News

The Political kick-off of the 65th International DWV Congress on 1 December 2025

The first day of the congress will focus on the question of how viticulture in Europe can remain future-proof and competitive in the face of global challenges. Under the title "Producers in Focus", representatives from politics, administration, business and associations will discuss key agricultural policy issues of direct relevance to the wine industry and its profession.

Topic block 1 will focus on the current challenges facing agricultural co-protection - from financing and sustainability to competition, advertising and profiling through to possible control systems and structures.

Thematic block 2 will focus on the resilience of viticulture - with geoprotection as a strategic building block. Discussions will include the management of production potential, sales promotion and oenotourism, the CAP simplification package and prospects for the CAP after 2027. Topics such as practical risk management and multi-risk insurance are also on the agenda.

A must for all those who want to help shape the future of the sector in terms of agricultural policy!

The business management topics at the International DWV Congress will focus on key issues relating to production, business models, sustainability, technology and financing in the wine industry. The focus will be on innovative approaches to cost optimisation, strategic positioning and the sustainable and technology-based further development of businesses - both nationally and internationally.

The aim is to present practical concepts that can serve as a guide for winemakers when making business decisions. The aim of the sessions in this area is to provide concrete impetus for action in order to strengthen the competitiveness and future viability of viticulture in a dynamic market environment.

These sessions will focus on pioneering approaches in the field of wine packaging and logistics. The focus will be on sustainable packaging concepts, new materials and closure technologies as well as their impact on the environment and wine quality. Experts from various fields will shed light on innovative logistics models and circular economy strategies.

The aim is to identify solutions for resource-conserving and practical implementation in the wine industry - from packaging and transport to recycling and reuse

The oenological sessions at the International DWV Congress will be dedicated to current challenges and future topics in winemaking. Scientifically sound approaches and practice-relevant innovations will be presented in individual thematic focal points: From the reaction to changing climatic conditions, to questions of quality assurance, to the development of new products and wine styles. International experts will provide insights into research and technology, discuss strategies for preserving wine typicity and present forward-looking solutions for production, sensory analysis and sustainability.

The aim is to provide impetus for sustainable, high-quality and market-orientated winemaking.

The viticulture sessions at the International DWV Congress will deal with key topics relating to soil, plant protection and mechanisation. The focus will be on the sustainable use of resources, the use of modern technologies and the response to current challenges. Experts from research and practice will discuss forward-looking strategies for soil resilience, the responsible use of plant protection products and the role of new breeding methods. The opportunities and limitations of automation in viticulture will also be highlighted.

The aim is to open up well-founded and practical perspectives on an efficient, ecological and resilient winegrowing landscape.

These sessions from this thematic area deal with the many synergy opportunities between viticulture, tourism and architecture. The focus will be on future-oriented concepts for sustainable construction, innovative tourism experiences and new forms of value creation in rural wine regions. International perspectives, practical examples of best practice and new educational paths are intended to provide valuable impetus for holistic development. Both architectural and social issues can be considered - from the design of functional wine buildings and the staging of experiences in public spaces to the role of catering and education in a sustainable tourism strategy.

The aim is an inspiring exchange on integrated solutions that strengthen the region, the wine industry and tourism in equal measure.

The Wine Graduates' Forum is an international satellite meeting of the 65th Wine Graduates' Forum^th International DWV-Congress. The objective of the Wine Graduates' Forum is to promote innovation and developmental activities among students, researchers, and practitioners in the wine industry. A new feature is that those who have completed the Gesellen- or Meisterprüfung in one of the areas of viticulture can also apply!

These young professionals and scientists present their project results in 3-minute flash presentations and the audience of the congress will vote live for the best presentations in the 3 thematic clusters. The winners will be honoured with prize money of 250 €, sponsored by the DWV. The event will culminate in a social mixer allowing to network and exchange information with colleagues, peers and wine professionals.

The Call for Abstract has started and we're looking forward to your application HERE.

As part of the International DWV Congress, the Federation of German Rural Youth e.V. traditionally together with the German Winegrowers' Association to the Young Winegrowers' Congress. As a meeting place for the next generation of the wine industry, the focus is on current topics for young winegrowers.

Enjoy the Tuesday, 02 December, 17:00 hrs, to two exciting sessions with impulses for attractive training and the use of artificial intelligence in viticulture.

More information will follow soon - stay tuned!