Exchange of experience and good practices in the production of natural wine, project 2023-1-BG01-KA122-ADU-000144501 Erasmus+ Program

The project of the Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals for exchange of experience and good practices in the production of natural wine was approved for funding under the Erasmus+ programme. The project partner of BAWP is EUROFORM RFS.

Project Idea

Project Objectives

Through the project implementation the aim is to achieve awareness, upgrading and development of new professional and environmentally friendly competences which will be transferred to the teaching practice as a way to involve more and more like-minded people in the common responsibility for consumption of raw materials on which there is a minimal impact.

The implementation of the project will contribute to the following objectives:
- Raise awareness of the topic among the experts about the topic of the project and build in-depth knowledge to acquire.
- Research and validation of new techniques and technologies for natural wine making.
- Implementation of good practices and experience in teaching activities of the Association.
- Updating the training programmes and emphasising on the topic of natural wine making.
- Establishing ecological and responsible behavior among the experts of the Association and its transmission in the future to the trainees.

Expected results

The expected results of the project are:
- Increased professional knowledge, skills and competencies of the experts of the Association in the field of natural wine production and its combination with local food products.
- Exchange of good experience and practice by the partner organization that will be useful for the participants, using European standards, programs and innovations in the field of natural wine making.
- Increased capacity, attractiveness and international dimension of the Association through established European innovations for sustainable development.
- Effective implementation of the European Green Deal by all participants involved in the project.
- Adaptation and upgrading of the Association's programmes to be relevant to current topics in the field of natural wine making and attractive to future learners;
- Well-trained experts at the Association on modern and contemporary topics, familiar with the European standards.

Visited places and activities

During the six-day mobility, participants had the opportunity to learn about trends and practices in natural winemaking through visits to selected wineries and participation in academic lectures, seminars and a thematic regional event. Activities on-site included:

• Derthona Due.Zero Festival in Tortona: Participants learned about regional marketing strategies and sustainable practices, focusing on the local grape variety Timorasso. They were convinced of the positive role of wine events in attracting tourists and building a positive destination image.
• Vigneti Repetto Winery in Colli Tortonesi: Participants traced the development of wine from different vintages of Timorasso and in a lecture format learned about the importance of local biodiversity and sustainable destination management through cooperation and branch regulation.
• One-day course on wine sustainability at University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo: Topics included the history of winemaking in Italy, the benefits and challenges of organic winemaking and prospects in the face of climate change. The practical part was at Wine Bank, where they explored an exhibition of historic Italian wineries and tasted various organic and natural wines.
• Cornarea Winery in Roero: Participants observed the remarkable work with the Arneis varietal, the emphasis on unique soil composition, and the winery's approach to sustainability and terroir expression.
• Quila Winery in Neive: The working visit focused on the specific management of old vineyards, the traditional steep-slope setting as well as the innovative techniques for making wine from them.
• Adriano Marco e Vittorio Winery in Barbaresco: Adriano Marco e Vittorio winery in Barbaresco: Participants observed the processes that reflect the owners' philosophy, highlighted by an inspiring family story. They explored the vineyard management by witnessing the winemaking process that accurately reflects the region's unique terroir.
• SASSI Winery in San Cristoforo: They studied traditional winemaking methods and innovative practices in the region, learning about sustainable practices in a small winery.

Results achieved

The participants' feedback showed that the mobility was very successful and achieved the project objectives. Key outcomes include:

• Increased professional knowledge: Participants improved their professional knowledge, skills and competencies in sustainable winemaking, minimal intervention and sustainable practices, working with local varieties and pairing wine with local foods.

• Increased knowledge on sustainability: Participants comprehensively understood sustainable winemaking practices and the importance of maintaining biodiversity.

• Practical experience: Professional observation opportunities provided hands-on experience and allowed participants to learn the best vineyard management and wine production practices.

• Exchange of best practices: Cooperation with Euroform and Italian wineries facilitated the exchange of best practices, integrating European standards and innovation.

• Networking: Participants established valuable contacts with local winemakers, university professors, and local community members.

• Cultural exchange: The mobility facilitated cultural exchange and created closer ties between Bulgarian and Italian wine professionals.

• Modern expertise: Participants returned trained on contemporary and relevant topics, familiar with European standards and ready to apply their new knowledge and skills.

Participants expressed that the most valuable aspects of the mobility were the observed respect for nature, authentic local grape varieties, and the cultural heritage and traditions of local communities.

BAWP is committed to supporting the continuous professional development of wine professionals and is planning future collaborations that will further enrich knowledge exchange and sustainable practices in Bulgarian wine production.

 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.