The International Viticulture & Enology Society (IVES) has chosen Spain as the host country for the first time in its history to hold its annual meeting.
Yesterday, the Ribera del Duero became the epicentre of the global wine industry, hosting one of the sector’s most significant thought-leadership forums. The visit, organised as the main activity of the third technical conference of the International Viticulture & Enology Society (IVES), forms part of the association’s annual event held in various locations around the world. This year, for the first time in its history, the association has chosen Spain as the host country, following events in France in 2022 and 2025, Portugal in 2023 and the United States in 2024.
Pago de Carraovejas, the home of Alma Carraovejas, hosted a historic delegation: a gathering that brought together research centres, universities and some of the world’s most prestigious wineries, such as Château Pétrus, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux, d’Yquem, Mouton Rothschild, Opus One, Catena Zapata and Joseph Phelps Vineyards, amongst others.
The event provided an opportunity to present in detail the comprehensive approach that Alma Carraovejas applies to its innovation and sustainability practices, both in viticulture and in the winemaking process. Alma Carraovejas’ portfolio of viticultural projects has recently joined IVES, alongside Badem Bodegas from the Somontano DO, as the only Spanish producers represented in this international institution dedicated to disseminating research findings in viticulture and oenology. This membership places Alma Carraovejas within a global network that drives the dissemination of scientific knowledge about vines and wine and promotes collaboration and the exchange of learning among professionals in the sector.
The selection of Pago de Carraovejas by IVES represents for the team “an opportunity to build community and generate synergies”, said Pedro Ruiz, CEO of Alma Carraovejas, whilst noting that “continuing to improve every day by seeking innovation and a sustainable vision, in the broadest sense of the word, enables us to tackle the major challenges facing the sector. “Our membership of IVES reinforces the commitment we have made to science-based practices, innovation and the development of more sustainable and responsible production models, as well as facilitating access to the latest research in viticulture and oenology.”
The meeting was also attended by researchers from Spanish institutions with which Alma Carraovejas collaborates on various R&D&I projects, and which are also part of IVES, contributing their scientific work and research aimed at improving the world of viticulture and wine. These include the Public University of Navarra (UPNA), with whom the REVIVID project on varietal diversity and the recovery of marras is being developed, and the Polytechnic University of Madrid, with whom work is being carried out on a study of soils as carbon sinks (VITICOS) and mechanisms of biological acidification (LowpHWine).
A think tank tackling global challenges
Opening remarks by Pedro Ruiz Aragoneses and Roland Riesen, president of IVES, set the stage for a series of scientific sessions that took place throughout the day. Speakers Hugo Fernández Mena, Nathalie Ollat and Amber Parker presented various viticultural analyses on soils, advances in defoliation for ripening such as green pruning or leaf removal, adaptation to drought, and yield deficits in different parts of the world.
The afternoon session, focused on oenology, featured presentations by François Clavero, Domonik Durner and Jonas Inderbitzin. During this part, the discussion centred on grape ripening, quality processes in the winery and consumer preferences.
During the event, attendees were treated to a gastronomic experience prepared by Restaurante Ambivium*, accompanied by a selection of wines from Alma Carraovejas. To conclude, and in homage to the world’s great wines, participants enjoyed a tasting of wines from the various producers around the world who are members of the association, as well as other wines from guest wineries such as Vega Sicilia, Aalto, Comenge and Roda.
