Published on 25 November 2025
Berlin was the vibrant centre of the international PIWI movement on 8 and 9 November 2025. At the first PIWI World Summit, winemakers, researchers, grape growers, vine nurseries and wine enthusiasts from more than ten countries came together to spend two days discussing fungus-resistant grape varieties (PIWI), tasting wines and providing new impetus for sustainable viticulture in the future.
An international meeting with a signalling effect
Christian Waltl, Managing Director of PIWI International, was delighted with the response:
„The fact that we were able to welcome guests from Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Spain and Austria - and even visitors from Georgia, Turkey and Australia - speaks for the growing international importance of the PIWI movement.“
The diversity of the participants reflects how globally the PIWI topics are now anchored. Researchers, practitioners and the wine industry showed great interest in exchanging knowledge and jointly shaping the path towards climate-resilient viticulture.
PIWI Wine Salon convinces - despite restrained crowds
The Berlin Kühlhaus proved to be the ideal venue for the event. One highlight was the PIWI Wine Salon, where 32 wineries presented their PIWI wines. Trade visitors praised the quality and variety of the wines as well as the intensive dialogue with the winemakers.
Even though the expected large number of visitors did not materialise, valuable insights were gained for future formats - particularly with regard to scheduling and addressing target groups. Nevertheless, the atmosphere on site was positive and the discussions were intensive.
Strong supporting programme with research, practice and perspectives
The summit offered a varied programme, which was the result of close cooperation with research institutes such as the WBI, the JKI, the Neustadt Wine Campus and several PIWI regional associations.
Presentations, discussion panels and masterclasses highlighted current developments in breeding, cultivation, oenology and sensory analysis. The wide-ranging knowledge and practical insights were very well received and showed how dynamically the PIWI scene is currently growing.
PIWI International continues to grow worldwide
„Our aim was to strengthen the international PIWI agenda - and we succeeded,“ summarised President Wolfgang Patzwahl.
With more than 1,000 members in 31 countries and new national associations - including PIWI Brazil and planned start-ups in Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary - the association is continuing its consistent growth.
A milestone - and the start of more
With this successful premiere, the PIWI World Summit has laid a strong foundation. Further events in this format are firmly planned for the coming years, so that the international dialogue on pioneering viticulture can continue to grow.
The goal is clear: to strengthen the visibility and relevance of sustainable, robust grape varieties and to network the PIWI community even more closely worldwide.
Photos: Yves Sucksdorff
