Shortlisted Nominees For The Next Generation Award
Voting Now Open
We've received another inspiring haul of nominations for the third Old Vine Hero Awards and our judges have had the agonising task of reaching 5 shortlists from 14 countries! Below you'll find the profiles of the finalists up for the NEXT GENERATION AWARD. This category and is all about celebrating the passion and ingenuity of young talent within the world of old vines. The award acknowledges the next generation of winemakers, viticulturists and distributors who are stepping into the world of old vine viticulture, bringing fresh perspectives, passion, and innovation to the old vine movement and demonstrating how young talented individuals are embracing heritage and pushing the boundaries for generations to come.
To be eligible for the Next Generation award, applicants must be 40 years old or under at the time of application and be actively working with old vines.
Voting will close on Wednesday 26th March at 21.00 GMT.
To vote for your Old Vine Hero in this category:
Carlos & Juanjo Cerdan
Carlos and Juanjo Cerdán, the dynamic brothers behind Bodegas Cerrón, are committed to revitalizing old vine vineyards in their native Fuente Alamo, located in the DO Jumilla region of Spain. With a focus on the indigenous Monastrell and Airén varieties, they have faced significant challenges, including extreme drought and the loss of vineyards to solar panel installations and irrigated crops.
One of their key achievements is the revival of their great-grandfather’s ungrafted Airén vineyard, planted in the 1920s, which has played a crucial role in elevating the reputation of this once-overlooked grape. Their El Cérrico wine, made from this vineyard, received 100 points from Tim Atkin MW for its 2021 vintage, bringing significant attention to the region’s potential for high-quality, old vine wines.
The Cerdán brothers are also pioneers in sustainable farming in Jumilla, having introduced organic farming practices to the area and earned organic certification for their winery. Their innovative approach to viticulture ensures the preservation of the region’s old vines, promoting sustainability and stewardship while crafting wines of exceptional quality.
For more information, read the following articles:
Simone Foti
Simone Foti, representing I Vigneri Winery, is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Etna’s ancient vineyards, continuing the legacy of his father and grandfather. With a foundation in viticulture and winemaking from Burgundy, Simone has honed his skills and brought his knowledge back to the slopes of Mount Etna. His work with old vines is rooted in respect for tradition, cultivating vineyards in the traditional Alberello Etneo style, using chestnut posts from Mount Etna and organic ropes for vine support, avoiding plastic and invasive materials.
Foti’s philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature, rejecting the rush of modern farming methods in favour of an organic, patient approach. This includes using sheep manure sourced from local flocks, minimizing treatments to only copper and sulphur, and working manually for most of the year to preserve soil integrity. With over 80% of the labour returned to the local economy, Simone’s work fosters strong community ties and supports the local ecosystem, as the vineyards coexist with native plants like oaks, chestnuts, and wildflowers, promoting biodiversity.
Riccardo Giorgi + Adeline Maillard
Riccardo Giorgi and Adeline Maillard’s work at Cián du Giorgi reflects their deep commitment to preserving the unique, fragile landscape of the Cinque Terre. After moving from Bordeaux, they dedicated themselves to restoring century-old, abandoned vineyards in the steep, terraced hillsides of Riomaggiore and Vernazza. The couple’s approach to viticulture is a balance of innovation and tradition, always respecting the land’s natural rhythms and history.
One of their most notable projects has been the restoration of ancient dry-stone walls, which had crumbled over time. Given the difficulty of access, Riccardo and Adeline employed a helicopter to transport stones and reconstruct the walls stone by stone. This effort reflects their determination to maintain the region's cultural heritage while revitalizing the land for future generations.
Their sustainable farming practices are at the heart of their operation. They have abandoned the use of herbicides in favour of organic methods and rely on manual labour or a monorail to navigate the steep terrain, preserving the health of the ecosystem. They have carefully restored old vine plots, cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino, all of which thrive in the terroir and are grown using the traditional low pergola trellising system. Their careful work not only revitalizes the vineyards but also ensures that this unique landscape is maintained for generations to come.
Want to vote for the finalists for the Old Vine Hero Awards?
