Science Café – What does the future hold for viticulture?

May 9, 2019, 8:00 p.m.

On Thursday, May 9, 2019, the Science-Actions association invites you to join a discussion on viticulture. The Café Scientifique event , titled “What Does the Future Hold for Viticulture?” , will take place at Le Beaujolais restaurant in Chambéry and will begin at 8:00 p.m.

What does the future hold for viticulture?

Winegrowing is, quite rightly, one of the symbols of French heritage. Is it not one of France’s oldest economic activities and one of those that enjoys international renown? It is one of the few sectors in which the trade balance with other countries is in surplus.

The fact that, for many of us, it is associated with the idea of pleasure obviously contributes to its popularity.

And yet, alcohol is a major cause of death in France. The pesticides used extensively in the wine industry are harmful to health, and climate change—to which the wine industry contributes—is casting doubt on the future of this sector in southern France. These challenges come at a time when France’s international standing is being undermined by competition from “New World” wines.

To top it all off, the Chinese are buying up “our” châteaux, particularly in the Bordeaux region. What does the future hold for French viticulture? Will it be able to adapt to the changing preferences of French consumers, shifting global demand, and the challenges posed by climate change? What changes are consumers willing to accept?

Featuring:

  • Bernard Bachelier, organic winemaker in Aiton, “Les Sartos du Bec”;
  • Véronique Dupasquier, a winemaker in Jongieux Aimavigne;
  • Christian Guilleré, professor emeritus of history at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc and co-author of the book *Vines and Wine in the Savoie Region: From the Origins to the Present Day*;
  • Evelyne Léard-Viboux, a journalist specializing in wine tasting and an environmental viticulture advisor for the Chamber of Agriculture (to be confirmed);
  • Serge Taboulot, head of the Northern Alps Center, Météo-France, Grenoble.

SCIENTIFIC CAFÉS

Cafés Scientifiques (or "Cafés Sciences et Citoyen, Débat") allow the general public to discuss a variety of topics, often related to current events, with experts, researchers, and professionals in a friendly atmosphere. They are organized by the Science-Actions association, in collaboration with:

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