One book - many facets | The Wine Museum and the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park have invited 17 scientists to present their findings and thoughts on the subject of vines and nature. From biodynamics to hybrid vines and the life of animals in the vineyard... The book "Vines and Nature in Valais, between the lines of culture", which will be published on October 30, 2020, provides an overview of the latest knowledge and experiences in Valais.

Global warming, the success of organic viticulture, consumers' concerns about their health... The topic of "Vines and nature" strikes a chord with the times and invites reflection. The Wine Museum and the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park have investigated these questions and gathered various scientific points of view as part of an interdisciplinary research project. In this 272-page, richly illustrated work, 17 authors share a wide range of facts, knowledge, analyses and experiences.

Until the 1980s, most winegrowers paid little attention to the ecological effects of chemical treatments. From the end of the 1970s, the environmental impact of disease and pest control triggered heated discussions. Today, new methods are available for treating vines, including "integrated" production, which was promoted by Vitival from 1989 onwards. Some winegrowers go one step further and advocate organic or biodynamic viticulture. Since then, the "organic wave" has conquered more and more square meters and the renunciation of herbicides has allowed the vineyards to blossom. Agricultural policy is supporting this development, while labels for sustainable viticulture are proliferating.

The publication reports on the development of the treatment of vines. It also explores the relationship between vines and nature through the prism of biology, agronomy, history, ampelology, anthropology and geography. Among the topics covered are the terroir and its morphology, wild and hybrid vines, flora and fauna, global warming and even the advertising images that give a special place to nature in the vineyard.

The book was published on October 30, 2020 and is an extension of the exhibition on display at the Wine Museum in Sierre and the Pfyn-Finges Nature and Landscape Center in Salgesch.

The book can be ordered at the Nature and Landscape Center and here. There is a German and a French version.