Resources

At its core, the program is rooted in inclusivity, welcoming farmers and landowners of all backgrounds and philosophies. That spirit of openness is the only real path to change. Farmers are a fiercely independent sort and don’t want to be told what to do. RVF and 1BC help open minds and change paradigms with a […]

RVF’s new study shows the potential of regenerative viticulture to boost vineyard health and resilience in the face of climate change

We have brought together all the information from our RV Guide into one section of our website, plus a couple of extra sections – a glossary and a page on certification. An excellent place to start if you’re interested to know more about what RV looks like…

The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation has produced an RV Guide to help growers to implement regenerative practices and to help people find growers near them

Groundswell 2025 was inspiring and revitalising in equal measure. We met some of our heroes, including Marc-André Selosse with whom we held a packed, standing-room-only talk in the Grass Tent (here it is in the calm moment before it started filling up). What a coup! ‘Vulgariser of science’ (a brilliant French phrase) and inspirational mycologist […]

Acres USA Podcast Delve into the transformative insights of Dr. Christine Jones, who explores the intricate relationships between plant diversity, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. This throwback Eco-Ag Keynote  begins with a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Phil Callahan, a pioneer in agricultural knowledge, and transitions into Dr. Jones’s in-depth discussion on the importance of green […]

Series of recordings of all the presentations from our amazing sell-out day at Spier and Reyneke in June 2025. Vital viewing if you’re in South Africa. Fascinating viewing for everyone. Some of these speakers are doing seriously amazing work with regen viticulture. We were blown away.

Napa RISE went huge on soil health, biodiversity and water health this year. The recordings are all available to watch. Our favourite is Caine Thompson talking about his side by side comparison of regen and conventional practices, and the launch of our One Block Challenge™

These IVES technical reviews are just brilliant. This one is by Nicolas Poly and Benjamin Bois. Definitely worth reading if you are wondering what biochar is all about

Excellent, inspiring film about restoring ecosystems

Excellent article featured in Jamie Goode’s Wine Anorak. He describes Nigel’s presentation as “honest, brave and deeply insightful”, and we think it is one of the most important and profound things ever written about ‘Fine Wine.

Article about soon-to-be-published study by Axel Herrera, Ellen M Bruno and Cristina Lazcano at UC Davis. Using data from 4 Sonoma County vineyards, they show that regenerative agriculture practices result in similar degrees of farm-level profitability over a 30 year horizon relative to conventional practices, assuming no change in yields.

and so much more!

We are really proud to welcome Jancis as our Patron, reflecting a shared commitment to pursuing true, holistic sustainability in the world of wine. Jancis has championed sustainability in wine throughout her 50-year wine-writing career, including her successful campaign to reduce bottle weights. Over the years, she has consistently used her platform to raise awareness […]

Gholamahmadi et al., 2025 Study in sandy loam soil in Portugal found that after sowing with biodiverse pasture seeds, compared to a control, biochar:

Thiollet-Scholtus et al., 2025 (OENO One) Published in cooperation with the 23rd GiESCO International Conference, July 21-27, 2025, hosted by the Hochschule Geisenheim University in Geisenheim, Germany. This study used semi-structured interviews with extension specialists in warm and cool regions of France and USA to explore context-specific barriers and opportunities for adoption of SOC-building practices.  […]

Katherine Favor, USDA National Agroforestry Center, May 2025 Windbreaks and hedgerows are two types of conservation buffers that can provide benefitsto vineyards and the surrounding landscape. Windbreaks are rows of trees and/or shrubs inlinear configurations, often established with the goal of slowing wind. Hedgerows are densegroupings of trees, shrubs, and other plants in a linear […]

Katherine Favor, USDA National Agroforestry Center, May 2025 Paper on incorporating trees into vineyards. Includes the benefits of alley cropping in vineyards: Plus information on

Katherine Favor, USDA National Agroforestry Center, May 2025 Excellent paper on managing livestock and forage within vineyards. Includes detail on: Figure by Janine Siatkowski, USDA Forest Service Positive interactions Negative interactions

In January 2025 we published a study into all the peer-reviewed research related to regenerative viticulture published over the last 15 years. It was a monumental undertaking! It takes a long time to read. Here we summarise some of the findings related to specific RV practices. The benefits of cover crops What do cover crops […]

E-book and 9 videos from Nick Breeze and the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program (WASP). Nick embarked on a two week road trip across Alentejo in Southern Portugal, visiting WASP certified producers. Learn how Europe’s most climate vulnerable wine region is learning, not just to cope with a hotter climate, but how to thrive in […]

Excellent, quite technical webinar from WSET on vineyard soil health, chaired by Michelle Bouffard, Founder of Tasting Climate Change. With Laura Catena, Managing Director at Catena Zapata and Antonio Graca, Director of Research and Development at Sogrape Wine Academy.

‘The importance of microbial biodiversity in a context of sustainable viticulture’ A comprehensive overview of the microbial diversity in vineyards, illustrating the major traits of fungi andbacteria populating the viticultural environment: their roles and mechanisms of interaction, and how these interactions can be beneficial from the vineyard to the winery. This is not easy reading […]

Featuring our amazing trustee Mimi Casteel and the inspirational Alpha Lo. It’s vital viewing in these times of extreme precipitation events. Find out how to make sure the rainwater that lands on your farm works for you and your community.  Part of our series of webinars in collaboration with the Porto Protocol.

Webinar on Regenerative Hydrology with The Porto Protocol Foundation, Alpha Lo, Mimi Casteel and Becky Sykes: vital viewing in these times of extreme precipitation events The latest developments for our One Block Challenge (1BC): – the pilot continues in Paso Robles with a field day for growers to come together and share their experiences– other […]

(French first, then English below) By Antoine Lespès (alespes@domaine-lafage.com) and Alain Deloire (alain.deloire@supagro.fr)28 decembre 2024 Figure 1 (FR) : Exemple d’épandage de biochar mélangé à de la matière organique le long durang de vignes. Le biochar est enfoui à environ 20 à 30 cm de profondeur à côté du rang.Figure 1 (EN): Example of biochar […]

By Simon Parfey, SoilBioLab  Understanding the intricate relationships between soil management, moisture content, and the soil microbiome is paramount to cultivating healthy and resilient vines that express the unique character of their terroir.  By embracing the principles of regenerative viticulture we can directly influence these factors, fostering a thriving underground ecosystem that benefits the vines […]

RVF webinar, hosted by Programme Director Becky Sykes, in association with the Porto Protocol, with: This webinar from April 2025 is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning how to encourage natural predators to control pest populations. Most importantly… Tom Croghan on working with nature to balance your ecosystem: João Raposeira: Eleanor MacDonald is […]

Announcement of our ‘One Block Challenge’ pilot in Paso Robles and invitation to get involved globally

Our webinar on natural predators with the Porto Protocol

New training opportunities for agronomists and regen leaders

Excellent articles on soil microbial diversity and copper alternatives

so much more!

Article by Dave McIntyre in The Somm Journal April/May 2025 (p.58-61) Excellent article detailing the pilot programme we launched in January 2025. More information can be found here

Caine Thompson, trustee of the RVF and MD of Robert Hall Winery and head of sustainability for O’Neill Vintners, interviewed by Adam Huss of the Beyond Organic Wine podcast. Caine has initiated and oversees the largest side-by-side trial of regenerative organic viticulture in the world at Robert Hall Winery, one of O’Neill Vintners flagship brands […]

🍇Update on the different regen certification schemes – there is now a downloadable comparison table on our website 🍇An excellent film on regen viticulture from @winetutor.tv 🍇Super interesting study on how bees affect yeast on grapes (you’ll be surprised!) 🍇Powerful short film with Merlin Sheldrake and Toby Kiers of SPUN following a Chilean mycologist and […]

Original research in Italian, with auto translation options available in 6 languages on Infowine, finding beehives influence the yeast population present on the grapes. Angela Capece et al., University of Basilicata, Universitas Mercatorum 2025

In the latest documentary Tim Wildman provides an overview of the key tenets, philosophies, practices and demonstrable scientific outcomes of regenerative viticulture, the farming method that is taking the world by storm. Great video!

By Matthew Johnson and Daniel Karp in Wine Business Monthly Report on the studies being conducted by this team of students and scientists from Cal Poly Humboldt, UC Davis, the UC Cooperative Extension and UC Riverside: Side bar on ecosystem diversity in Napa vineyards:

By Stacy Briscoe in Severn Fifty Daily February 2025 For regenerative viticulture to make a meaningful impact on the wine industry, it needs to be adopted by both boutique wineries and high-volume producers—can it be done?

Author of Entangled Life and member of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks reveals the mysterious role fungi play in the vineyard. Courtesy of Gusbourne Vineyard.

Victoria Mason became a Master of Wine in 2024, winning the award for best research paper with her study into enables and barriers to adoption of regenerative viticulture in Stellenbosch.

by Amy Beth Wright in Seven Fifty Daily Article about how vineyard managers are turning to regenerative practices to cope with persistent and intermittent heat stress.

Bragato Research Institute’s soil management decision support tool for Marlborough based on mapping soil types.

Substack by Alpha Lo on a model for reforestration in Europe

First UK vineyard to be certified regenerative, Hebron is a fascinating place with an arbustrum of living willow trees.

By David Williams, the World of Fine Wine Beautiful description of a life creating balanced ecosystems in vineyards.

Leckford Farm, owned by UK supermarket chain Waitrose, became the first vineyard in the UK to receive Regenified certification.

by Erin Kirschenmann in Wine Business Monthly RVF Trustee Caine Thompson is recognised for his dedication to regenerative viticulture.

Menezes et al, 2024 A novel approach to sun radiation modelling as a response to climate change

Videos of the sessions from Domaine Mirabeau’s domaine day.

By Kathleen Willcox in The Drinks Business How grasses, flowers and legumes are improving resilience and quality in vineyards around the world.

3 minutes video describing what it is like to have a vineyard with no synthetic chemicals, including for the workers going home at the end of the day.

Webinar in collaboration with the Porto Protocol from November 2024. With leading vitiforestry consultant Alain Canet from BHBZ, Juliette Coombe from Chateau Cheval Blanc, Caro Feely from Chateau Feely and Ted Lemon From Littorai.

Steng et al, 2024 Functional diversity of the above-ground fungal community under long-term integrated, organic and biodynamic vineyard management.

Mezzatesta et al, 2024 Soil-associated fungal and prokaryotic diversity influenced by stoniness, depth and vintage in a high-altitude vineyard.

Hasanaliyeva et al, 2024 Study finding that cover crops can contribute to early season disease management by reducing splashback of pathogens.

Vento et al, 2024 Assessing the contribution of spontaneous vegetation to carbon storage and biodiversity in a vineyard in Argentina.

Raveau et al, 2024 Broad spectrum efficacy and modes of action of 2 bacillus strains against black rot and downy mildew.

Reyneke has received funding from the Wine Society’s Climate & Nature Fund for 2 projects: one on mulching and the other on rewilding.

Moet & Chandon’s roadmap to accelerate regenerative agriculture, including the creation of 100km of ecological corridors and using sheep to maintain green spaces.

Bragato Research Institute in New Zealand is research on the use of UV-C light to reduce fungicide dependence.

With English subtitles, fascinating work being done by farmers in Alsace and Southern Italy. Part of a series of films from Arte TV.

Joseph Brinkley is Senior Director of Regenerative Organic Development at Bonterra Organic Estates. In this webinar he is interviewed by Charlie Dubbe of Agrology, on the ecological and business outcomes of quantifying and building soil health.

Informative film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Jeremy Frey on on how climate change is impacting Champagne production.

Following on from Justin Howard-Sneyd MW’s introduction to RV, Becky goes into detail on adapting regenerative viticulture practices to the challenges of different wine regions. December 2024

Bansal et al, 2024 Study by Cristina Lazcano’s team at UC Davis found grazing affects microbial function (but not diversity) while tillage has strong effects on soil prokaryotic and fungal diversity.

An awesome solution to winery waste water. Not only do the worms recycle the water, their casts can be used to return nutrients to the vines. In use at vineyards including O’Neill Vintners and Distillers, Fetzer, Wise Villa Winery and Frey Vineyards.

After a lengthy consultation process, the CDFA has published its recommendations ‘Defining regenerative agriculture for state policies and programs’. January 2025

The Hartenberg Estate in South Africa received EOV verification from the Savory Institute’s Land to Market scheme in 2024. Their story makes great reading, including mob grazing cows, pioneering use of indigenous insects to control pests, composting, cover crops…

Suterra’s ‘Guardian of the landscapes’ interview with the head of viticulture at Quinta de Covela in Baiao, Portugal, the first Portuguese winery to be certified with the RVA.

Informative blog post from Dr Tom Croghan on how he has used regen practices to combat pests.

The Porto Protocol’s pilot programme with 40 growers in 14 countries is a ‘story of hope, sustainability and the power of collaboration’.

By Margaret Rand in Wine Searcher The co-owner of one of New Zealand’s most prestigious wineries wants to change the world – one bottle at a time. January 2025

By Caroline Henry in Wine Searcher In depth article on regenerative viticulture, including what the author describes as the ‘certification carousel’. January 2025

Excellent short video from Liz Haney on the Haney soil test

Webinar in collaboration with the Porto Protocol from Jan 2025. Second editions deepens the conversation, sharing insights, case studies and ongoing learning. Emmanuel Bourgignon, Olga Barbosa of Universidad Austral de Chile and Katia Nussbaum of San Polino di Montalcino

By Vitisphere It is like bringing the Pic Saint-Loup into the sheepfold: the old practices of pastoralism are once again being established in the Languedoc vineyards to maintain the soil thanks to flocks of sheep. A return of the animal that motivates the winegrowers to embark on it.

Want to know your endomycorrhizae from your ectomycorrhizae ? Learn from this article by SPUN, the society for the protection of underground networks.

Why are there sheep in vineyards? The purpose behind the trend

By Pam Strayer in Grape and Wine Magazine In depth article about the transition to regenerative viticulture by RVF trustee Caine Thompson of Robert Hall Winery

News from the EcoVineyards project – how wildflowers and native grasses planted as cover crops have thrived in one of the driest years South Australia has seen.

Excellent ‘How it works’ series of  videos on the SFW website. All 6 minutes or shorter, including ‘nutrient cycling’, ‘weed suppression’, ‘carbon sequestration’ and ‘inhibiting pests and diseases’

Study informing nest box design and placement for the benefits of farmers and owls in California. Johnson et al., 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22712 Study addressed 3 primary objectives: 1) develop a nest box selection model in the well-studied region of Napa Valley, California, USA, 2) evaluate this model’s predictive performance in other regions of California, and 3) […]

Practical how-to video on making a DIY raptor post for vineyard pest control from Richard Hanke 

Dodon Farms in Anne Arundel County uses modern science to address Maryland’s chaotic climate – known as an “agroecological-focused winery”. Dr Tom Croghan shares his biodiversity plantings which have been designed to provide natural predators for insect pests, eliminating the use for synthetic insecticides.

National Geographic short film following Chilean mycologist Giuliana Furci’s search for new mushrooms in far southern Chile, on the main island of Tierra del Fuego. She’s joined by biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Toby Kiers from SPUN, the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, whose goal is to map the mycorrhizal networks […]

Dr Tom Croghan, co-owner of the Vineyards at Dodon, questions the organic orthodoxy in Meininger’s International

By Pam Strayer in Wine Business, March 2025

Sustainable winegrowing podcast series from California, with some excellent episodes including #253 Regenerative agriculture: the path to climate change resilience?

Well-balanced episode exploring regenerative farming from the BBC

Chateau Cheval Blanc’s podcast (in French) in 2 seasons: Season 1: another horse, follows the seasons at Chateau Cheval Blanc Season 2: another farming, meets farmers applying agroecology throughout France

So much news this month!

Discussion about all things to do with regenerative viticulture – what has surprised Becky over the almost 2 years she has been Programme Director, what she loves about the work of the RVF, thoughts on how to get growers to try something new.

The key tents of regenerative agriculture apply in vineyards with some adaptions as vines are perennial crops

RVF Trustee Justin on his origin story and how he came to be so involved in regenerative viticulture and the RVF.

This month brings: Recording of our second webinar on agroforestry with the Porto Protocol; 17 minute video on the Haney soil test with co-founded Liz Haney from EnSoil TV; ‘Regenerative buzz grips the vineyard’ from Wine Searcher; Interview with Nigel Greening of Felton Road in Wine Searcher; The Vineyards at Dodon blog; Interview in Portuguese with Miguel Soares from Quinta de Covela; Hartenberg verified by The Savory Institute’s land to market; California defines ‘regen ag’

This month Stephen Cronk, Chair of Trustees, reflects on 2024 as both a farmer and campaigner. We also bring beautiful films from WineTutor TV, our webinar with Wine Scholar Guild, from from Ruinart about climate change in Champagne, interview with Bonterra on tech, Moet’s biodiversity projects and so much more

As both a farmer and Chair of the RVF Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Niebuhr This year on our farm has been particularly challenging, with severe frosts taking our all our Grenache, hail in […]

RVF Programme Director Becky Sykes interviewed by Katherine Lister.  Becky discusses the Foundation and how it’s supporting knowledge exchange within the viticulture sector, as well as consumer awareness of regenerative viticulture and the role that large-scale retailers can play in accelerating the transition to regenerative viticulture.

This is a superb document, outlining their agroecological approach. It is well-informed and beautifully illustrated. Also featuring contributions from some of the leading lights in agroecology in vineyards: Marc-Andre Selosse, Alain Canet and Konrad Schreiber.

15 minutes of Gabe Brown sharing his inspirational journey to regenerative agriculture. Gabe is the farmer who was featured in Netflix’s Kiss the Ground and who went on to set up certification scheme Regenified.

Excellent article on how regenerative viticulture is rapidly gaining momentum as a nature-positive strategy. If you are looking for an introduction to the why and the what of RV, this is a great start.

All the sessions are available to watch on replay here Pauline Vicard of ARENI global moderated several of the panels and wrote an article on her takeaways here Wine Business wrote an article on the Californian session on RV here Discussions on climate change, carbon sequestration, payments for ecosystem services, biodiversity, water, transitioning to regenerative […]

We are really excited to share what we have been up to this month – and what has been going on in the world of regen viticulture. Including: 🍇 Recording of our webinar on agroforestry with the Porto Protocol🍇Winners of the Drinks Business Green Awards🍇Stag’s Leap gaining ROC🍇Best MW research paper being awarded to Victoria […]

We are really excited to share what we have been up to this month – and what has been going on in the world of regen viticulture. Including: 🍇 Link to watch all the sessions from the World Living Soils Forum🍇Areni Global’s roundup of the WLSF🍇Chateau Cheval Blanc’s manifestor🍇Trustee Caine Thompson celebrated in Wine Business […]

YouTube channel with all the fantastic talks from this brilliant conference, held in both 2022 and 2024. In French with excellent English subtitles. 2024 sessions include: 2022 sessions include:

Webinar in collaboration with the Porto Protocol which scrutinises the transition of a commercial vineyard to regen viticulture, with control data to enable side by side comparison. RVF Trustee Caine Thompson of O’Neill family vineyards in Paso, Robles California, takes us through every aspect of conversion, including the economic impact and the final wine. Spoiler […]

If you’re reading this, that’s great news! Regional groups are THE best way for grape growers to support each other and share local knowledge. You can: The group can be as formal or as informal as you like. A huge part of regenerative agriculture is the sense of community coming together to help each other. […]

Exploration of how the UK can ensure grape growing is both profitable and regenerative. With Justin Howard-Sneyd, Mimi Casteel, Frederic Thomas, Abby Rose (Vidacycle/Sectormentor) and Simon Porter (Penn Croft vineyard)

‘RVF looks to shake up winemaking’ by Richard Siddle in The Buyer, June 2023. Stephen Cronk sets out what the organisation is all about and the steps it has already taken to get wine producers and growers around the world looking to farm and manage their vineyards differently

A month full of news from the world of regen grape growing: 💚 Recording of our webinar with detailed information on the transition to regen farming (costs, yields, wine quality) 🍇Recordings of sessions from the @vignoblebiodiversite conference (they are brilliant) 🍇Excellent summary of sustainability in wine from @decanter 🍇 Grower Q&A with Katia Nussbaum of […]

This month we bring something different. We come cap in hand, asking for your help 💚Help to grow our network 💚Help to fill our map 💚Help to spread the word So we can go further and faster Please take a look to see how you can help. And for all the usual news, jobs, events […]

Wilson, 2022 Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme report reviewing sustainable wine production in NZ and outlining its goals; considering how regenerative viticulture aligns with these goals and if it addresses climate change; the current role of RV in the NZ wine industry and proposing a plan of action

Andres et al., 2022 Comparison of soil quality at three vineyards managed under intensive, regenerative and minimum impact strategies using physical, chemical and biological indicators. Soil carbon stocks were 2.3 and 3.4 times greater in the regenerative and the minimal impact vineyards than in the intensive vineyard, respectively. Soil biota was particularly favoured by regenerative […]

Visconti et al., 2024 Review into soil health as it relates to vineyards, including soil degradation factors and processes that threaten winegrowing regions, successful soil enhancement practices and future research trends. The authors state that conventional viticulture has harsh impacts on the soil, degrading the soil, jeopardising its sustainability and the very nature of ‘terroir’. […]

Vidacycle have brought together all the sessions from their Regenerative Viticulture series in one place. Includes conversations between Abby Rose and leading regenerative viticulturists: Vidacycle is the parent company of soil monitoring app Soilmentor and specific viticulture monitoring app Sectormentor

Rooted in the Earth by Francesc Font Rovira, a personal story where Francesc explains the entire process that led him to practise regenerative agriculture and a guide to understand the benefits and principles of this methodology. Francesc’s family farm Can Font is one of the founding members of the Regenerative Viticulture Association.

Gonzalez-Maldonado et al., 2024 UC Davis survey with Cristina Lazcano of the views of 16 Napa Valley grape growers regarding soil health and the barriers to adopting practices to improve soil health. Findings are that most growers are willing to adopt more soil health practices if additional specific, practical information could be provided on outcomes […]

Announcing the webinar with the Porto Protocol to scrutinise Robert Hall Winery’s data on their 3 year transition to RV, reports of Groundswell festival, Frederic Thomas day out, a 5 year UC Davis study into cumulative effect of multiple regen practices, the new RV hub from Vidacycle, videos on Tablas Creek and Domaine Lafage, bioindicator […]

Grower Q&A with Nick Gill, the highly experienced founding viticulturist of one of the most pioneering regenerative vineyards in the world, Greystone Wines.

Grower Q&A with Nick Gill, the highly experienced founding viticulturist of one of the most pioneering regenerative vineyards in the world, Greystone Wines.

Grower Q&A with Nick Gill, the highly experienced founding viticulturist of one of the most pioneering regenerative vineyards in the world, Greystone Wines.

We had a great day at Penn Croft farm in Hampshire, UK, learning from Frederic Thomas, a leader in conservation agroecology and regenerative farming. Classroom based learning on regen techniques and plant nutrition with Frederic and with Steve Townsend from Soil First Farming. Discussions on how to prepare a new block for planting – whether […]

The sun has shone on us for one weekend in the first half of the UK summer and luckily it was while we were at the Groundswell regenerative farming festival. 8,000 people talking about just one thing…regenerative farming. Wow, just wow. We learned so much. And we made such good connections. What an incredible reset. […]

Survey by 110 New Zealand growers of their views on different soil health management practices in the vineyard

Grower Q&A with Wilhelm Joubert, the hugely respected vineyard manager at Hartenberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Inspired by Alan Savory’s holistic management, he is most well-known for introducing cattle grazing to the vines.

This is a whopper of a newsletter full of opportunities to learn from regenerative luminaries, a beautiful film on agroforestry with Patrick Worms, insights into soil health from Bragato Research institute and more events than you can shake a stick at…

Podcase exploring the cutting edge of regenerative renaissance in wine

Mark Neal is the owner and founder of Neal Family Vineyards, a boutique winery focused on crafting wines from 100% Biodynamic® vineyards and the first Napa winery to become Regenerative Organic Certified®. Known as one of the first pioneers of organic farming in Napa, Mark and his father started the vineyard management company Jack Neal […]

International Organisation of Vine and Wine OIV ‘collective expertise document’ (2018) presents an overview of functional biodiversity in vineyards: • Why, and to what extent, is enhancement of biodiversity beneficial?• The different ecological infrastructures that exist;• The key mechanisms of interactions between species or groups of species;• How these interactions can be used for the […]

Lots of RVF news including: the launch of our RV Guide at London Wine Fair; Stephen Cronk’s first ever regenerative Domaine Day at Mirabeau; UK growers visit to Everflyth vineyard; new Trustee Caine Thompson. Also awesome video of mycorrhizal fungi as underground astronauts; biocontrol wiki; bats; integrating animals and much more

RVF Chair Stephen Cronk held his first Domaine Day at Domaine Mirabeau, attended by growers, soil experts, viticultural consultants, regional representatives and local leaders in regenerative viticulture. Knowledge was shared on topics including integrating animals, planting hedgerows, cover crops, biochar and much more. Stephen had recently received the results of latest soil analyses indicating huge […]

The legendary Luke Spalding hosted our second annual vineyard visit for regeneratively minded growers at Everflyht vineyard in Sussex, England in May 2024. Growers from around the country were joined by wine makers, retailers and agronomists. Luke shared his experiences of what has and hasn’t worked for him during the previous year. Discussions included: Compost […]

Full of news, including: Justin’s presentation on RV to the Wine Scholars Guild; Johan Reyneke talking about the ‘many routes up the regenerative mountain’ in a podcast from Vinimark; New documentaries worth seeking out: Common Ground (sequel to Kiss the Ground) and Six Inches of Ground; Excellent French panel discussion on vineyard soil health and […]

Detailed information on regenerative viticulture for members of the Wine Scholar Guild, April 2024. With thanks to WSG for sharing the video. It was presented to Wine Scholar Guild Membership in April 2024.  Find out more about the Wine Scholar Guild membership programme. Also a special thanks to French Regen consultant Frederic Thomas who has […]

Regenerative Viticulture Q&A with Dudley Brown of Inkwell Wine, Australia’s first regeneratively certified vineyard

The Biggest Little Farm chronicles the eight year quest to unlock and uncover a biodiverse design that exists beyond the farm, its seasons. A blueprint for better living

Inspiring story of British farmers standing up against the industrial food systems and transforming the way they produce food

Sequel to the Netflix documentary Kiss the Ground

The original 2020 Netflix documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that unpacks how soil is key to combating climate change

618 page report from the UN on the current knowledge of soil biodiversity

Six inches of soil the film and companion book is the inspiring story of British farmers standing up to the industrial food syste

Raul Ochoa-Hueso et al., 2023 Overview of nature-based management strategies that may be used for the regeneration of the functioning and biodiversity of vineyards and that may also lead to improved plant nutrition, grape berry quality and the suppression of pathogens and pests. Focus on microbial and nonmicrobial biostimulants, fertilisation with organic amendments, foliar fertilisation […]

Study to look into transplanting microbes from vines from hot, dry climates as a potential to improve vines’ resilience to drought

Review of 345 soil carbon sequestration measures across seven regen practices: agroforestry, cover cropping, legume cover cropping, animal integration, non-chemical fertiliser, non-chemical pest management and no tillage.

All practices increased carbon sequestration rate. Combining the practices may further enhance soil carbon sequestration

A fascinating review into mycorrhizal fungi, including descriptions of the different functional types and how they contribute to global soil carbon pools. Conservative estimate that they fix approximately 36% of current annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. It is definitely worth setting time aside to read. Much of the language is accessible to non-scientists.

Study into transitioning to regenerative viticulture/agroecology in Blaye region of Bordeaux

Garcia et al., 2024 3 year study in southern France into the effect of various termination strategies (early vs budburst termination period; mowing vs tillage vs roller-crimper) of winter cover crops on soil ecosystem functions, vine water and nutrient status, grapevine vigour and yield.

van Leeuwen et al., 2024 Must read paper from leading researcher on how it is now mandatory for vineyard managers to adapt their practices in wine regions globally. Review discussing the consequences of changing temperature, precipitation, humidity, radiation and CO2 on global wine production, and exploring adaptation strategies. 90% of traditional wine regions in coastal […]

Resources on vitiforestry, disease-resistant varieties, under-vine living mulches, cover crops and much more

Series of 3 podcasts for the UK Wine Show. Becky explains the principles of regenerative viticulture, why the foundation was set up, what the foundation does and about the certification schemes that are now available. The interviews all start around 10 minutes in to the podcasts.

The reference book from the highly experienced and respected French vineyard consultant Alain Malard.

Regenerative Viticulture Q&A with Dudley Brown of Inkwell Wine, Australia’s first regeneratively certified vineyard

No-till Growers Podcast episode ‘Behavioural change in a time of ecological urgency with the UNSTOPPABLE agroecologist Nicole Masters of Integrity Soils’. This episode is definitely worth listening as these are two of the most thought-provoking leading people in regenerative agriculture. From February 2024

Super cool podcasts featuring Mimi Casteel, Nicole Masters, Adam Huss, Steve Matthiasson; Grgich Hills on the economics of RV, Troon on their approach; certification, microbes, regenerative hydrology, plus lots more

Everything you need to know about vineyard soils:

Bringing lots of French activity, plus some great ‘firsts’: first Savory Institute regen certified vineyard, first Australian ROC vineyard, first French regen certified vineyard. Plus cool vineyard helpers including pigs and barn owls

Here it is…. our first newsletter of the year. Full of fascinating articles, events, podcasts and scientific studies, including agroforestry in Champagne, field trials, studies and microbiome surveys around the world, our glossary of regenerative viticultural terms, and a great Farming for the Future interview with @johnkempf on ‘challenging regen ag assumptions’

by Jesper Saxgren, Trustee of the RVF and Board Member of EarthWays Nordic Centre for Regenerative Learning How do we understand ‘regenerative learning’ and define regenerative in its broadest conceptual sense? In EarthWays we see, regenerative learning as an ongoing process of learning, a reflective effort to engage openly and attentively in nature’s conversation and […]

“Regen Wrapped”, our round up of the popular items we’ve shared over the last year. Take a look to see what everyone else was learning about regenerative viticulture in 2023

This month we want to bring optimism and ways to be part of the solution: Porto Protocol’s Living Vineyards pilot project to restore vineyard ecosystems, Napa Green’s Weed Management Toolkit, Eco Vineyards’ Biodiversity Action Plan resources and much more

Bringing you inspiring regenerative practitioners, a great article on what’s going on in and around your vine roots, an EU study suggesting regen practices should be added to organic management and articles about agroforestry

What does a vine root know and how does it know it? Fascinating article by Roger Morris for the World of Fine Wine. The right side of geeky but delves right down into what is going on with the vine roots. Latest scientific thinking. Just great.

On water and how you can use regen practices to get your soil acting like a sponge to avoid the flood-drought cycle. Also on how Indigenous people have been practising ‘regenerative agriculture’ for centuries. There are also links to fascinating interviews (Gabe Brown, Mary Retallack, Zach Weiss), great blog posts and some beautiful photo-reportage.

3 minute video by Jimmy Einstein explaining really simply why regenerating the soil can stop the drought-flood cycle

Gabe Brown explains how, if you pay attention and do things properly, you can reap the benefits of regenerative practices in a much shorter period of time than most believe they can By Growing Resilience

We’re excited to share our third conversation from the new season with the amazing Mary Retallack. Mary is an agro-ecologist with many years of experience working & applying an ecological approach to viticulture, with a particular interest in native insectary plants and their potential in biocontrol. Mary runs her own small vineyard and consultancy Retallack […]

90 minute video of our ‘Farming for the Future’ panel – widely held to be one of the stand-out sessions of the IMW Symposium. 04 mins 50 secs Justin Howard-Sneyd MW‘Does viticulture have a problem?’, proposing that solutions lie in adopting RV practices 19 mins 40 secs Mimi Casteel4.5 billion years of evolutionary history, with […]

If you’re wondering how regenerative is different to conventional, organic and biodynamic grape growing, look no further. Rupert Joy’s ‘Down to Earth’ report covers it all: what’s wrong with the way we’ve been farming grapes for decades, what regen does differently, who’s doing it and what certification schemes are out there. A must read.

Includes links to the latest controversy – carbon insetting. Plus a funded programme in the USA building a contintental-scale soil carbon inventory, acoustic probes for listening to earthworms in the soil, contour farming and much more

We’re excited to share another conversation from the new season – the brilliant Sérgio Nicolau, fifth generation regenerative viticulturist and agronomist in Portugal. Sérgio has turned his family’s vineyard from conventional to organic, and in the last few years transitioned to fully regenerative. He has had great success with his cover cropping to improve water […]

New conversations with brilliant viticulturists, to discuss regenerative experiments on the vines – successes, failures & learnings along the way. The first conversation of the new season is with Mimi Casteel, one of the trustees of the RVF. Mimi grew up working on the vineyard and winery of her parents, Bethel Heights, before studying forest […]

Catch up with what we’ve been up to recently – and what’s caught our eye. Includes videos of the Groundswell sessions on RV, a simple factsheet on how carbon is sequestered in the soil, information on the EcoVineyards scheme in Australia, Rodale Institute’s summer events in the USA and more…

June 2023 saw the first of our regular programme of RVF farm visits in the UK. The truly generous folk at Harrow & Hope in the UK invited 20 regen-minded vineyard owners and managers along to check out what regenerative viticulture looks like on their farm. We almost didn’t get to see anything. Discussion was […]

Beneath our feet lies a complex underworld kingdom. Soil is the foundation that allows viticulture to be possible and fungi keep this network alive. Aliya Whiteley’s potted history of fungi in vineyards, as published in RVF founding supporters Berry Bros and Rudd’s No.3 magazine page 16-17

We dish the dirt on dirt, in particular soil health and how mycorrhizal fungi can improve drought resistance

This crowd-sourced global database of living historic vineyard sites has been set up to increase awareness of old vines. From a regenerative viewpoint, old vines are great as they are so much more resilient and don’t need irrigation.

One of our founding supporters on their commitment to nature-beneficial practices and their support for the RVF. Having been around for 325 years, they are used to taking a long-term view

ARENI global podcast with Mimi Casteel on the relevance of trees in vineyards

Leading practitioners in Regen Viticulture in the USA. Includes Mimi Casteel’s ‘marquee address’ on proactive farming, soil health and biodiversity. All available to view online

Grelet, Lang, et al. 2021 white paper exploring research pathways to build science-based evidence and national narratives. Viticulture is one of the four agricultural sectors analysed.

Villat 2021 Harvard MSc thesis

Porto Protocol climate talk bringing together producers from around the world to talk about their experience of enhancing biodiversity, sharing solutions.

Porto Protocol climate talk on climate change causing long term geographical shifts in suitable grape varieties and production areas. Solutions that adapt to climate change include different varieties, clones and rootstocks.

Porto Protocol climate talk ‘solutions perspective’ to the controversy surrounding glyphosate. Includes discussions on:

Porto Protocol climate talk with Jason Haas of Tablas Creek, hosted by Stephen Cronk. Looking into the challenges associated with managing vineyard soils regeneratively

Porto Protocol climate talk on the benefits of integrating animals into vineyard management: carbon sequestration, soil health and biodiversity, reduction in herbicides and chemicals

Porto Protocol climate talk ‘research edition’, with academics and experts sharing the results of different studies into vineyard microbes. Explores the structure, function and management of the vineyard microbiome. Learn how management practices influence the health of our vineyards, the environment and the wine.

Porto Protocol climate talk hosted by Mimi Casteel. With Antoine Lespes from Domaine Lafage, Hans-Peter Schmidt from the Delinat Institute and Claudia Kammann from Geisenheim University

The first half of this November 2022 webinar explores the key principles of regen ag and the drivers that influence on-farm decision making and farmer aspirations. The second half explores incorporating these principles into a vineyard management system and why wine grapegrowers are moving in this direction. Plus a holistic grazing expert on sheep grazing […]

Informative discussions on every climate related aspect of wine making, all available to watch online or listen to as podcasts. Vineyard topics include: biochar, soil microbes, animals, soil management, the world beyond glyphosate, choice of grape varieties to aid resilience, healthy soils, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, coping with extreme weather events

Drawing on the latest ground-breaking research and a lifetime’s study, Dave Goulson reveals the long decline of insect populations that has taken place in recent decades and its potential consequences. eye-opening and inspiring, it asks for profound change at every level.

Healthy soil is teaming with life – not just earthworms and insects, but a staggering multitude of bacteria, fungi and other microogranisms. This microbial life sustains health plants. The use of chemical fertilisers breaks this relationship, leaving plants dependent on artificial substances. But there is an alternative. We can instead use practices that strengthen the […]

A land manager’s roadmap to healthy soil. This book equips producers with knowledge, skills and insights to regenerate ecosystem health and grow farm profits. Nicole is a globally recognised soil advocate and agroecologist.

How fungi make our worlds, change our minds and shape our futures. Most fungi live out of sight, yet make up a massively diverse kingdom of organisms that support and sustain nearly all living systems. The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them. Fungi link plants together in complex networks known […]

The pioneer of the regenerative agriculture movement’s story of his family’s regen journey. As featured in the Netflix documentary ‘Kiss the Ground’. The perfect regen starter for 10 for those wanting to start on their own journeys

This conference from our friends at the Regenerative Viticulture Association brought us a really deep dive into what’s happening underneath your feet in your vineyard. If you want to know how the vines get their nutrients from the soil without chemical fertilisers, watch the video of the conference. Jeff Lowenfels (2hr10min into the video) is […]

Cabrera-Perez et al., 2023 Under-vine weed management treatments compared: The researchers found that the mulches increased grape yields and reduced maximum soil temperatures. A 15cm mulch is an expensive input, but may reduce tractor passes in seasonal floor management and water usage due to reduced evaporation.

Griffiths-Lee et al., 2022 This study investigated the effect on beneficial insects of different methods of increasing wildflowers in vine inter-rows. 5 treatments were applied: The researchers found that, by the second year of the study, there were significantly higher levels of beneficial insects in the sown rows and the row left to regenerate naturally […]

If you are on our mailing list, look in your inbox for our May newsletter. It’s full of forthcoming events and news. We have a new Programme Director, two new Founding Supporters and links to resources on bees, wildflowers and under-vine mulches. For something for you ears, don’t miss the podcast on soil health indicators. […]

Tom Croghan of Dodon Vineyard explains how they use the tools of agroecology to regenerate the soil: limiting tillage, applying organic amendments, incorporating indigenous microorganisms from the surround forest and using grazing animals. They have discarded the either/or mentality to find values-driven, integrated solutions that benefit the environment, the community and their company. An excellent […]

Wendy Outhwaite of Ambriel Vineyard in West Sussex reports on her experiences of using the Ouessant – a hardy dwarf sheep from Brittany – in her vineyards. We’ve been winter-grazing sheep in the vineyard for about a decade. Here’s what we discovered. Breed As our vineyard in West Sussex has stunning views over the South […]

Veteran Forbes journalist Louise Schiavone responds to the the 2022 World Soil report by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization with its clear warning that we need to focus on building soil organic carbon stocks by switching to regenerative farming practices, and the importance of bringing these practices into the wine world.

The RVF’s Mimi Casteel turns interviewer, and brings in some serious players in the world of regenerative wine, including Miguel Torres, Eric Texier, and celeb Regen farmer Andy Cato.

Alistair Nesbitt reviews a recent paper studying the effects of growing cover crops and avoiding tilling on a range of different soil types to determine the effect on carbon storage in the soil

The team at Greystone Wines began extensively cover cropping in 2020. Attempts to direct drill cover crops into existing pasture largely failed due to the presence of a thick browntop thatch that prevented seedling establishment. Cover crops sown following the cultivation of new vine blocks established much better.

Greystone Wines have a very low input direct plant nutrition programme that simply involves the addition of seaweed to all spray passes.

Greystone Wines now see the use of under vine cultivation as a transitional tool on their journey from a conventional system to regenerative organic. Cultivation was creating erosion risks and increased the prevalence of deep rooted woody weed such as mellow which were difficult to manage.

Greystone Wines have been winter grazing the neighbouring farmers sheep since the vineyard was established, typically from May-September.

Greystone Wines, as an organically certified vineyard, has limited tools available to manage pest and disease pressure.

This Quorum Sense case study looks at the regenerative innovation occurring on two very different vineyards – a large family owned and operated vineyard in Marlborough producing high quality savingnon blanc, and a smaller vertically integrated vineyard in the Waipara hills producing a diversity of organic wines.

The Holdaways have been extensively cover cropping since 2018, starting with every second row to ensure there was a row clear for tractors to drive down.

The Holdaways used to set stock 1000-1500 merino lambs across the 182ha vineyard for five months over autumn/winter.

This Quorum Sense case study looks at the regenerative innovation occurring on two very different vineyards – a large family owned and operated vineyard in Marlborough producing high quality savingnon blanc, and a smaller vertically integrated vineyard in the Waipara hills producing a diversity of organic wines.

The fertile soils of the Holdaway vineyards supply their high yielding vines with sufficient macronutrients (phosphorous, potassium, sulfur etc) without requiring any fertiliser addition. Enough atmospheric nitrogen is also fixed each year to meet the vines needs, so N fertiliser is not applied either.

The Holdaways are also successfully managing insect pests without insecticides, with flowering cover crops attracting beneficial predatory insects that keep pest species in check.

The Holdaways goals for under vine management across the majority of their vineyards are to minimise herbicide use and tractor passes while also minimising competition with the high producing vines.

This Quorum Sense case study looks at the innovation occurring on two very different vineyards – a large family owned and operated vineyard in Marlborough producing high quality savingnon blanc, and a smaller vertically integrated vineyard in the Waipara hills producing a diversity of organic wines.

Research from UC Davis Ph.D. candidate and agroecology researcher Kelsey Brewer indicates that sheep grazing can enhance carbon sequestration and improve soil health, microbial biomass and nutrient content in vineyards.

Our friend Abby Rose at Vidacycle talks about the highlights of a 4-part webinar series with Dr. Christine Jones, hosted by US-based cover crop supplier Green Cover Seed

Viticulture faces a turning point. We are beginning to realise that the way wine grapes are being grown is not truly sustainable

Why avoiding uncomfortable conversations about equity, race, and access threatens to spoil a nascent movement’s environmental promise

Tamlin Currin from JancisRobinson.com poses the question whether regenerative viticulture could be the answer to wine producers becoming front-line generals in the battle to save our planet.

How under-vine management influences SOC inputs and turnover in two vineyards

The RVF launch included speakers Mimi Casteel, Miguel Torres, Dr Jamie Goode and Jancis Robinson MW. Hosted by Justin Howard-Sneyd MW and Stephen Cronk.

Rupert Joy covers the launch of the RVF in this article from Decanter

The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation partnered with the Porto Protocol to host their recent Climate Talk on Managing Soils.

Rather than turning to rodenticides to deter pests, graduate students at Humboldt State University in California are testing a more natural approach by using owls.

An academically-framed report of 34 interviews with European winegrowers on their experience of introducing grazing sheep into their vineyards.

A Forbes article detailing various wine brands making inroads into sustainable and regenerative winegrowing.

In late June 2021, Familia Torres hosted a full day symposium on Regenerative Viticulture. Here is a video of Allan Savory’s contribution to the symposium.

The ‘no-plough’ regenerative methods adopted in small vineyards have spread to olive groves and leading wine producers – boosting biodiversity and profits

California-based wine giant sets itself ambitious environmental goals for 2030 and urges other wineries to follow suit

Sustainable Wine Ltd is a purpose driven business based in London. Their mission is to make sustainability mainstream in the wine industry.

Arising from growers’ interest to educate and guide themselves towards sustainable winegrowing practices, the Vineyard Team has become an internationally recognised leader in the sustainability movement.

A show for professional growers looking to greatly increase crop quality, yield, and profit.

A podcast hosted by the largest global regenerative agriculture organisation, Kiss The Ground.

Farmerama Radio is an award-winning podcast sharing the voices behind regenerative farming.

Ungrafted is a podcast about wine, humanity, and the planet.

Dan Rinke and Luke Spalding in conversation, sharing their experiences, highs, and lows of transforming vineyards through regenerative viticulture.

Ben Taylor-Davies a.k.a. “RegenBen”, a 2016 Nuffield Scholar with a vineyard in Herefordshire and with a passion for regenerative viticulture interviewed by Abby Rose.

An interview with Nicole Masters agro-ecologist and viticulture consultant exploring her experiences and advice in implementing regenerative practices in vineyards.

An academic paper exploring the difficulties in researching regenerative agriculture from an agronomic perspective.

A UN-commissioned assessment conclusively linking ecosystem health and biodiversity to human well-being.

A paper reviewing literature and practitioners mentioning regenerative agriculture, useful for gaining a greater understanding of the different uses and definitions of the term.

Results of a study demonstrating that zero-tillage can represent a ‘win–win’ situation, where in addition to CO2 mitigation, other important benefits are achieved.

An academic review showing that the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil health overlap clearly with the soil related aspects of terroir.

A paper exploring the transformative effects of regenerative agriculture in the vineyard.