The SUDOE area, with a deep-rooted winemaking tradition, represents the largest vineyard surface in the European Union and is a global leader in wine production. However, the sector is facing increasing challenges: declining soil health, the accumulation of lignocellulosic residues (LCR)—such as pruning remains and grape pomace—and the environmental impact of intensive pesticide and chemical fertilizer use. In this context, the SOIL & WINE RESIDUES project is conceived as a strategic response to promote a more resilient, sustainable viticulture aligned with the principles of the circular economy.
SOIL & WINE RESIDUES aims to promote a wine production model based on soil sustainability and the eco-efficient use of sector-generated residues, without the need for transportation to external facilities. The project seeks to transform LCR generated within the vineyard into useful resources to regenerate soil, develop high-value-added bioproducts, and generate renewable energy—thus reducing reliance on external inputs and improving the agroecological health of vineyard systems.
In its initial phase, the project will carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the current soil conditions in vineyards across the SUDOE area, characterizing soil health, quality, and ecosystem services. It will analyze current vineyard-soil management systems and the use of winemaking residues. Based on these findings, barriers and opportunities for implementing a circular model will be identified, and two pilot trials—at laboratory and field scale—will be established to evaluate the impact of LCR on soil regeneration and pesticide reduction. These trials will serve as the basis for territorial application recommendations, with the potential for replication across the SUDOE region.
The project will run from June 2025 to June 2028, with a total budget of €1,766,964, of which Paco & Lola will manage €103,548.55. It is funded by the Interreg Sudoe program and supported by a wide network of 15 beneficiary partners and over 90 associated partners. The lead coordinator is CSIC-MBG, and the project is firmly committed to transnational knowledge transfer, strengthening rural development, and improving the competitiveness of the wine sector in the face of climate change.
