The territorial redefinition of the Vineyard Landscape in the sherry wine region (Spain)

Abstract

The wine sector is a sector that lives and breathes its history and identity; and where developmental alternatives are sought in order to be able to compete in the market. Vineyard areas are sold as rural paradises, where leisure, gastronomy, the landscape, and open-air activities all provide quality tourist experiences. The case of the Sherry Wine Region (Spain) illustrates local restructuring processes, changes in local-global planning, and the socioeconomic impacts of the globalization of food. The symbiosis between the specific, the global, and the historical discourses gives rise to reflections on this region’s territorial redefinition; and highlights its architectural heritage, its landscape, and the gastronomic experiences on offer. Diversification is regenerating the local economy, and wine, and wine tourism, are both the focus of a new territorial policy strategy designed to face the challenges of globalization, and common bonds for partnerships between the public and the private sectors.

Spatial Patterns of Vineyard Abandonment and Related Land Use Transitions in Beaujolais (France): A Multiscale Approach

“…The general patterns of vineyard abandonment in Beaujolais are partly similar to those observed in areas where crises in the tradition of wine growing occurred. The rate of abandonment (up to 30% in two decades) is actually quite similar to the rates assessed in southern Spain [34], southern France [8,35], and Eastern Europe [36]. Vineyards were furthermore maintained in plots considered ideal for wine (high-added-value terroirs such as AOC Cru-du-Beaujolais or to a lesser extent AOC Beaujolais-village), as typically observed [31].…”

“…In contrast, this rate was approximately 15% to 20% in the lower Ardières and lower than 15% in the Marverand and Merloux areas. Revitalization may have been hampered in the latter areas by the inertia of the vineyard system, which is often considered cultural heritage that should be maintained [33,34]. As a consequence, 50% to 70% of farms currently lack known successors in the southern vineyard area (Marverand and Merloux).…”

Permanent cover for soil and water conservation in mechanized vineyards: A study case in Piedmont, NW Italy

“…The provision of ecosystem services, defined as 'the resources or processes of natural (or anthropized) ecosystems that benefit human beings' (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005), are increasingly relevant in the definition of agricultural policies and for the Millennium Development Goals (FAO, 2020). Vineyard agricultural system is potentially well suited in Mediterranean conditions for delivering not only provisioning services such as grapes for table or wine production, but also others related to the regulation of climate and hydrologic cycle (e.g., Aguilera et al, 2013) or cultural ones such as landscape and aesthetic values (Foronda-Robles, 2018). However, in the current situation winegrowing is frequently associated with some negative impacts on the ecosystem.…”

“…73/2009(CEC, 2009. A recent analysis included in the Impact Assessment of the post 2020 Common Agricultural Policy (European Commission, CAP 2021-2027, 2018) estimated the impact of cover crops on soil erosion reduction in permanent crops by up to 37%. However, associating cover crops with grapevines may also generate competition for nutrients and water, depending on local soil and climate conditions (Celette et al, 2008;Ruiz-Colmenero et al, 2013).…”

Rebirth of viticulture and associated changes in the rural areas of Lower Silesia, SW Poland

“…The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of newly established vineyards in Lower Silesia, SW Poland, on the rural areas, including social, landscape and functional changes, as present in the very early stage of vineyard growth, as well as possible pathways of development in the near future. Whereas landscape dimension of wine production has often been subject of geographical analysis (e.g., Lugeri et al, 2011;Bruwer & Joy, 2017;Harea & Eplenyi, 2017;Foronda Robles, 2018;Myga-Piątek & Rahmanov, 2018), as has been wine tourism (e.g., Dodd & Bererland, 2001;Carlsen, 2004;Carlsen & Charters, 2006;Getz & Brown, 2006;Hall, Sharples, Cambourne, & Macionis, 2009), literature on social and functional changes in rural areas related to viticulture restoration is scarce, especially for the early stages of industry development (e.g., Telfer, 2001;Crmichael, 2005;Howley & van Westering, 2008;Dawson, Holmes, Jacobs, & Wade, 2011;Schernewski, 2011). Problems of winemaking in Poland was presented in the context of climate change, the most suitable varieties of grapes, changes in consumer behavoiur, whereas the regional coverage of geographical studies was largely limited to wine trails and enotourism (e.g., Kowalczyk, 2003;Olszewski & Dróźdż, 2013;Rogowski & Kasianchuk, 2016;Pink, 2017;Kruczek, 2018;Głąbiński & Koźmiński, 2019).…”