Research and innovation in the wine sector: The ICVV and the I-ReWater Project in response to water-management challenges

Abstract

I-ReWater analyses the current status of water resources in the SUDOE area, with particular attention to the use of reclaimed water in irrigated agriculture and its effects on crop production and quality, while promoting water resilience and security. The availability and quality of reclaimed water will be integrated into a comprehensive assessment together with conventional surface and groundwater sources. The project will produce a transnational action strategy defining the steps required to incorporate reclaimed water into irrigation supplies, reduce abstraction from conventional sources and improve the quantity and quality of water available for other uses through circularity. The strategy is based on the assessment of available resources and the environmental impact of irrigation with reclaimed water using life-cycle assessment, with special attention to eutrophication, water acidification, ecotoxicity and water-footprint quantification. Socio-economic analysis and public awareness of reclaimed-water irrigation will also be included. Two pilot actions, covering 16 trials in horticultural and woody crops under different sociocultural and environmental conditions, will demonstrate good practices. I-ReWater will also develop decision-support tools by integrating existing models and applications to establish sustainable deficit-irrigation strategies. Its transnational approach and integration of partners’ previous experience are key innovative features.

References

1. Vilanova de la Torre, M. Research and Innovation in the Wine Sector: The ICVV and the I-ReWater Project in Response to Water-Management Challenges. Recording of the presentation delivered at Enoforum Spain 2026, Zaragoza, 20–21 May 2026. Available soon on Infowine Premium: https://vinidea.it/es/brand/infowine/