Advertise on podcast: Climate Talks by Porto Protocol

Economic uncertainty, extreme weather, and global disruptions are testing the resilience of the wine industry. In this Climate Talk, the Porto Protocol convenes industry leaders to discuss how sustainability commitments can be maintained and strengthened during times of crisis. The conversation will focus on practical decision-making, resilience planning, and balancing short term pressures with long term climate goals.HOSTRosie DavenportGUESTSAnne Bousquet - Domaine Bousquet, ArgentinaTony Cleary - Lanchester Wines, UKSion Barnsley - Lawson's Dry Hills, New ZealandVictoria Gonzalez-Gordon - Gonzalez Byass, Spain

Biodiversity is a key indicator of ecosystem health, yet measuring it remains a complex challenge. This Climate Talk will explore practical approaches to assessing biodiversity in vineyards and surrounding landscapes, from field observations to emerging technologies. By sharing methodologies and real world experiences, the session aims to support more informed and effective biodiversity strategies across the wine sector. Talk with: Becky Sykes - The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation Felix Egerer - Unsworth Vineyards Michael Frey - Dirt Wine Simone Mazzolla - 3Bee | Xnatura

April and May, New Generations: Leading Sustainability in Wine brought together the next generation of leaders from family wine businesses to explore how they are driving sustainability and climate action from within. The series features four country-specific talks — France, Italy, Portugal, and the United States — each held in its native language and bringing together next-generation voices from the same country. These conversations create space for honest dialogue about what is changing inside family businesses, what tensions or challenges emerge, and how sustainability and climate decisions unfold across generations. Each session will open with a short workshop-style introduction by family business conflict specialist Arnaud Daphy, who will frame the discussion through the lens of intergenerational dynamics and sustainability. His contribution sets the stage for conversations that go beyond technical solutions, addressing the human and leadership dimensions behind long-term change. The focus is on real experiences, practical shifts, and the evolving role of new leadership in shaping a more sustainable future for wine. This special international edition will bring together three voices from different regions of the world, offering a broader, global perspective on these shared challenges. Visual designed by: Paul Jürgens

Throughout April and May, New Generations: Leading Sustainability in Wine brought together the next generation of leaders from family wine businesses to explore how they are driving sustainability and climate action from within. The series features four country-specific talks — France, Italy, Portugal, and the United States — each held in its native language and bringing together next-generation voices from the same country. These conversations create space for honest dialogue about what is changing inside family businesses, what tensions or challenges emerge, and how sustainability and climate decisions unfold across generations. This particular session is focused on new generations from the UK market, featuring Martin Reyes as the host and Diana Snowden Seysses (Snowden Vineyards, and member of Porto Protocol’s Global Steering Committee), Rory Williams (Frog’s Leap) and Alice Anderson (Âmevive). The focus is on real experiences, practical shifts, and the evolving role of new leadership in shaping a more sustainable future for wine.

World Refill Day Climate Talks Exploring Reusable Bottles in Wine: Lessons, Challenges, and Opportunities. This World Refill Day, in partnership with Lanchester Wines (UK), join us for a special edition of the Porto Protocol Climate Talks dedicated to one of the least-understood topics in wine packaging, yet widely promoted and discussed within the Porto Protocol community: reusable bottles. Refill and reuse systems are well established in some beverage sectors, regions, and companies. In wine, however, two realities coexist. For a handful of regions and producers, reusable bottles have been part of the business model for decades. For most of the industry, however, reuse remains an ambitious concept—an evolving conversation often perceived as too complex to implement at scale. Yet this is beginning to change. Around the world, pioneering producers, governments, industry organizations, and reuse operators are testing new models, building infrastructure, and exploring what it takes to make bottle reuse work in a sector known for its diversity, fragmentation, and deep-rooted traditions. Through three focused conversations, we will bring together experts and practitioners from across the value chain to share practical insights, real-world experiences, and lessons learned. From national refill systems and successful models in beer to pioneering wine bottle schemes and wineries already embracing reuse, these discussions will offer a realistic view of where reusable bottles stand today—and where they may go next. 4:00 PM GMT+1A Perspective Beyond WineTo understand where wine could be heading, we begin by looking beyond the sector itself. Join Henriette Schneider (Pro Mehrweg, Germany), Tiago Brandão (Super Bock Group, Portugal), and Mehdi Besbes (Adelphe, France) as they share insights from markets and industries where refill and reuse systems are more established. From Germany’s longstanding reusable bottle culture to experiences from the beer sector and national initiatives supporting circular packaging systems, this session will provide valuable context for understanding what makes reuse work—and what wine can learn from those experiences. 4:30 PM GMT+1Perspectives from Reusable Wine Bottle Schemes Reusable bottle initiatives in wine are developing at different speeds around the world. In some regions, such as Austria, reuse systems have a longer history and stronger institutional support. Elsewhere, organizations and producers are working to establish new models and build the infrastructure needed to make bottle reuse viable.Hear from Marie-Pierre Khann (La Bande Verte, France), Adam Rack (Revino, USA), Ingrid Winter (State Government of Styria, Austria), and Fanny Courtial (Château de l’Éclair / SICAREX, France) as they share experiences from different reuse programs and initiatives. Together, they will discuss infrastructure, logistics, stakeholder engagement, policy support, challenges, and the practical realities of creating and expanding reusable bottle systems. 5:30 PM GMT+1Perspectives from Wine Producers What does bottle reuse look like from the producer’s perspective? In our final session, Marta Mendonça (The Porto Protocol) will moderate a conversation with Janie Heuck (Brooks Wine, USA), Catherine Cuchon (Henri Cuchon, Switzerland), and Benoît Merchier (La Famille K, France). These producers have already embraced reusable bottle schemes and will share their motivations, experiences, successes, and challenges. From operational adjustments to consumer engagement and collaboration across the value chain, they will offer a candid look at what it means to put reuse into practice.

Transport is one of the most significant contributors to emissions in the wine value chain, making it a critical area for climate action. In this Climate Talk, the Porto Protocol brings together key voices from across the sector to explore practical approaches to reducing emissions. The discussion will focus on improving efficiency, identifying scalable solutions to decarbonize logistics, from vineyard to consumer. By sharing real-world experiences and challenges, this session aims to inspire collaboration and accelerate progress toward a low-carbon wine industry.

HOST: Jihany Brecci (Stella Pietro, Brazil)GUESTS: Mimi Casteel (Hope Well, USA)Alpha Lo (Climate Water Project, USA)Introduction / DescriptionIn this Climate Talk, organized in partnership with the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, on the theme of “Regenerative Hydrology.”This talk goes beyond viticulture as we zoom out to explore the broader disruptions in global water cycles.We’ll dive into the principles of regenerative hydrology—maximizing water infiltration, building healthy soils, and restoring natural water flows. Then we’ll examine how common vineyard practices, such as irrigation, can disrupt these cycles—and how regenerative approaches can begin to repair them.Real-world examples will be shared to show how vineyards can become more resilient to drought and erosion.The talk will be hosted by Jihany Brecci (Stella Pietro, Brazil), and will feature Mimi Casteel (Hope Well, USA) reimagining viticulture, and Alpha Lo (Climate Water Project, USA) rethinking our relationship with water.

How can vineyards go beyond sustainability and actively restore the land? Join host Jamie Goode for an inspiring deep dive into regenerative viticulture. Featuring Noël D’Egidio and Jean-Marc Lafage, this conversation explores how vineyard practices can improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and create more resilient ecosystems in the face of climate challenges. Learn how regenerative approaches are redefining the future of wine—turning vineyards into thriving, living systems that give back to the environment.

The Saving Every Drop in Wine Report brings together science, lived experience, and practical solutions to help the wine industry better understand and manage water—from vineyard ecosystems to winery operations. What to expect:✨ Keynote remarks from leading voices in wine and sustainability An exclusive presentation of the reportGuest speakers sharing real-world approaches to water stewardship in wineThis is more than a launch—it’s a moment to spotlight collaboration, innovation, and the shared responsibility to protect one of wine’s most vital resources. Be part of this milestone moment.

Throughout April, New Generations: Leading Sustainability in Wine brings together the next generation of leaders from family wine businesses to explore how they are driving sustainability and climate action from within. The series features four country-specific talks — France, Italy, Portugal, and the United States — each held in its native language and bringing together next-generation voices from the same country. These conversations create space for honest dialogue about what is changing inside family businesses, what tensions or challenges emerge, and how sustainability and climate decisions unfold across generations. Each session will open with a short workshop-style introduction by family business conflict specialist Arnaud Daphy, who will frame the discussion through the lens of intergenerational dynamics and sustainability. His contribution sets the stage for conversations that go beyond technical solutions, addressing the human and leadership dimensions behind long-term change. The tone is informal and candid — focused not on perfect answers, but on real experiences, practical shifts, and the evolving role of new leadership in shaping a more sustainable future for wine.

Throughout April, New Generations: Leading Sustainability in Wine brings together the next generation of leaders from family wine businesses to explore how they are driving sustainability and climate action from within. The series features four country-specific talks — France, Italy, Portugal, and the United States — each held in its native language and bringing together next-generation voices from the same country. These conversations create space for honest dialogue about what is changing inside family businesses, what tensions or challenges emerge, and how sustainability and climate decisions unfold across generations. Each session will open with a short workshop-style introduction by family business conflict specialist Arnaud Daphy, who will frame the discussion through the lens of intergenerational dynamics and sustainability. His contribution sets the stage for conversations that go beyond technical solutions, addressing the human and leadership dimensions behind long-term change. The tone is informal and candid — focused not on perfect answers, but on real experiences, practical shifts, and the evolving role of new leadership in shaping a more sustainable future for wine.

Old vines have survived heatwaves, drought, disease pressure, and shifting markets — often with fewer inputs and remarkable consistency. Their resilience isn’t theoretical. But what, exactly, can we learn from them?In this practical Climate Talk, our guests will share concrete lessons from managing old vineyards under climate stress. We’ll explore how deep root systems enhance water resilience, why natural vine balance reduces intervention, what genetic diversity offers in terms of adaptation, and how decades of site knowledge translate into smarter decisions today. HOST Sarah Abbott - Old Vine Conference, UK SPEAKERSAntonella Manulli - Fattoria La Maliosa, Italy Rosa Kruger - Rosa Kruger, South Africa Carolina Martínez Origone - Consejo Regulador DOP Jumilla

As climate change continues to challenge traditional viticulture, the need for sustainable, water-efficient practices has proven more urgent than ever. In this Climate Talk, we explored how dry farming can help vineyards adapt to rising temperatures and increasing water scarcity—preserving both vine health and the character of the wines they produce.We were honored to have with us a distinguished panel of experts: Linda Johnson-Bell, wine author and climate commentator; Guillaume Eicholz, viticulture consultant and researcher; David Fonseca Guimaraes, winemaker and advocate for dry farming Port Wine production; and Kees van Leeuwen, renowned scientist in viticulture and terroir.Together, they shared valuable insights, research, and experiences on how innovation and tradition can come together to strengthen climate resilience in vineyards around the world.

Old vines have survived heatwaves, drought, disease pressure, and shifting markets — often with fewer inputs and remarkable consistency. Their resilience isn’t theoretical. But what, exactly, can we learn from them? In this practical Climate Talk, our guests will share concrete lessons from managing old vineyards under climate stress. We’ll explore how deep root systems enhance water resilience, why natural vine balance reduces intervention, what genetic diversity offers in terms of adaptation, and how decades of site knowledge translate into smarter decisions today.

Hosted by Marta Mendonça - The Porto Protocol Join us for a dynamic talk on decarbonizing wine packaging, featuring diverse perspectives from alternative packaging innovators, the glass industry, a reusable bottle scheme, and a retailer. This discussion brings together key stakeholders to explore real solutions and actions driving the wine industry toward a lower-carbon future. Speakers Madalena Moreira - Encirc (UK) Katahrina Kleiner - Weincampus Neustadt (Germany) Ciaram Dickson - Frugal Pack (UK) Marcus Llhe - Systembolaget (Sweden) Who’s who at the talk? Marta Mendonça With nearly two decades in Marketing & Sales, Marta Mendonça has worked across diverse industries, from telecommunications to wine & spirits. In 2016, she founded her own consultancy, promoting sustainability and climate advocacy. Since 2019, she has led The Porto Protocol Foundation, driving global collaboration on climate action in wine. She holds degrees in International Relations, Marketing, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Madalena Moreira A Portuguese oenologist with global experience, Madalena Moreira ensures wine quality at Encirc. Having worked in top wine regions worldwide, she specializes in sensory analysis and bottling precision. Passionate about sustainability, she strives to make the drinks industry more efficient and environmentally responsible. Katahrina Kleiner working with Marc Dressler at Weincampus Neustadt as a research assistant, before I worked in the wine industry with a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology and Master of Arts in International Wine Marketing. Ciaram Dickson Ciaran is the Commercial Manager for Machine Systems at Frugalpac, the company behind the innovative paper Frugal Bottle. He is responsible for overseeing the international sales of the Frugal Bottle Assembly Machine, supporting their mission to decarbonise the wine and spirits industry. Marcus Llhe Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the early 1990´s, complemented by post studies in International Marketing and Trade. After university he has been working for various private and public organizations, with focus on sustainability from the start. Among other things he has been involved in research of substitutes to freons, ecolabelling, plastic collection and recycling, development of international sustainability standards like ISO 14001 and ISO 26000. At Systembolaget Marcus focuses on the environmental impact and performance in the supply chain, from the farm level to the shops.