The Wine of the Future? Data Will Decide. Here’s What Producers Need to Know!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the wine industry, offering new opportunities to improve vineyard management, optimize production, and promote sustainable practices. Prof. Attilio Scienza, one of the leading experts in viticulture, joined Prof. Carlo Pozzi and precision agriculture specialist Luca Toninato to explore how AI is revolutionizing the wine supply chain.

AI and Genetics: A New Era for Viticulture

Artificial intelligence enables the analysis of complex genetic data, not just studying individual genes but also understanding the interactions between entire metabolic processes. This capability opens new possibilities for improving grape varieties, making them better suited to environmental conditions and climate change. Drones and sensors provide real-time data, helping producers anticipate optimal growing conditions and take targeted action.

Precision Viticulture: Sustainability and Quality

Advanced technologies such as satellite data, drones, and tools like the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) make it possible to monitor vine health and identify areas that require specific interventions. This approach reduces resource waste and enhances wine quality while contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Education and Digital Skills: A Challenge

However, fully harnessing AI’s potential in viticulture requires bridging the educational gap. Many small businesses lack the resources to adopt these advanced technologies. Investing in training programs and ensuring access to digital skills at all levels, from universities to producers, will be crucial in fostering a more innovative and competitive industry.

Thanks to insights from experts like Prof. Scienza, Prof. Pozzi, and Toninato, it is clear that the combination of AI, sustainability, and targeted education will be key to a more resilient, sustainable, and high-quality future for wine.

Prof. Attilio Scienza

Attilio Scienza, Full Professor at the University of Milan, has taught Vine Genetic Improvement and Terroir Viticulture. He has led numerous research projects on cultivation techniques, vine physiology, and genetics, publishing over 350 scientific papers. He is a full member of the Italian Academy of Vine and Wine and the Georgofili Academy. Since 2018, he has served as Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy.

Prof. Carlo Pozzi

Carlo Pozzi holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Milan and a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the Max Planck Institute in Cologne. He has worked on plant and tobacco genetics and genomics in research institutes and international companies. He currently teaches at the Universities of Milan, Turin, and Copenhagen.

Luca Toninato

Luca Toninato, PhD, agronomist, and viticulture expert, coordinates experimental projects on vine genetic improvement, vineyard zoning, and sustainable viticulture. He provides consultancy and training for institutions and companies. He is Vice President of the AGER cooperative and co-founder of Enogis SRL, a company specializing in agricultural data management and predictive modeling.