PENVITIS+, whose full title is “Smart and sustainable viticulture for climate adaptation and improved vineyard quality on steep slopes”, is an innovation project aimed at improving the resilience, sustainability and viability of heroic viticulture in areas such as Priorat, Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands.

These areas preserve local grape varieties and landscapes of great cultural, environmental and economic value. However, steep slopes, small plots and difficult access limit mechanisation. These challenges are compounded by the effects of climate change, including drought, heatwaves, erosion and increased pressure from pests and diseases.

The project will study the introduction of cover crops and new ways of managing vegetation to protect the soil, improve water retention and reduce damage caused by high temperatures. It will also analyse their effects on vine water status, grape ripening and must quality.

PENVITIS+ will develop predictive models based on artificial intelligence, climate data, sensors and agronomic information. These tools will aim to anticipate at least 80% of pest and disease incidents and reduce the use of plant protection products by 30%.

The project will also test drone-based treatment applications in plots that are difficult to access. Trials will compare this technology with conventional systems to assess coverage, product consumption, costs, safety and effectiveness, with the aim of reducing the time spent on manual treatments by 30%.

The Operational Group is coordinated by INNOVI, the Catalan Wine Cluster, and brings together the Association of Canary Islands Winegrowers and Winemakers, AVIBO, the Regulatory Council of the DOQ Priorat, Adegas Moure and Celler Mas Doix. Scientific and technical validation will involve INCAVI, the Galician Viticulture and Oenology Station, EVEGA-AGACAL, and the Canary Islands Institute for Agrifood Quality, ICCA. The Regulatory Council of the DO Ribeira Sacra, Bodegas Viñátigo, GALA Media and ZABALA Innovation are also collaborating.

The solutions will be validated during the 2026, 2027 and 2028 wine-growing seasons in Catalonia, Galicia and the Canary Islands. The results will be shared with the sector through technical events, publications, social media, newsletters and specialist media.

PENVITIS+ runs from 11 November 2025 to 30 April 2029. The project has a budget of €599,239, co-financed at 80% by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027.