On 12 June 2026, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) welcomed Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 23 Member States to the inaugural Ambassadors’ Day, held at the Organisation’s headquarters in Dijon, France.
The highly successful event brought together Ambassadors and members of diplomatic missions accredited in France to strengthen their understanding of the OIV’s work, its strategic priorities and its contribution to international cooperation in the vine and wine sector.
“This was a precious moment for the OIV to welcome representatives from our member countries and to progress the diplomacy of vine and wine at the Hôtel Bouchu dit d’Esterno in Dijon, which has been our headquarters since our centenary year of 2024” said OIV Director General, John Barker.
Addressing the key challenges facing the sector
Ambassadors were invited to discover the OIV’s new home and engage directly with its leadership on the challenges and opportunities facing the global vine and wine sector.
Discussions focused on the major transformations currently shaping the global vine and wine sector and the actions being undertaken by the OIV to support its Member States.
Among the priorities highlighted were:
- Building and sharing knowledge to adapt to climate change;
- Advancing sustainability across the vine and wine value chain;
- Improving understanding of evolving consumer expectations;
- Addressing the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation and artificial intelligence;
- Promoting science-based approaches to wine, health and society;
- Recognising the social, economic and cultural contribution of the sector;
- Supporting multilateral cooperation to enhance stability in international trade.
The event also provided an opportunity to present the OIV Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and the reforms undertaken to strengthen the Organisation’s effectiveness, including new working structures dedicated to trade, culture and sustainability, enhanced stakeholder engagement through the SCOPE Forum, and the development of targeted publications, training programmes and in-depth statistical studies.
Ambassadors were informed of key upcoming initiatives, including the 47th World Congress of Vine and Wine, which will take place in Yinchuan, Ningxia (People’s Republic of China), from 12 to 16 October 2026.
Hôtel Bouchu dit d’Esterno awarded
Later that evening, the OIV headquarters at the Hôtel Bouchu dit d’Esterno was awarded the “Patrimoine de la diplomatie” distinction by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The unveiling of the commemorative plaque recognised the site's contribution to international dialogue and cooperation, reflecting the diplomatic dimension of the OIV’s work and its role in bringing together 51 Member States around shared scientific, technical and regulatory objectives.
📸 Baptiste Paquot_OIV
