Are you interested in grapes from old vines? Want to learn more about the world’s old vine regions? Are you looking to connect with other wine professionals and contribute to the industry? If so, the Old Vine Registry (OVR) project might interest you.
Several weeks ago, the online version of the registry marked its first anniversary as the world’s most complete database of existing old-vine vineyards. The volunteer project started in 2010 as a simple spreadsheet on Jancis Robinson’s website. Today, through crowdsourcing, the OVR includes 3,435 vineyards that cover 10,760 hectares (26,588 acres).
What’s unique about old vines?
Old vines are highly resilient, adapting to stress over decades and requiring minimal inputs and irrigation. They are genetically diverse and produce rare grape varieties that can improve future vines and contribute to sustainability. Old vines produce fewer grapes but have deep roots, providing more intense, complex, and concentrated flavors. In recent decades, there’s been a movement to identify, protect, and support old vines.
The Old Vine Registry is a publicly accessible online database serving the wine industry, viticulture students, academic researchers, wine historians, and wine enthusiasts. It offers extensive data on old vineyards and their cultural, historical, and biological significance, encouraging connections, including consumer ones that lead to wine purchases.
Although the database currently contains almost 3,500 vineyards, Alder Yarrow, database designer, and project manager, estimates there may be as many as 30,000 to 40,000 old vineyards worldwide. The Heritage Vine Hunt Contest was introduced a few weeks ago to expand the registry to 10,000 vineyards by the end of June 2027. Participating in the OVR project offers the following benefits for wine professionals, whether as contestants or volunteers.
Enhancing Your Knowledge of Historic Vineyards
Participating in the OVR provides access to information about old vines, including their geographical distribution, varietal diversity, and historical significance. Old vines are relics of the past, representing rare and unique grape varieties. Some old vines are the last remaining specimens of rare grape varieties. It’s not just about the grapes; you learn how they are farmed, their place in history, and how they are used today. Your involvement with the OVR in preserving old vines shows your value for quality and heritage. This enriched knowledge base can also significantly enhance your expertise and understanding of wine grapes.
Exploring Wine Regions in Depth
There are numerous ways to search for old-vine vineyards, but each method helps familiarize you with the wine region. As you research, you learn about the history of the area, the terroir, and other grapes grown there. It might also mean learning about the classification system, quality designation, and supporting wine organizations of the region. Many wine professionals, myself included, participate in wine industry certifications, and familiarity with the various wine regions is essential. Peggy Cramer, a respected wine educator and excited new project participant, says that as a WSET diploma student, she always seeks opportunities for deeper immersion in various wine regions.
Expanding Your Professional Network
Searching for old-vine vineyards involves studying websites, reviewing maps, and emailing for information. This process can lead to calls and meetings, providing opportunities to network with vineyard owners, winery staff, and professional wine organizations. As an OVR contributor, you become part of a community focused on preserving old vines, leading to lasting relationships and new career opportunities. Benjamin Roelfs, OVR’s earliest and most significant contributor, said the OVR opened several doors for him. Early on, he connected and developed relationships with wine professionals regarding the data being collected. As a wine writer, it led to several opportunities with online wine magazines.
Making a Meaningful Impact
Contributing to the OVR, a resource for the global wine community, offers a sense of professional fulfillment. You know that you are making a meaningful impact on the wine industry by preserving the legacy of these old vines. You are responsible for documenting these vineyards to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from them. This allows you to leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that the knowledge and appreciation of old vines continue to thrive. This sense of purpose can be rewarding and motivating throughout your career.
The Old Vine Registry represents more than just a database; it is a movement to honor and protect the heritage of winemaking. For wine professionals, participating and contributing to the OVR offers numerous benefits, from enhancing knowledge and expertise to creating connections and opportunities. For Peggy Cramer, it means a greater connection to the wine world, the vineyard owners, and the history of a particular region. It will enrich your professional journey and help ensure that the legacy of old vines endures.
How to Get Involved
How do you register for the contest or apply to participate in the project? You don’t. You just start submitting to the registry. However, I suggest you watch the webinar and read the FAQs, as well as this blog post first. After that, you can also contact them for expert advice, practical tips, and suggestions on hunting down information on old-vine vineyards.
That’s what I did before I got started.
