Wine in Moderation: the key feature of the 38th OIV Congress

Wine in Moderation – Art de Vivre was at the heart of the 38th OIV World Vine and Wine Congress, which took place in Mainz from 5th to 10th July 2015, in conjunction with the 13th OIV General Assembly. More than 500 delegates, from Government Authorities, scientific experts and the wine sector, came from over 46 countries to take part in the wine sector’s most important international meeting.

The German Parliamentary State Secretary to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Peter Bleser, opened the Joint Technical Meeting by recognizing wine as an integral part of culture and firmly supporting the need to promote moderation and responsibility in the consumption of wine. Mr. Bleser praised the Wine in Moderation Programme for its approach and efforts.

WIM President George Sandeman made a keynote presentation “The success story of the WINE in MODERATION – Art de Vivre movement - From a European programme to an international movement”. Experts and wine sector representatives discussed key topics of responsible consumption and WIM members presented the implementation of the WIM programme in their respective countries, showing the wide range of WIM activities developed throughout the world, ranging from education, to self-regulation and communication.

Over the following days, participants had the opportunity to follow an important number of high quality presentations and scientific posters during the 4 sections of the conference I. Viticulture, II. Oenology, III. Economy and Law, and IV. Safety & Health. In Economy and Law, WIM presented “VET-Artdevivre Partnership Programme: Identification of Market and Training Needs on Wine, Health and Social Aspects and Innovative Tools and Common Approaches” demonstrating yet again WIM’s investment in vocational education.

With some 500 representatives from Government Authorities, scientific experts and the wine sector, from around the world, the 38^th OIV Congress was a great opportunity to show the vast growth of the Wine in Moderation - Art de Vivre movement and the great commitment of the wine sector to encourage moderate and responsible consumption. Many delegations expressed their interest in the programme showing the growing involvement of the entire wine sector in moderation and responsibility.

The success of the Congress and of the WIM participation was hugely supported by the German Wine Sector and its Representative Associations and specifically its committed and competent professionals.