The Future of Wine: A Driver for Rural Development and Environmental Commitment, According to Young Professionals at EDA Drinks & Wine Campus
Water management, the future of rural areas, landscape conservation, and various experiences in associative movements in diverse regions were the focal points of reflections and dialogues among the most promising young professionals in the wine world at the Young Talents in Wine Meeting organized by EDA Drinks & Wine Campus. The event, held in Samaniego, Rioja Alavesa, brought together over 80 young winemakers from various backgrounds to share their concerns about the most significant challenges the sector will face in the coming years.
Adapting to Climate Change and Water Management
The first roundtable discussion of the day, titled "Climate Change, Water Management, and Work Models," featured Arkaitz Larrazábal (Gure Ahaleginak), Fátima Ceballos (Lagar de la Salud), Francisco Barona (Francisco Barona), and Ricardo Fernández (Abeica), with Elisa Úcar, Director of EDA Drinks & Wine Campus, moderating. The panelists argued that climate change necessitates constant adaptation and balance, emphasizing the need to find alternative solutions within the soil and the plants themselves for effective water management, rather than relying solely on irrigation. They suggested rethinking certain work models, as technology can be a great support but will never replace a viticulturist's ability to understand what the plant needs.
Life and the Future in Rural Areas
Bárbara Requejo (Las Pedreras), Eduardo Pascual (Alutiz), Julia Casado (La del Terreno), and Fabio González (Adega Algueira) shared reflections on "Life and the Future in Rural Areas for Young Viticulturists." They stressed the importance of transmitting and valuing the wine world to young people as a priority for the sector. Passion is a crucial starting point, but it can also be instilled, highlighting the need to create an attractive ecosystem in rural areas for employment, education, and housing to foster entrepreneurship and new projects. Lorea Mendizabal, an alumna and professor at the Basque Culinary Center, facilitated this discussion.
The Role of Associations in the Wine World
The final roundtable addressed the role of associations in the wine world. Arturo de Miguel (Artuke), representing Futuro Viñador and Rioja'n Roll, Vicky Fernández (Vignerons de la Sonsierra) from Martes of Wine, Martí Torrallardona (La Fita) from Vida Penedés, and José Joaquín Ballesteros (Vinos Llámalo X) from Amphor&Wine participated in the dialogue moderated by journalist Yolanda Ortiz de Arri. They discussed the need for visibility, which is easier to achieve through associations than individually, and the transformative vision of moving from competitors to collaborators. They welcomed new members to these collectives and emphasized that beyond personal benefits, these groups enable collaboration in favor of the territory and landscape. The only downside mentioned was that these groups require effort, time, and member involvement to be effective.
Networking and Wine Tasting
The event concluded with participants having the opportunity to share and taste wines produced by attendees, with more than fifty references available. This created a networking space aimed at fostering synergies among young professionals and encouraging the exchange of ideas, experiences, and opportunities, while strengthening the young community.
Opening Speeches and Support
Joxe Mari Aizega, Director of the Basque Culinary Center, Txema Elvira, President of the Cuadrilla de Laguardia-Rioja Alavesa, and Raúl Perez Iratxeta, Director of Quality and Food Industries of the Basque Government, participated in the opening of the meeting.
Consolidation of the Young Talents in Wine Meeting
This meeting marks the consolidation of the Young Talents in Wine Meeting, an initiative launched last year at the Basque Culinary Center to share visions about the sector among future leaders in the wine world. This second edition addressed topics such as innovation, identity, sustainability, territory, entrepreneurship, marketing, and digital commercialization. The event also served to introduce EDA Drinks & Wine Campus and pave the way for future events focused on wine and other beverages.
About EDA Drinks & Wine Campus
EDA Drinks & Wine Campus is an initiative developed by the Basque Culinary Center and promoted by the Basque Government and the Provincial Council of Álava, with the addition of the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council. Its mission is to promote sustainable economic and social development through beverages and wine. It aims to attract talent, offer specialized training with the Basque Culinary Center - Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences of Mondragon Unibertsitatea, boost entrepreneurship and innovation, and develop research lines focused on knowledge transfer to the sector with an international projection and excellence.
EDA Drinks & Wine Campus will be a pioneering international project with an open perspective. From its two locations, it will contribute to the transformation of the wine and beverage sector, becoming an international reference for innovation and providing a differential component to companies from raw material, product development and design, management, commercialization, business design, and more.
For event images, click here.