticultural strategies for improved phenolic and aroma compounds.
VCR, a century of innovation in viticulture
Yuri Zambon, VCR Commercial Director specializing in vine nursery sector. PhD in Plant Pathology/Biotechnology with extensive experience in viticulture projects and publications. Provides technical consulting in agronomic and vine propagation fields.
The future of sustainable viticulture needs natural genes and biotech DNA
Gabriele di Gaspero, Institute of Applied Genomics Udine, Genomics researcher and Premio Falcetto d’oro recipient. Specializes in combining natural genes with biotechnology for sustainable viticulture solutions. Focuses on genomic applications for future wine grape development and climate resilience.
Resilience to climate change depends on the roots
Gabriele Cola, University of Milan, Associate Professor and Vice-president of Italian Association of Agrometeorology. Specializes in viticultural agrometeorology, production modeling, climate adaptation strategies, and precision viticulture. Expert in sustainable vineyard management systems.
