Quality wine enjoyment is being revolutionized in a new way. This gives consumers the opportunity to explore new, undiscovered paths. PIWIs are intended to complement traditional varieties such as Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Today, science and research are increasingly talking about “new innovative grape varieties” in this context. These grape varieties are highly resistant to fungal diseases and enable a significant reduction in the use of pesticides. These robust or innovative grape varieties are therefore an obvious alternative to conventional intensive plant protection.
PIWIs are already widespread in German wine-growing regions such as Rheinhessen, Franconia and the Palatinate. But they are also in vogue in other wine-growing countries such as Poland and Denmark.
Breeding these new, robust and innovative varieties is a generational project. Even today, vines are not created with genetic scissors in the laboratory, but in the vineyard. For many years, the breeding of new fungus-resistant grape varieties has been a focus of the work of the State Viticulture Institute in Freiburg. The viticulture institute is looking for interested companies that are willing to experiment and plant such vines in their vineyards. PIWI International promotes the exchange of experience between winegrowers and breeders and encourages dialog about the “new grape varieties”.
In viticulture, considerable amounts of plant protection products are applied against mildew fungi (fungicides) in order to prevent possible fungal infestation and safeguard the harvest. According to analyses by the EU's statistical office (EuroStat), the use of plant protection products per hectare and year in viticulture is by far the highest compared to all other agricultural products produced in the EU.
However, PIWI vines are highly resistant to fungal diseases and enable a significant reduction in the use of plant protection products, thereby protecting the environment. A win-win situation for winegrowers and consumers!
The continuous increase in PIWI acreage is reflected in the growing number of wines entered in the Austrian PIWI wine competition “New/innovative grape varieties” from year to year. Not only the traditional wine-growing regions, but also Austria's mountainous regions are now making their mark on the PIWI scene! For the third time, the „PIWI Österreich“ association organized the “New / Innovative Grape Varieties” wine competition for Austrian wines made from fungus-resistant grape varieties.
For the first time since 2009, the Guide MICHELIN has evaluated the entire Austrian gastronomy scene, bringing it back into the international spotlight. While in recent years only the cities of Vienna and Salzburg were included, 2025 marks a new era where the entire country shines in culinary brilliance. This comprehensive reevaluation not only honors the exceptional diversity and quality of Austrian cuisine but also reestablishes the Alpine Republic as an indispensable global gourmet destination. A truly extraordinary year that underscores the significance of gastronomy as a cultural and tourism treasure.
When the Graz Opera opens its doors to the 24th Opernredoute on January 25, 2025, the focus will not only be on glamour and sophistication but also on a strong awareness of sustainability. Under the theme “Moonstruck,” elegance, magical ambiance, and environmentally conscious concepts merge this year to create a unique experience.
Today, snacks are versatile, practical and sustainable – the new main meal for modern everyday life. Denmark is leading the way: the snack has become socially acceptable there and is establishing itself as a meal option in its own right, moving away from the image of a mere substitute meal. There has been an interesting shift in terminology: the hot evening meal is called “Middag”. During the day, the trend towards smaller, more flexible meals (Frokost in Danish) is gaining ground.
Today, science and research are increasingly talking about “new innovative grape varieties” in this context. These grape varieties are highly resistant to fungal diseases and enable a significant reduction in the use of pesticides. These robust or innovative grape varieties are therefore an obvious alternative to conventional intensive plant protection.