Luis Planas supports the celebration of the 44th World Vine and Wine Congress in Paris

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, spoke at the presentation of the 44th World Vine and Wine Congress that took place this afternoon at the Spanish embassy in Paris. This event will be held in Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera between June 5 and 9, with the motto “Viticulture and Information Technologies”. The minister stated that the wine sector is a symbol of tradition, but at the same time of avant-garde and progress.

The minister has pointed out that the Spanish wine sector is strategic, both because of its weight in the economy and in the trade balance and because of its capacity for territorial structuring and the development of towns and rural areas.

But he has also specified that apart from the economic importance, the wine sector also has very relevant social and cultural dimensions and contributes to the image of Spain both from the landscape point of view and sociability and the way of relating to others.

Luis Planas recalled that behind every good wine there is a story of work, dedication and devotion, and also another story ahead, since, when it comes out of the bottle, it is capable of creating unforgettable experiences.

Spain, with about 964,000 hectares of vineyards, according to the OIV 2022 Report, is the country with the largest wine-growing area on the planet, followed by France (788,000 hectares) and China (760,000 hectares). Furthermore, the wine sector has a great export force, which is increasingly relevant in non-EU countries.    France is the first destination for Spanish wine exports, and at the same time the main origin of Spanish imports.

Luis Planas has highlighted the high quality standards of Spanish wines which, in his opinion, are a symbol of tradition that is part of the Mediterranean diet, with great international prestige. In Spain there are 101 recognized designations of origin (DO) and 43 protected geographical indications (PGI); 144 quality seals, compared to 526 in Italy or 439 in France.

The minister also made reference at the event to the good work of the OIV, an expert organization in the scientific and technical aspects of viticulture that in 2024 will celebrate the first centenary of its foundation.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food co-organizes this edition of the congress that the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) holds every year. It is expected to bring together more than 800 specialists from the wine sector, who will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and analyzes of their work. The minister has encouraged producers, winemakers and professionals in the sector to attend this event.

The presentation event of the congress concluded with a performance by the singer Blanca Paloma, who will represent Spain in the next Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Liverpool on May 13.