Setting up summer protection trials

The second installation phase of the European LIFE VinoShield project was successfully carried out between mid-March and mid-May 2025.

Following the initial winter session focused on spring frost, this new phase aimed to equip all pilot vineyards — located in France, Spain, and Italy — with protective nets tailored to summer climate challenges, making it possible to:

• To reduce water stress through shading solutions
• To protect the vines against hailstorms
• Protect vines from rain to limit the development of disease

Our partners Altavitis, IFV (France), and UCSC (Italy) will be monitoring the physiology, phenology, health and damage of the vines throughout the season. This monitoring is complemented by the installation of temperature and humidity sensors by our technical partners in order to continuously follow the microclimatic conditions under the net.

The pilot sites equipped during this second phase include:

• France :
  • Château Dillon (Blanquefort – 33)
  • Château de Mons (Caussens – 32)
  • Domaine du Haut Bellay (Montreuil-Bellay – 49)
  • Château de l’Éclair (Portes des Pierres Dorées – 69)
• Spain:
  • La Plana et La Escribana – Bargota
• Italy :
  • Molinelli Vini Società Agricola s.s. – Ziano Piacentino

In addition to the primary objectives related to climate resilience, the V’Innopôle Sud-Ouest site in Peyrole (Tarn, France) is dedicated to a third objective: evaluating the potential impact of protective netting on vine disease development. This specific trial will help assess whether physical barriers can also reduce disease pressure and influence pathogen dynamics.

The data collected across these diverse locations will enable an in-depth assessment to be made of the multiple effectiveness of nets in adapting winegrowing to the effects of climate change.

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