2025 marks a milestone for the OIV International Ampelography Course, which, after its revival in 2021, continues to establish itself as a key reference in grapevine variety identification training. This 4th edition, held in Germany from 21st July to 25 July, follows the editions hosted in El Encin (Spain) in 2021, Montpellier (France) in 2022, and Chile in 2023.
For five days, 25 participants from 18 countries gathered to deepen their knowledge in the discipline of ampelography. The course concluded with an evaluation session and the awarding of certificates of completion.
A Training of Global Reach and Scientific Excellence
The OIV International Ampelography Course was originally launched more than 35 years ago and has historically been instrumental in disseminating knowledge on grapevine variety description. The discipline has a profound impact not only on viticulture, through the study of grapevine genetic heritage, but also on trade, through the accurate identification of grapevine varieties.
The course reflects the significant updates to the OIV ampelographic descriptors and offers insights into novel approaches to grapevine identification being developed worldwide. Furthermore, this year's program has explored the breeding of new grapevine varieties resistant to fungal diseases (so called “PIWI”) and the breeding of new rootstock cultivars, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical field observations.
In alignment with the OIV Strategic Plan 2025–2029, the course also supports the promotion of resilient and sustainable viticulture through the preservation and development of grapevine genetic heritage. This includes:
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Creating consistent and reliable data on grapevine varieties for global vitivinicultural production.
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Maintaining up-to-date guidance on grapevine variety identification.
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Supporting the understanding and preservation of heritage varieties as sustainable solutions for climate change adaptation, market demands and pest and disease management.
Renown Lecturers and Institutions
The success of this 4th edition is largely due to the remarkable expertise of the lecturers, who are also active contributors to the OIV Commission Viticulture.
The course was hosted at the Julius Kühn Institute in Siebeldingen and at the Hochschule Geisenheim University.
A Riesling watercolour painting, created by illustrator Anne Pieussergues Dherbicourt, was presented as a tribute both to the lecturers for their commitment and to each participant as a memento of their experience.
Acknowledgements
The OIV extends its gratitude to the co-organising German institutions, the Julius Kühn Institute and Hochschule Geisenheim University, for their dedication and hospitality, as well as to all lecturers for their availability and precious contributions to the training.
As stated by the Director General of the OIV, “The OIV International Ampelography Course is a high-level training whose strength lies in the worldwide recognised expertise of the ampelographers involved. We thank them for their dedication as OIV Experts and for their commitment to knowledge dissemination across borders.”
The 4th edition once again highlighted the importance of ampelography as an essential tool for the future of viticulture, providing participants with expertise that will support the sustainable development and resilience of the global vine and wine sector.
