A Model for Regenerative Vitiviniculture in the Oltrepò Pavese

Climate change is forcing the wine industry to find creative adaptation strategies, including leveraging altitude for its cooling effect. Considering the wine industry’s contribution to climate change, any new viticulture and winemaking venture must be established sustainably to avoid exacerbating environmental harm. In this project we propose regenerative vitiviniculture (RVV) as a viable approach to viticulture and winemaking by creating resilient, self-renewing agroecosystems producing abundant resources while restoring the environment. This is accomplished by carefully selecting suitable grape varieties and rootstocks, taking into account the local climate, soil conditions, and the presence of pests and diseases in the region. This approach involves implementing a variety of soil management techniques aimed at continually improving soil health. These practices include minimizing soil disruption, maintaining year-round cover crops, adopting polyculture by combining different types of cropping and non-cropping plants, along with trees, and integrating livestock grazing and beekeeping. Furthermore, the model draws inspiration from agroforestry and permaculture principles, utilizing ponds and trees to shape the landscape in a way that enhances water retention, reduces erosion, and fosters a more diverse and resilient ecosystem. Lastly, RVV also addresses sustainability within the winery, with a primary focus on conserving water and energy, as well as reducing waste and recycling by-products. Oltrepò Pavese, a famous wine region in Lombardy, Italy, is renowned for sparkling wines made with cool-climate varieties, yet commercial vineyards currently exist only in the valleys and hills, not the higher mountains. This research assessed the viability of viticulture in Valverde, located at the transitional zone from pre-Apennine hills to the Apennines. Through comprehensive analysis of climate and soils, the area was deemed suitable for winegrowing. The cooler mountain climate could allow Oltrepò Pavese to maintain suitability for current varieties while adapting to warming trends. This project demonstrates the potential to expand viable winegrowing into higher altitudes, providing a climate change adaptation model for the region and beyond. Taking advantage of marginal climate differences through small geographic shifts could play an important role in maintaining wine quality and style in a changing climate. Relocating viticulture to higher elevations can allow Oltrepò Pavese to adapt to climate warming and maintain suitability for its signature wine styles. The region's topography enables farmers to shift to cooler mountain areas just kilometers south, providing important marginal climate differences for grapevines. Adopting RVV practices can further establish Oltrepò Pavese as a model for quality wine and food production while pursuing healthier ecosystems. Rather than extracting resources, RVV fosters symbiosis between agriculture and nature. This project demonstrates Oltrepò Pavese's potential to become an inspirational leader in regenerative winegrowing and winemaking, improving both community livelihoods and environmental stewardship. Taking advantage of small geographic shifts and sustainable techniques can powerfully equip the region to preserve its wine identity amidst climate change while charting a regenerative path forward.