Shortlisted Nominees For Old Vines, New Technology 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 in the OLD VINES, NEW TECHNOLOGY AWARD category, a new category that celebrates the innovative ways in which cutting-edge technology is being used to enhance, preserve, and elevate old vine vineyards around the world.
Voting will close on Wednesday 26th March at 21.00 GMT.
To vote for your Old Vine Hero in this category:
Alma Carraovejas
Alma Carraovejas is a visionary collective dedicated to preserving old vineyards while integrating cutting-edge technology to advance sustainable winemaking. With a portfolio of renowned wineries across Spain—including Pago de Carraovejas (DO Ribera del Duero), Ossian Vides y Vinos (VT Castilla y León), and Viña Meín-Emilio Rojo (DO Ribeiro)—Alma Carraovejas combines tradition with innovation to safeguard historic vineyards and enhance their productivity.
Through groundbreaking projects like REVIVID and VIDVISION, Alma Carraovejas utilizes AI, multispectral imaging, and genetic analysis to identify vineyard diseases, optimize replanting, and ensure the long-term conservation of old vines. Their research into genetic heritage preserves rare varietals, counteracting the loss of biodiversity caused by modern vineyard practices. Additionally, initiatives like GO MYCOWINE and VITICOS focus on soil microbiology and carbon sequestration, fostering healthier vineyards that can withstand climate change.
Alma Carraovejas’ commitment extends beyond viticulture, incorporating education and cultural preservation through Fundación Cultura Líquida. Their holistic approach champions both the past and the future of winemaking, making them a leader in sustainable vineyard management.
Filipa Pato
Filipa Pato, a renowned winemaker from Bairrada, Portugal, integrates innovative techniques with traditional viticulture to preserve old Baga vines. She employs precision agriculture, AI-driven insights, and automation to enhance vineyard management while reducing environmental impact. To address climate change and dry farming challenges, she utilizes plant extracts like aloe vera and oregano for vine health, biochar for soil improvement, and essential oils for natural pest control. Mycorrhizal fungi are also used to improve root resilience and water absorption.
Her work focuses on preserving centenary vineyards, including the Missão vineyard, planted in 1864 with pre-phylloxera Baga vines. She applies manual pruning, vine bending with willow branches, and biodynamic practices to maintain vineyard health without mechanization. Native hedgerows, cover crops, and biodiversity initiatives further strengthen the vineyard ecosystem.
By blending technology with age-old methods, she enhances sustainability, improves wine quality, and ensures the long-term viability of old vines in the region.
Consorzio Friuli Colli Orientali e Ramandolo
The Consorzio Friuli Colli Orientali e Ramandolo, based in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology with the preservation of old vines. Through the meticulous mapping of over 5,000 vineyards and data collection spanning more than 20 years, the consortium provides detailed insights on vine protection to nearly 200 members. This enables precision in vineyard management while safeguarding the genetic heritage of ancient vines, some of which exceed 100 years in age.
A key innovation is the use of QGIS-based mapping and artificial intelligence to document and analyse vineyard conditions throughout the seasons. This AI-driven system, accessible in nearly 40 languages, allows producers to access data on each vineyard, grape variety, and growing season. By continuously refining its data, the consortium collaborates with universities and research institutions to classify and preserve the DNA of ancient vines, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
The study of ancient grape clones enables producers to replant and maintain historical DNA profiles, ensuring the continuity of Friuli’s viticultural identity. By making this research publicly available, the consortium is not only preserving tradition but also sharing its advancements with the wider wine industry, setting a benchmark for technology-driven sustainability in old vine conservation. For more information on their work:
https://www.colliorientali.com/areatecnica/antichi-vigneti-colliorientali/
Marta Juega & PI Concept
Marta Juega, PhD, MBA, is a highly respected expert in wine sustainability and technology integration, with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She is the founder of PI Concept, a sustainability-focused technology company dedicated to helping wineries implement circular economy principles, analytics, and data intelligence to improve environmental, social, and economic performance. She works primarily in Spain but also collaborates with vineyards in Portugal, Italy, the UK, and other European wine regions, as well as Argentina and California.
Her key innovation, PI Analytics, is a sustainability intelligence platform designed specifically for wineries, including those with old vine vineyards. This technology provides real-time monitoring of water usage, energy consumption, and carbon footprint, offering AI-driven analysis to optimize vineyard resource efficiency and biodiversity while ensuring long-term vine health. It also supports sustainability certifications and compliance tracking.
PI Analytics has demonstrated measurable impact in old vine vineyards by improving water retention, reducing waste, and enhancing soil health. Vineyards using the platform have reduced water usage by 33% per hectare, cut energy consumption by 30% per harvest cycle, and lowered carbon emissions by 20% within 18 months.
Through collaborations with vineyards, educational workshops, and sustainability certification support, Marta Juega and PI Analytics are ensuring that old vines remain resilient, productive, and economically viable while driving sustainability in the global wine industry.
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