The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
18 results across all types
- news
Rhizophagy – how plants farm soil microbes
Science continues to reveal just how sophisticated the relationship is between plant roots and the soil microbiome. We've written before about plants acting as miniature solar panels, using photosynthesis to produce sugars that are released into the soil as root exudates. These exudates feed soil microbes, creating a symbiotic partnership between plants and the organisms that live around their roots The post Rhizophagy – how plants farm soil microbes appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Cover crop-based under-row dry mulching enhances phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbial biodiversity in a non-irrigated vineyard
Canavera et al. (2026, Environmental Microbiome), Piacenza (Italy), found that cover crop–derived under-vine mulching in a non-irrigated vineyard significantly increased rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbial diversity while improving soil conditions and reducing pathogen pressure. Headline Findings: Methods: Conducted in a non-irrigated vineyard in northern Italy.Compared three inter-row management systems: In spring, cover crops were terminated and... The post Cover crop-based under-row dry mulching enhances phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbial biodiversity in a non-irrigated vineyard appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Effects of inter-row cover crop termination strategy on grapevine performance and mycorrhizal activity under contrasting seasonal conditions
In a 2026 study published in Field Crops Research based on Mediterranean rainfed vineyards, the authors found that roller-crimping cover crops improved soil cover, vine water status, yield (in wetter conditions), and mycorrhizal colonization without affecting grape quality, while seasonal climate was the dominant driver of fungal diversity. Headline Findings: Methods: Results: Read the original... The post Effects of inter-row cover crop termination strategy on grapevine performance and mycorrhizal activity under contrasting seasonal conditions appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Supporting cavity-nesting birds in organic orchards and vineyards: Evaluating the use of artificial nest boxes
In a 2026 study led by Emanuela Granata and colleagues in organic orchards and vineyards in northern Italy, researchers found that artificial nest boxes effectively support insect-eating cavity-nesting birds and may improve natural pest control when combined with diverse landscape features. Headline Findings: Methods: Results: Read the original study here. The post Supporting cavity-nesting birds in organic orchards and vineyards: Evaluating the use of artificial nest boxes appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Long term cover cropping improves soil water holding capacity in semiarid vineyards (Spain)
In a 2026 study by María José Marqués and colleagues, conducted across semiarid vineyards and olive groves in central Spain, decade-long cover cropping significantly improved soil water-holding capacity and overall soil health resilience under Mediterranean dryland farming conditions. Headline Findings: Methods: Compared long-term cover-cropped fields with conventionally managed bare-soil controls in semiarid Mediterranean vineyards and... The post Long term cover cropping improves soil water holding capacity in semiarid vineyards (Spain) appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Soil Health Field Tests: Video Guides
Vinescapes has produced four short videos demonstrating some simple field tests that can be used to assess soil health in the vineyard. No specialist equipment needed! These are practical, repeatable, and free to carry out. These are the four visual soil health assessments that are used globally by participants in the One Block Challenge™. The post Soil Health Field Tests: Video Guides appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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May 2026 Newsletter
Our May newsletter is out! This month: RVF’s 2030 strategy takes shape at Domaine Mirabeau, our debut at VinExpo Asia, the Mendocino 1BC launch at Bonterra, brilliant presentations at the London Wine Fair, field days across Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, the UK and Sonoma, plus a Cannes award-winning film, a must-listen podcast, and a stack... The post May 2026 Newsletter appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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April 2026 Newsletter
Our April newsletter is out! This month: Santa Barbara 1BC field days and new trial sites, the Porto Protocol’s landmark water report, Perrier-Jouët’s innovative cover crop trials in Champagne, fresh updates from Sonoma and Mendocino, and a stack of tools and events to help you save water, build soil, and future‑proof your vineyard. Read it... The post April 2026 Newsletter appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Perrier-Jouët’s cover crop trials in Champagne
Champagne Perrier Jouet The post Perrier-Jouët’s cover crop trials in Champagne appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Regenerative soil management practices no-till and sheep grazing induce significant but contrasting short-term changes in the vineyard soil microbiome
In a 2024 study published in People and Nature, the authors found that regenerative vineyard practices—no-till and sheep grazing—rapidly but differently alter soil microbiomes, with no-till increasing microbial diversity and grazing enhancing microbial activity. Headline Findings Methods Results Read the original study here. The post Regenerative soil management practices no-till and sheep grazing induce significant but contrasting short-term changes in the vineyard soil microbiome appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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The potential of integrating biochar and stable isotope technologies for regenerative viticulture under climate change
A review by Kingston et al. (2025), published in the Journal of Soils and Sediments, found that integrating biochar with stable isotope techniques shows strong potential to enhance soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in regenerative viticulture under climate change while enabling improved monitoring of soil–plant–microbe interactions. Headline Findings Methods The study uses a literature review... The post The potential of integrating biochar and stable isotope technologies for regenerative viticulture under climate change appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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California Vineyard & Winery Climate Action Toolkit
This toolkit from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance is designed to support winegrowers at every stage of their climate journey—whether they are just starting to explore how climate change may affect their business, already have strategies in place, or fall somewhere in between. Visit the “How to Use” page to find the most suitable starting... The post California Vineyard & Winery Climate Action Toolkit appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Reintegrating livestock in a specialized vineyard region: unravelling actor perceptions in southern France
This study by Ryschawy, J et al., (2025) published in Agronomy for Sustainable Development, found that reintegrating livestock into vineyards in southern France provides ecological benefits such as improved soil and vegetation management, but adoption is limited by weak coordination, economic constraints, and mixed stakeholder support. Headline Findings Methods Results Read the original study here. The post Reintegrating livestock in a specialized vineyard region: unravelling actor perceptions in southern France appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Extensive vineyard management and semi-natural habitats increase biodiversity and ecosystem services: insights from a global meta-analysis
A 2025 global meta-analysis by Silvia Winter et al., in Science of the Total Environment found that less intensive vineyard management increases biodiversity and ecosystem services by about 14% overall, with minimal trade-offs except for reduced yields in organic systems. Headline Findings Methods Results Read the original study here. The post Extensive vineyard management and semi-natural habitats increase biodiversity and ecosystem services: insights from a global meta-analysis appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Immediate effects of reduced tillage on soil health in a rainfed vineyard under Mediterranean conditions
Study in northeast Spain by José M. Mirás-Avalos et al., (2026) in Applied Soil Ecology journal finds occasional tillage may support soil quality however has clear negative affects on soil fauna. Headline Findings Introducing cover crops in Mediterranean vineyards can increase competition for water and nutrients, making managers hesitant to replace tillage with permanent cover cropping.... The post Immediate effects of reduced tillage on soil health in a rainfed vineyard under Mediterranean conditions appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Overcoming yield gaps in organic and biodynamic viticulture: insights from an 18-year field trial
Academic study at Geisenheim University showing that organic and biodynamic vineyards’ yields catch up over time, with biodynamic now out-performing in hot, dry years. Doring et al., 2026 Headline Findings Methods Results Original study here. The post Overcoming yield gaps in organic and biodynamic viticulture: insights from an 18-year field trial appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Climate and the quality of wine: Whites vs. reds
Study in North East Italy finds that red and white wines are affected differently by climate change, with growers moving to cooler regions or higher altitudes. by Millo et al., 2026 Headline Findings Methods Results Read the original study here. The post Climate and the quality of wine: Whites vs. reds appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .
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Interview de Jessica Villat – Le vitipastoralisme : intégrer les animaux dans les vignes
Cette interview de Jessica Villat explore comment reconnecter élevage et culture pour régénérer les sols, renforcer la biodiversité et redonner vie aux écosystèmes viticoles. The post Interview de Jessica Villat – Le vitipastoralisme : intégrer les animaux dans les vignes appeared first on Regenerative Viticulture Foundation .