Ettore Capri: Championing Sustainable Innovation in Wine Production

Paula Silva

At the upcoming 4th Science & Wine World Congress, Professor Ettore Capri will share his insights on sustainability and digital innovation in the wine and olive oil industries. As a renowned expert in agricultural chemistry and director of OPERA, Capri has led numerous international projects focused on risk assessment, environmental protection, and sustainable food systems.
A recent study co-authored by Capri explores how blockchain technology could help the wine industry monitor and certify sustainability practices. The research highlights blockchain’s potential to improve transparency, traceability, and efficiency across the supply chain. However, it also outlines key barriers to adoption, including limited knowledge, technical skills, high implementation costs, and challenges in integrating blockchain with existing systems and capturing qualitative sustainability values.
Despite these hurdles, Capri remains optimistic about the role of blockchain in building more sustainable and accountable food systems, especially with the support of coordinated efforts across the industry. His keynote will offer timely reflections on how scientific research and digital tools can support the green transition in agriculture.

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Advancing Sustainability: Linking Wine and Olive Oil Production to a Greener Future

Paula Silva

Sustainability of wine and olive oil production is crucial for addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and shifting consumer demand. By integrating tradition with innovation, these industries can adopt practices, such as regenerative farming, renewable energy, and precision agriculture, to enhance environmental, economic, and social outcomes. The 4th Science & Wine World Congress in Porto will highlight these advancements, featuring workshops, case studies, and expert discussions on sustainable vineyard and olive farming practices, climate resilience, and the socioeconomic dimensions of sustainability. This event underscores the role of research, collaboration, and policy in driving a greener future for agriculture.

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Unpacking Wine Guide

Paula Silva

The “Unpacking Wine Guide” by The Porto Protocol is a comprehensive resource for reducing the environmental impact of wine packaging. It examines the sustainability of materials like glass, aluminum, and cardboard, emphasizing lightweight and reusable bottles. The guide features insights from experts like Jancis Robinson and Rowena Curlewis, offering actionable solutions for producers, retailers, and consumers. It also explores global regulations, consumer trends, and real-world case studies to inspire sustainable practices. Available for purchase or free for select groups, the guide is a call to action for the wine industry to embrace eco-friendly innovation.

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Intangible Heritage and Its Associative Objects as Exemplified by the Materiality of the Portable Material Culture of German Christmas Markets

Paula Silva

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This post honors the victims of the tragic Magdeburg Christmas market attack by celebrating the cultural significance of German Christmas markets and their iconic Glühwein (mulled wine). These markets, deeply rooted in tradition, are spaces of unity and joy, where Glühwein symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and resilience. Served in reusable, collectible cups, it reflects sustainable practices and offers visitors cherished mementos of their experience. The tragedy reminds us of the need to protect these spaces of celebration and foster peace. Let us honor the victims by preserving these traditions and committing to unity, kindness, and hope this holiday season.

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Advances in grape seed oil extraction techniques and their applications in food products

Paula Silva

This paper explores the potential of grape seed oil as a valuable byproduct of winemaking. It examines the bioactive compounds in grape seed oil, including fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The study highlights various extraction methods, from traditional pressing to advanced techniques like ultrasound-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction, which optimize yield and quality. Applications of grape seed oil in food products, such as emulsions, chocolates, and meat products, are also discussed, emphasizing its functional and nutritional benefits. The paper concludes that further innovation and sustainable practices could maximize the utility of grape seed oil, making it a valuable resource for waste management in the wine industry and expanding its role in food applications.

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Wine bottle overcapping wax: An aesthetic or functional element?

Paula Silva

This study examines the role of wax overcapping in wine bottles, questioning whether it provides functional protection against oxidation or serves primarily as an aesthetic feature. The study tested four types of waxes for their oxygen barrier properties and found that while certain waxes, like a commercial blend, showed low oxygen permeability, the addition of wax over high-quality cork stoppers did not significantly enhance protection. Wax proved slightly more beneficial for natural corks with variable oxygen ingress, especially defective stoppers, where leakage was limited. Overall, the study suggests that wax mainly serves aesthetic purposes when cork quality is high, although it may offer limited functional benefits in specific cases involving defective or untreated corks.

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Deep Planet: Pioneering AI for a Sustainable Future

Paula Silva

Founded in 2018 by Oxford University scientists, Deep Planet is an AgriTech company leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address environmental challenges in agriculture, particularly in the wine industry. Their platform, VineSignal, offers precision tools for vineyard management, including optimal harvest timing, yield forecasting, disease detection, precision fertilization, soil carbon sequestration, and smart irrigation. These AI-driven solutions promote sustainability and resource efficiency, helping farmers and winemakers improve crop quality and minimize environmental impact. Deep Planet seeks partners to collaborate on advancing sustainable agriculture globally.

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4th Science & Wine World Congress – Energy, sustainability, and green transition in wine and olive oil production

Paula Silva

The 4th Science & Wine World Congress, scheduled for May 28-30, 2025, in Porto, will gather experts and stakeholders in energy, sustainability, and agriculture. This year’s congress, held under the University of Porto’s auspices, will spotlight sustainable practices and the green transition in wine and olive oil production. Selected to coincide with World Energy Day on May 26, the congress emphasizes the significance of green energy solutions for these industries. Attendees can explore energy-efficient practices like renewable energy use, precision agriculture, and waste heat recovery, as well as innovative technologies like digital labeling and smart farming. These advancements not only reduce environmental impacts but also enhance product quality and efficiency.

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Understanding the Climate Resilience of European Wine Regions

Paula Silva

The post emphasizes the importance of adapting viticultural practices, increasing flexibility in Geographical Indication (GI) regulations, promoting grape variety diversity, and investing in adaptive capacity to enhance resilience. The study also suggests rethinking the traditional concept of terroir to allow for necessary innovations in wine production. The overall message is that proactive adaptation is crucial for the future sustainability of European wines in the face of climate change.

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Low-Alcohol and Nonalcoholic Wines: From Production to Cardiovascular Health, along with Their Economic Effects

Paula Silva

The emergence of nonalcoholic wines is driven by health, economic, and social factors, meeting growing consumer interest in healthier lifestyles. The health benefits of low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines, particularly cardiovascular health, are increasingly recognized. Winemakers can diversify their product lines using these alternatives, extend their customer base, and contribute to public health. Advanced production techniques such as vacuum distillation, spinning cone columns, and reverse osmosis reduce alcohol content without compromising quality. The expanding market for low-alcohol wines offers significant growth opportunities, enabling winemakers to diversify their revenue streams and enhance profitability. Evolving regulations, especially in Europe, emphasize transparency in labeling and nutritional information, aligned with consumer preferences. Incorporating low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines is a strategic move for winemakers, ensuring competitiveness and relevance in a changing market.

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