Establishing Standards: A Guide to Supporting Old Vines Globally

Last week, the OIV (International Organisation of Vine & Wine) adopted Resolution OIV-VITI 703-2024, defining old grapevines and vineyards in the viticultural sector. Notably, this resolution recognized the significant contributions of various initiatives, including the Old Vine Conference and the Old Vine Registry.

The OIV defined an old grapevine as a single plant that is 35 years or older, and for grafted plants, the graft connection must have been intact for at least that long. An old vineyard is defined as a block of vineyard land where at least 85% of the grapevines meet the criteria of an old grapevine.

The resolution highlights the environmental, social, and economic advantages of old grapevines, such as their cultural significance and potential in oenotourism. These vines are deemed valuable for their genetic diversity and their contributions to sustainability and quality in winemaking. Furthermore, establishing a definition aids in reinforcing products derived from these vines, recognizing their legacy and encouraging the cultivation of new vineyards with an eye toward future harvests.

In line with this new definition, the Old Vine Registry plans to update its standards to include the 85% criteria for qualifying vineyards. The goal is to broaden the database to include 10,000 registered vineyards by 2027, relying on volunteer efforts for research and outreach to identify these vineyards.

The Old Vine Registry also seeks financial support for ongoing initiatives and improvements, such as enhancing search functionalities and integrating mapping features that present vineyard locations. Anyone interested in assisting with research or providing funding can reach out to the registry.

For more information about the Old Vine Registry and how to contribute, visit Old Vine Registry.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!