THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2023: 2pm-6pm BST
14.00-14.10: Welcome, review and today’s timetable
14.10 – 15.00 ARGENTINA - Opening address and presentation from Dr. Laura Catena, Managing Director, Catena Zapata & Founder, Catena Institute of Wine, winner of The Old Vine Hero Award 2023: How an agricultural philosophy is using science to preserve the past
With almost 18,000 hectares of massale vineyards over 60 years old, Argentina is thought to be home to the greatest concentration of massale old vines in the world representing a sort of “Galapagos island” of vine genetic diversity. Studies done in Argentina by Dr. Diego Lijavetzky show that massale vineyards are more resilient to climate change however the cost and technology needed for virus-free preservation of these massale selections represents a significant barrier. The Catena Institute of Wine is working to preserve virus-free selections of Malbec, Bonarda, Criollas, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dr Laura Catena, winner of the Old Vine Hero Award 2023 will give an opening address to the Old Vine Conference 2023 on the importance of Argentina's viticultural heritage and will ask those interested in old vines and biodiversity how we can come together to support the country to not only preserve old vines but to reproduce and study the country’s biodiverse massale selections. She will use Catena's agricultural philosophy CATENAMICS as a sustainability-inspired framework of managing the connection between plants, soil, ecosystem and people to preserve Argentina's wine, nature and culture for another 200 years.
15.05 - 15.30 CHILE - IWSC Foundation Grant for Chile: Sarah Abbott MW will lead a discussion with Derek Mossman-Knapp and Pilar Miranda Co-founders of VIGNO and Garage Wine Co, leaders in the old vine movement of Chile.
15.35 – 16.00: BOLIVIA - An update on the rollercoaster ride that is Jardín Oculto with María José Granier and Nayan Gowda
Since Jardín Oculto first appeared at The Old Vine Conference in 2021 talking about their arboreal vines in Cinti Valley they have had to contend with floods and drought. In fact, they are still dealing with the impacts of the river bursting its banks, a month before harvest, in 2022. There have been many trials and tribulations but triumphs too: they are observing a consistent difference in terroir expression between the three vineyards that they work with; and have taken on a new grower for the 2023 harvest and overall are developing a much closer working relationship with their growers. They are now exporting internationally, and gaining significant interest from outside of Latin America and.......
16.05 – 16.30 CARPATHIAN REGION - Old Vines, Timeless Wines: Preserving Heritage and Crafting Excellence in the Carpathian Winemaking Tradition hosted by Lilla O'Connor. In this succinct 25-minute discussion, we'll unravel the enchanting tales and unique flavours that define Carpathian old vine wines. From history and sustainability to modern techniques and global presence, this conversation aims to pique the curiosity of old vine enthusiasts worldwide, inviting them into the fascinating world of Carpathian viticulture. Panellists include: Desislava Lyapova, Consultant to Velis Vineyards, Bulgaria & Iosefin Florea, Owner, Galicea Mare, Romania & Oscar Maurer, Owner, Winemaker, Maurer, Szerémség, Serbia & István Szépsy, Owner, Winemaker, Szèpsy Tokaj, Hungary.
16.35 – 17.10 GLOBAL - The Old Vine Registry and the value these records hold for future generations: a discussion with Alder Yarrow, Project Lead of the Old Vine Registry and David Morrison, Wine Data Specialist and author of winegourd.blogspot.com. Moderated by Sarah Abbott MW the panel will discuss how evocative old vine stories can dominate attention, but that collating data for the OVR is valuable and important. They will delve into how we can improve the validity/accuracy of such data to really help the future of wine.
17.15 – 17.50 NEW YORK STATE - How the viticultural heritage of New York's Finger Lakes is opening up a new dialogue for the regions wines. Dan Belmont, Director / Wine Buyer of Good Wine Good People will interview two pioneers of the old vine movement in New York's Finger Lakes: Meaghan Frank, Vice President of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and Oskar Bynke, Co-Owner of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard. During their discussion, Dan will ask: now that the vines are old how best to communicate their importance through their viticulture and winemaking and in terms of marketing how to engage with the trade and wine consumers about old vines as essentially a "new" category for the region.
17.50 - 18.00 Closing remarks, final questions
* Timings and schedules are subject to change, please check back regularly *
