At the MyPlant&Garden 2026 event in Milan, Italian wine producers, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the growing impact of climate change on the country’s vineyards. The conference, titled “Gira la vite: la crisi climatica incide sul vino a cominciare dai vigneti,” highlighted how extreme weather, soil degradation, and new pests are forcing the wine industry to adapt quickly or risk losing both quality and competitiveness.
Data presented at the event showed that Italy experienced 376 extreme climate events in 2025, according to environmental group Legambiente and insurer Unipol. These events include heatwaves, droughts, hailstorms, and floods. Experts warned that if adaptation measures are not implemented, the broader agri-food sector could face annual losses of up to €12.5 billion by 2050. The wine sector is particularly vulnerable because of its reliance on stable weather patterns and specific soil conditions.
The European Parliament has responded by increasing funding and support for farmers to help them adapt to these changes. Much of the discussion at MyPlant&Garden focused on soil health as a key factor in vineyard resilience. Researchers are now studying the microbiota—the community of microorganisms living in and around plant roots—to develop new strategies for disease prevention and soil regeneration. Projects like Grade and Nemesis are working on natural metabolite blends and advanced monitoring systems to strengthen soils without harming biodiversity. In Alpine regions, the European Respond program is testing ecosystem-based solutions to help vineyards withstand climate shocks.
Technology is also playing a larger role in adaptation efforts. The Campus Grapes project at Politecnico di Torino is experimenting with an urban vineyard equipped with sensors, robots, and biochar applications to improve soil fertility and carbon capture. Across Italy, precision agriculture tools such as drones, artificial intelligence, and climate monitoring systems are being used to track vine health and optimize resource use.
Energy costs have become another major concern for wine producers. Irrigation, refrigeration, and winemaking processes require reliable energy supplies. The Parco Agrisolare 2026 initiative offers incentives for installing solar panels on agricultural buildings, aiming to boost energy independence and meet environmental standards demanded by international buyers.
Rising temperatures are changing pest dynamics as well. Warmer conditions allow harmful insects to reproduce more quickly and attack vines earlier in the season. Heatwaves can increase sugar levels in grapes, leading to higher alcohol content in wines, while sudden heavy rains can destroy crops just before harvest. Managing water stress has become critical for maintaining grape quality.
Genetic research offers another path forward. Scientists are reviving ancient grape varieties that show greater resistance to drought and disease. Breeding programs are developing new vines better suited to changing conditions by focusing on physiological responses to water stress.
Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized that sustainability is no longer optional for Italian wine producers—it is essential for economic survival. The industry is being forced to rethink every aspect of production, from soil management to energy use and genetic selection. As climate change continues to reshape agriculture across Europe, Italy’s wine sector is working to ensure that its products remain competitive on global markets while preserving their unique regional identities.
Dining and Cooking