Building on last year’s inspiring introduction to regenerative viticulture with Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, this session looks deeper into the practicalities of regenerative approaches in the vineyards of France, Italy and Spain. Becky Sykes, Programme Director at the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, will lead this exploration into how these innovative practices are reshaping the future of wine.

Discover how regenerative viticulture aims to restore biodiversity above and below ground, from pioneering techniques like agroforestry (planting trees and hedges in and around vineyards)—even in prestigious regions such as Bordeaux and Champagne—to help foster healthier ecosystems. Why are producers using valuable appellation land for trees? Becky will explain the surprising benefits of this bold approach.

The session will also explore regenerative hydrology, a groundbreaking response to climate challenges. Learn how vineyards are being designed to slow water movement through the land, combat soil erosion during heavy rains and store water for future use—an increasingly critical need in many traditional wine regions.

Finally, Becky will share her take on certification processes and strategies to avoid greenwashing while encouraging widespread adoption of regenerative practices.

Join us for this thought-provoking webinar and gain a deeper understanding of how regenerative viticulture is transforming vineyards and shaping a more sustainable wine industry.

Becky is the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation's Programme Director, responsible for Research, Education and Engagement. Her role is to develop the resources and community network needed to support and connect producers, wherever they are on their regenerative journey. She also manages research projects and engages wine educators to spread both awareness and understanding of the benefits of regenerative viticulture.

Becky has a passion for regenerative viticulture, sparked during her MSc in Viticulture & Oenology. She uses the stakeholder engagement expertise gained in her previous career as a Public Affairs PR consultant to forward the foundation’s aims. She also rather randomly has a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Timestamps

Overview of RVF (00:00)  
Becky explains the mission of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation and her role in promoting regenerative practices.

Recap of Previous Presentation (00:01)  
Becky summarizes Justin Howard Sneyd's earlier presentation on regenerative viticulture.

Differences in Viticulture Practices (00:02)  
Discussion on the distinctions between conventional, organic, biodynamic, and regenerative viticulture.

Launch of RV Guide (00:03)  
Becky mentions the launch of the RV guide and its importance for vineyard practices.

Climate Change and Wine Regions (00:05)  
Exploration of how climate change is creating new wine regions and threatening existing ones.

Adapting to Climate Change (00:06)  
Different strategies for adapting vineyards to climate change over short, medium, and long terms.

Five Principles of Regenerative Viticulture (00:08)  
Introduction to the core principles aimed at protecting soil microbiology and enhancing soil health.

Soil Erosion and Temperature Management (00:09)  
Discussion on soil erosion due to climate change and the importance of protecting soil from high temperatures.

Use of Cover Crops (00:10)  
Becky highlights the benefits of cover crops in vineyards for soil health and ecosystem services.

Sowing Seeds Without Tillage (00:11)  
Innovative techniques for sowing seeds in vineyards without disturbing the soil.

Managing Cover Crops (00:12)  
Various methods employed to manage cover crops in vineyards, including grazing by livestock.

Agroforestry in Vineyards (00:14)  
Introduction to agroforestry as a method to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services in vineyards.

Restoring Biodiversity (00:15)  
Becky discusses efforts to restore biodiversity through planting trees and creating wildlife corridors.

Case Studies in Agroforestry (00:16)  
Examples of vineyards successfully implementing agroforestry practices for sustainability.

High-Tech Solutions in Regenerative Practices (00:20)  
Use of technology like drones and probes to monitor biodiversity and soil health in vineyards.

Biological Activity in Soil (00:21)  
Importance of biological activity in soil fertility and the role of composting in vineyards.

Composting and Grazing Practices (00:24)  
Discusses composting and rotational grazing with sheep to enhance vineyard health.

Bio Stimulants and Soil Health (00:25)  
Explores bio stimulants like black soldier fly larvae to improve soil fertility and reduce synthetic fertilizers.

Increasing Soil Water Holding Capacity (00:26)  
Highlights the importance of soil organic matter for better water retention during droughts.

Biochar and Compost Combination (00:27)  
Describes the benefits of using biochar and compost together for improved soil health.

Regenerative Hydrology Techniques (00:28)  
Introduces key line contouring to optimize water retention and reduce soil erosion in vineyards.

Cost and Quality of Regenerative Viticulture (00:30)  
Examines the economic impact and wine quality outcomes of adopting regenerative practices.

Challenges of Regenerative Viticulture (00:31)  
Addresses potential negatives like rodent refuges in cover crops and fungal disease management.

Emerging Certification Schemes (00:35)  
Discusses the rise of certification schemes to prevent greenwashing in regenerative viticulture.

Growing Interest in Regenerative Practices (00:36)  
Highlights the increasing interest and participation in regenerative viticulture globally.

Call to Action for Interested Individuals (00:39)  
Encourages listeners to sign up for newsletters and support regenerative viticulture efforts.

Complementary Farming Approaches (00:42)  
Explores how regenerative practices can enhance organic and biodynamic farming methods.

Understanding Vineyard Density Maps (00:43)  
Clarifies the meaning behind different colored circles on vineyard density maps.

Root Systems and Erosion Prevention (00:44)  
Discusses the role of vine roots in preventing soil erosion and maintaining nutrient-rich topsoil.

Soil Microbiological Analysis (00:45)  
Discussion on soil samples and the impact of tillage on soil microbiology.

Biodynamic vs. Regenerative Farming (00:46)  
Comparison of biodynamic and regenerative practices, highlighting similarities and differences in their approaches.

Copper Usage in Viticulture (00:48)  
Exploration of copper's impact on soil health and its consequences for microbial life.

Microbial Changes and Fermentation (00:49)  
Question about how farming practices affect microbial populations and natural yeast fermentation in grapes.

Tillage in Biodynamic vs. Regenerative (00:50)  
Clarification on the differences in tillage practices between biodynamic and regenerative viticulture.

Reception of Regenerative Practices (00:52)  
Insights on how organic and biodynamic producers view regenerative viticulture and its reception in the industry.

One Block Challenge Initiative (00:55)  
Introduction of a pilot scheme encouraging producers to experiment with regenerative practices on a small scale.