Further information: WiVitis KliWiReSSE Nano Imaging Lab During the panel discussion, attendees were given fascinating insights into the practical world of PIWI vines. Impressive panel discussion The fact that healthy soil is essential to the vines’ resilience was also apparent from the subsequent panel discussion with Holger Klein (Baden Winegrow- ers’ Association), Roland Lenz (Bioweingut Lenz AG) and Ernst Weinmann (State Viticulture Institute Freiburg). Lenz gave a vivid description of how, in the space of around eight years, he drastically improved the soil in newly acquired vineyard areas with a low hu- mus content — with the help of diverse vegetation, ground cover and gentle cultivation methods, as well as the exclusive use of PIWI vines. In this way, Lenz achieves high microbial diversity and can dispense with pesticides almost entirely. “Nature is our best helper,” he said in the panel discussion. In contrast to other vineyards, Lenz not only cul- tivates vines on his land but also combines them with various species of trees and cereals, as well as rewil- ded areas. The successful concept of his vineyard — operated according to Demeter guidelines — not only has a positive impact on the vegetation and results in award-winning wines, but also has a social component. “The more diverse the system, the healthier the people,” he says, summing up his con- cept. Holger Klein, who represents 400 vineyards as part of the Baden Winegrowers’ Association, re- marked that these conversions are not currently possible for all vineyards. That being said, he also believes there will be good opportunities for PIWI varieties in the future — including, for example, in alcohol-free wines, which are enjoying ever greater popularity. All agreed that there is still a considerable need for educational work — particularly to raise aware- ness among end consumers that viticulture in the Upper Rhine region can only be secured on a lasting 20 SNI INSight June 2026