Young Wine Talents Gathering in Penedés: A Hub for Innovation, Sustainability, and the Future of Winemaking
Biodynamic viticulture, the use of artificial intelligence in daily operations, and the production of sparkling wines were at the heart of discussions and reflections at the Young Wine Talents Gathering, organized by EDA Drinks & Wine Campus and Gramona. The event took place at Gramona’s farm in the heart of Penedés, bringing together over 100 young winemakers, vineyard owners, communicators, sommeliers, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to discuss the most significant challenges facing the sector in the coming years.
Opening the Event
The event was inaugurated by Elisa Ucar, Director of EDA Drinks & Wine Campus, and Jaume Gramona, winemaker and owner of Gramona. Elisa emphasized, “This gathering is an opportunity to share stories and experiences. We aim to support young professionals on their journey and celebrate the incredible community they’ve built, their talent, and the promising future we envision.” Jaume Gramona added, “With the talent of these young prospects, the future of our sector is undoubtedly in very good hands.”
Jordi Urbea, Senior Vice President of Ogilvy Spain and CEO of Ogilvy Barcelona, kicked off the content sessions with a talk titled “Artificial Intelligence: The Perfect Pairing for Wine.” Urbea stressed, “AI is transforming businesses. Embrace it, or it will leave you behind. Learn how to apply it daily to better understand your consumers, personalize messages, and build relationships that set you apart in an increasingly competitive market.”
Exploring Biodynamic Viticulture
The session “Foundations of Biodynamic Viticulture” was delivered by David Baixas, a biodynamic viticulturist and producer of natural wines at his family winery, Baixas Lehnberg, in Tarragona. Baixas highlighted three fundamental principles of biodynamic farming: “using biodynamic preparations made from medicinal plants and animal parts to balance the ecosystem; working in harmony with cosmic rhythms, including the sun, moon, and planets; and treating the farm as a living organism to promote diversity and natural balance.”
Practical Workshops
Participants engaged in three hands-on workshops, gaining valuable insights into innovative and sustainable winemaking techniques:
- “The Power of Stirring,” led by David Baixas.
- “Respectful Pruning,” organized by the Pruning Academy (Acadèmia de Poda).
- “Biodynamic Preparations,” facilitated by Aliances per la Terra.
These sessions provided attendees with practical tools for implementing environmentally friendly practices in viticulture.
Networking and Synergy
During lunch, participants shared and tasted wines crafted by their peers, creating a vibrant space for networking. This exchange of ideas, experiences, and opportunities further strengthened the young winemaking community. A standout moment was “The Art of Disgorging,” where attendees experienced this traditional technique firsthand.
Panel on Sparkling Wines
The session “Sparkling Wines: The Future in Young Hands” featured insights from Jessica Madigan (Cisteller), Julie de Sousa (Champagne de Sousa), Marie Louise Raumland (Sekthaus Raumland), Thibaut Legrand (Champagne Legrand Latour), Roc Gramona (Gramona), and Carlos López de Lacalle (Izar Leku). The panel, moderated by journalist Yolanda Ortiz de Arri, was accompanied by a wine tasting.
A Day of Inspiration and Learning
The gathering concluded with gratitude to the attendees, whose enthusiasm and participation made the event a resounding success. From inspiring talks to practical workshops and networking opportunities, the Young Wine Talents Gathering has solidified its position as a unique platform for reflecting on the present and future challenges of winemaking.
Young Wine Talents Gathering
This third edition of the Young Wine Talents Gathering in Penedés continues to be a vital space for promoting innovation, sustainability, and the future of winemaking. By bringing together young talents in the industry, the event fosters the exchange of ideas and experiences, providing participants with key tools to implement sustainable practices and build a more resilient and environmentally conscious winemaking sector.