Our consortium includes five educational institutions in five countries with significant traditions and specific products in terms of grape and wine production. The differences between the countries are reflected in different adaptation strategies. Adaptation strategies that can reduce the negative effects of climate change are key to maintaining the high added value of speciality wines. An important objective of the cooperation is to give opportunity for the future grape and wine producers to know and to learn from each other, to gain experience and knowledge about climate change, and to learn about effective technologies and good practices. A specific objective of the project was to create an e-learning learning material with up-to-date knowledge based on the needs of the different stakeholders in the wine sector, the curricula of partner institutions and existing good practices. We aimed to make the learning material available to students on an easy-to-use e-learning platform to improve digital competences of the stakeholders. Finally, the ready e-learning material intended to integrate into the curricula (linked to different subjects or as a stand-alone course) of the partner institutions.
Over the past few decades, climate change has had a strong impact on our everyday lives. This is particularly true for grape and wine production. Increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations are leading to significant changes in the climate and this is causing changes in growing conditions. Special production areas in Europe have their own specific natural characteristics. In the past, grape and wine production technology has adapted to these specific conditions. The combination of these two factors has resulted in wines from traditional wine-growing areas having a high added value. However, climate change could significantly affect growing conditions and thus reduce high added value. Recently, this problem has become increasingly important, triggering a clear demand from stakeholders in the vine and wine sector. There is a need for up-to-date knowledge, good practices and practical know-how that enable adaptation strategies to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Indeed, based on the feedback received from stakeholders, there is a clear need to better understand the impact of different abiotic and biotic stressors and extreme weather elements on grape and wine quality, as well as possible solutions.