This November, Stellenbosch is set to become the worldwide epicenter for a distinguished interdisciplinary conference focused on Chenin Blanc, a grape variety considered pivotal for the future of winemaking.
Regarded as one of the most resilient and versatile cultivars, Chenin Blanc stands as South Africa’s signature white wine grape. Despite its origins in the Loire region of France, South Africa boasts a greater number of Chenin vines than the rest of the world combined.
Organized in collaboration between the Academie du Chenin, Destination Angers, South Africa’s Chenin Blanc Association, and Stellenbosch University, this year’s event is further supported by various wine organizations and South African Tourism.
Titled “Chenin: Revealer of Place,” the congress is scheduled from November 1st to 3rd and will embrace both in-person and digital attendance. Taking place at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), the three-day affair will encompass a diverse array of academic discussions, presentations, and vineyard excursions.
A focal point of the event will be sustainability and innovation, with sessions and workshops honing in on three core themes: the comprehensive genome sequencing of Chenin Blanc grapes to establish a scientific foundation for clone diversity within the varietal; navigating wine cultivation and production amid the challenges of climate change; and adapting to evolving consumer preferences and lifestyle trends across diverse cultures.
Esteemed speakers will include Dr. Jamie Goode, a widely published wine writer with a PhD in plant biology, and Rosa Kruger, a prominent viticulturist and fervent advocate of the Old Vine Project. Their discussions will delve into novel advancements in regenerative viticulture.
A prominent draw will be Dr. Gabriel Lepousez, a distinguished French neuroscientist renowned for his expertise in sensory perception and brain plasticity. With a research role at the Pasteur Institute, Dr. Lepousez specializes in the neural circuits related to sensory perception, memory, and emotions. He also conducts neuro-sensory training for wine professionals to illuminate the intricacies of the brain during wine tasting.
Ken Forrester, Co-founder and Chairman of the Chenin Blanc Association, emphasized, “Hosting a conference of this caliber is a significant achievement for the South African wine industry. It acknowledges our country’s pivotal role in enhancing the global reputation and understanding of Chenin. Additionally, it provides an exceptional platform for our wine and hospitality sectors to exchange insights with international experts in their respective fields.”
