Across the globe climate change is challenging wine growers. One issue of increasing concern is drought, in areas where rainfall has long been limited but now also hitting vineyard regions once considered wet. Cheval des Andes, high in Mendoza and in the Uco Valley, and Domaine Lafage, whose vineyards stretch from the Mediterranean shore into the Pyrenean foothills, are showing how to counter this threat with practices which increase soil water retention.

Our presenters are Gérald Gabillet, technical director at Cheval des Andes, and Jean-Marc Lafage, founder of Domaine Lafage and leading wine producer in Roussillon. Their approaches have similarities in their emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity but there are differences too. In Argentina, a major emphasis on agroecology, with planting of native trees plus a return to the polyculture of the past. The Lafage soils in Roussillon are particularly benefitting from the water and nutrient retention properties of Biochar, and there is experimentation with drought resistant grape varieties. Our speakers will explain how their efforts will provide examples to winemakers worldwide.

Gérald Gabillet studied winemaking and oenology in Bordeaux and has held senior posts at major Bordeaux estates, including Château Angelus. He works closely with Cheval des Andes’ parent estate, Cheval Blanc, in creating its ‘grand cru’ of the Andes. Sustainability is at the core of the initiative. Before establishing his own domaine in 1995 Jean-Marc Lafage worked in Australia and Chile, and was chief winemaker for the French group Foncalieu. He now owns 350ha and also works on winemaking projects in France, Spain and Chile. Most recently he has been  much involved in climate change and drought R&D projects with the University of Montpellier. He is considered a pioneer in how to ‘cultivate’ water.

For further information see: www.chevaldesandes.com and www.domaine-lafage.com

To join this seminar, please register now or at any time before 5pm BST on Tuesday 4th June. The session, including Q&As, will last for approximately one hour. To register, follow the link below. Guests will be very welcome, but please let Andrea know their names.

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwod-qsrj0tHdaCOkJeOvXR7kMJmeu_YvRF

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.