In September 2025, the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) published a report on “new genomic techniques” (NGT) to improve and develop the planting material (vines) used in viticulture. This is an area of great importance for world wine production.
NGT includes, of course, techniques for developing new grape varieties, crosses and hybrids (see separate note). But it is also about improving existing grape varieties.
In both cases, it can lead to plants that are more resistant to diseases and thus reduce the need for spraying, or less sensitive to global warming. But it can also be a question of improving the quality of the grapes (one can compare it to the selection of clones, to understand its importance).
The OIV is careful to emphasise that NGT is not about traditional gene modification (GMO), which is an almost taboo area in the wine industry, but other types of techniques, including Crispr, which has recently received a lot of attention.
The OIV report is an overview of the current situation and what techniques are available and where different countries stand today. A very interesting “collective expertise document” for those interested in viticulture, botany, climate and the environment.
Read more: New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in Viticulture — OIV, 2025.
