New study reveals the potential for regenerative viticulture to improve vineyard performance in a changing climate.

Growing grapes puts us in a position of awe and mercy to the power of nature. 

Spending any time in a vineyard reveals how much grapevines are dependent on their local ecosystem for vitality.

From the microbes deep in the soil, the insects and birdlife found in and around the vineyard, to the level of moisture in the air – all have their part to play in how each vine performs.

A new study produced by a team of researchers from Niab, the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (RVF) and Vinescapes has reviewed the impact of regenerative viticulture techniques on the health of vines and their ability to withstand the unpredictability of weather systems in the face of a changing climate.

Regenerative Viticulture Foundation researcher and Vinescapes CEO Dr Alistair Nesbitt said, “What really stands out from the research is a core focus on vineyard ecosystems and functional biodiversity can reduce so many vineyard challenges in the first place, and at the same time help growers mitigate and adapt to climate change. 

“The study reinforces the potential for regenerative viticulture to provide wine producers with different techniques, which they can track, monitor and maintain with the right advice and technological support – this is great news for winegrowers in both hot and cool climate regions.”

Regenerative viticulture has been gaining traction with grape growers conscious of the environmental impacts of common viticulture practices such as tilling rows between vines, spraying synthetic pesticides, growing in a monoculture environment and working with compacted and unhealthy soils. 

Climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem decline are placing pressure on vineyards in wine regions around the world, forcing growers and wine markets to look at alternative means of production. 

“This review evaluates peer-reviewed literature concerning methods of working with nature in vineyards including not tilling soils, integrating cover crops in rows, managing weeds without herbicide and grazing animals in vineyards. 

“It establishes where there is scientific consensus, informs further research needs, and provides a basis for informed recommendations that growers can adopt,” said Alistair.

The study was published in OENO One on 28 January 2025 and was produced by a multi-disciplinary research team composed of lead author Dr Flora O’Brien (Niab soil and root-biology scientist), Dr Alistair Nesbitt (Viticulture Climatologist and CEO of Vinescapes), Becky Sykes (RVF Program Manager) and Dr Belinda Kemp (Niab Group Leader – Viticulture and Oenology Research), who reviewed hundreds of research papers, for the first time, to evaluate the science behind regenerative viticulture approaches. 

To support vineyards on their journey to adopt more sustainable practices, Vinescapes has launched a concise package to assess their current practices and map opportunities for winegrowers to improve the health and resilience of their vineyard.

Get in touch with Vinescapes if you’d like to learn more about  the Vinescapes’ Regenerative Viticulture Assessment Package.