VIDCLIMA Operational Group: Advanced digital platform for the adaptation and intelligent management of grape varieties in the face of climate change

VIDCLIMA will establish a coordinated network of sensors and harmonized protocols to collect climate, soil, and vine data under real-world field conditions. This will provide consistent and comparable information across regions. For winegrowers, this means basing their decisions on reliable data rather than estimates. The recommendation is to use these measurements to better understand water stress, optimize irrigation, and adjust vineyard management. The main benefit is improved decision-making: detecting risks earlier, using resources more efficiently, and avoiding unnecessary interventions, resulting in more stable yields, better grape quality, and lower costs in an increasingly variable climate.

VIDCLIMA will generate an integrated database combining climatic, agronomic, and physiological information from different vineyards, organized under a common structure. This will facilitate analysis and comparison. For the user, this means having reliable and organized information instead of scattered data. The recommendation is to use this database to support decisions such as variety selection, vineyard design, and adaptation strategies. The added value is reducing trial and error: anticipating behaviors, improving planning, and optimizing resource use. This allows for cost reduction, increased efficiency, and improved resilience and productivity under water-scarce conditions.

VIDCLIMA will provide a detailed characterization of grape varieties, including their physiological, phenological, and agronomic behavior under water stress conditions. This will allow for the identification of practical differences such as drought sensitivity, development, and productivity. For winegrowers, the recommendation is to use this information to select varieties better adapted to their region and future climate scenarios. The benefit is to make more informed decisions with less risk, reducing production losses and quality problems. Furthermore, it allows for more efficient replanting planning, improved vineyard yields, and increased long-term economic sustainability.

VIDCLIMA will classify grape varieties according to their drought adaptability based on data obtained from different regions. This will provide a clear and practical reference for their resilience. It is recommended to use this classification when planning new plantings or replanting. The main benefit is reducing production risk: choosing adapted varieties allows for more stable yields and grape quality under dry conditions. This facilitates better long-term planning, avoids costly mistakes, and improves vineyard competitiveness. Winegrowers will be able to make more informed investment decisions in the face of increasingly frequent droughts.

VIDCLIMA will develop predictive models of grape yield and ripening under different climate scenarios, transforming data into practical forecasting tools. Winegrowers will be able to anticipate vineyard behavior, plan the harvest, and adjust management practices in advance. The recommendation is to integrate these models into decision-making, especially in seasons with high climate variability. The added value is both economic and operational: anticipation reduces risks, avoids losses, and improves resource utilization. This translates into more stable production, better quality control, and greater profitability in the context of climate change.

VIDCLIMA will design and validate a digital twin of the vineyard capable of simulating the behavior of different varieties under specific environmental conditions. This tool allows for testing decisions before implementing them in the field. The recommendation is to use the digital twin to evaluate scenarios such as varietal selection, irrigation strategies, or adaptation measures. The benefit is clear: reducing uncertainty and avoiding costly errors. Winegrowers can move from reactive to proactive management, improving planning, efficiency, and resilience. This contributes to better performance and long-term sustainability in increasingly dry and variable climatic conditions.

VIDCLIMA will enhance the project's visibility through a dedicated website and coordinated communication efforts. Users will have easy access to results, tools, and recommendations in a clear and practical format. Regularly checking these channels is recommended to stay updated and apply the knowledge gained. The added value lies in saving time and improving decision-making by providing reliable information in one place, facilitating faster adoption of innovations and a better response to climate challenges.

VIDCLIMA will promote knowledge exchange through events, workshops, and industry meetings. Participants will be able to learn from real-world experiences, compare results, and discuss practical solutions. Active participation in these activities is encouraged. The main benefit is faster learning and better decision-making based on shared knowledge, which allows for reduced risks, improved management practices, and progress toward more efficient and climate-resilient vineyard systems.

VIDCLIMA will facilitate the transfer of results in the form of tools and recommendations directly applicable by winegrowers and technicians. It is recommended that these results be incorporated into daily vineyard management. The added value lies in easier adoption of innovation, greater efficiency, and improved resilience. This allows for better economic performance, reduced uncertainty, and more effective adaptation to water scarcity and climate variability.