Research Project on Viticulture under Climate Change

In Franconia, one of the seven pilot regions, the University of Bayreuth is working with regional stakeholders from the wine sector, research, and practice to better understand the challenges faced by viticulture under climate change and to identify feasible adaptation strategies. The activities are organised within the RESPOnD Living Lab Franconia, a participatory format that brings together winegrowers, wine experts and consultants, researchers, and other stakeholders.

In May 2026, a project workshop took participants to the research station of the Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG) in Thüngersheim. There, practical ecosystem-based strategies for climate adaptation and biodiversity enhancement were presented by LWG researchers directly in the field. These included drought-tolerant rootstocks, cover cropping and soil management, later-ripening grape varieties or other ripening-delay strategies, alternative crops such as truffles, almonds, and olives, as well as biodiversity measures such as flower strips and stone structures. The field visit demonstrated that climate adaptation in viticulture is not given by a single solution, but by a site-specific combination of soil, water, plant, and biodiversity management.

Franconian viticulture and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies

Two additional workshops had already taken place beforehand: The first workshop in June 2025 focused on understanding what makes Franconian viticulture unique and worth protecting. Participants highlighted the importance of steep-slope vineyards along the Main River, the cultural identity of the wine landscape, the role of Silvaner, and the contribution of vineyard landscapes to tourism, biodiversity, and regional heritage. At the same time, climate change was identified as a major threat, particularly through drought, changing rainfall patterns, heat stress, heavy rainfall, late frost, and invasive species.

The second workshop held in October 2025, focused on ecosystem-based adaptation strategies used or considered in Franconian vineyards. Participants discussed practices such as vineyard cover crops, mulching, the use of compost or biochar, and agroforestry systems. The discussions showed that soil cover and improved soil structure are particularly important for Franconian winegrowers to reduce erosion during heavy rainfall and improving water retention during drought periods. A key finding was that successful adaptation depends on finding the right combination of ecosystem-based strategy.

From theory to practice

Overall, the RESPOnD activities in Franconia demonstrate how applied research and stakeholder knowledge can be combined to develop practical pathways toward more resilient wine landscapes. The workshops create a space where scientific knowledge, local experience, and practical needs can be discussed together. This helps identify which adaptation strategies are feasible, where further research is needed, and how biodiversity and ecosystem services can become an integral part of climate adaptation in viticulture. The application of the co-created knowledge across the seven RESPOnD pilot regions marks the transition to the next phase of the project. In the upcoming workshop, stakeholders will test the online information and learning environment (OLE) platform developed within RESPOnD in hands-on training sessions. The OLE platform will support winegrowers, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders in future adaptation planning.