Successful mobility in Piedmont, Italy under Erasmus+ project: 2023-1-BG01-KA122-ADU-000144501

The project "Exchange of experience and good practices in the production of natural wine": 2023-1-BG01-KA122-ADU-000144501, funded by the Erasmus+ programme, ended with a highly successful mobility, held from 7 to 12 April 2024 in the Piedmont region of Italy. The work shadowing, organised by the Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals (BAWP) in partnership with EUROFORM RFS aimed to enhance the professional competences of the participants and promote sustainable practices in wine production.

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 and participant feedback

Mobility met its objectives and exceeded the expectations of the organisers and participants. Participants improved their professional knowledge, skills, and competencies in winemaking and minimal intervention practices, working with local varieties, and pairing wine with local food. Participants comprehensively understood sustainable winemaking practices and the importance of maintaining biodiversity. Professional shadowing opportunities provided hands-on experience and allowed participants to learn the best vineyard management and wine production practices. Cooperation with Euroform and Italian wineries facilitated knowledge exchange, integrating European standards and innovation.

Participants made valuable networking contacts with local winemakers, university professors and local community members, which facilitated cultural exchange and connections between Bulgarian and Italian wine professionals. They commented that the most valuable aspects of the mobility were the demonstrated respect towards nature and authentic local grape varieties, cultural heritage and local community traditions. The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. They stressed that the new contacts and knowledge will be the basis for future projects and collaborations in natural and sustainable winemaking. BAWP intends to implement the lessons learned in the development of future curricula and professional practices, which will contribute to the development of sustainable wine production in Bulgaria.

In conclusion

The six-day programme provided a comprehensive and in-depth experience related to sustainable winemaking and wine tourism. The focus on hands-on learning and work shadowing allowed participants to gain valuable knowledge and experience. Practical demonstrations by local winemakers and university professors and respect for cultural heritage and traditions left a lasting impression on the participants, which aligned with the project's goals of promoting sustainable practices and fostering international cooperation.

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.

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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.