A documentary explores how a group of independent winemakers wims to save wine from climate change

Climate change is profoundly transforming the world of wine, making it a symbol of the environmental challenges facing our planet. Phenomena such as heatwaves, hailstorms, and floods are putting strain on a winemaking tradition that is deeply embedded in Italy’s cultural and landscape heritage. It is against this backdrop that “Gradi. Il vino italiano ai tempi del cambiamento climatico” (Gradi: Italian Wine in the Age of Climate Change), a documentary by Will Media and Chora Media, created in collaboration with the Italian Federation of Independent Winemakers (Fivi), takes place. The documentary will be available on YouTube starting 16 January. Through a journey from Syracuse to the Valtellina, the reportage examines how winemakers are facing these extreme events with innovative solutions to safeguard a sector essential to the country’s identity.

Gradi: Italian Wine in the Age of Climate Change

Stories of resilience

The documentary gives a voice to winemakers who, with creativity and determination, are adapting to an increasingly unpredictable climate. Lorenzo Cesconi, president of Fivi, highlights the dual role of Italian winemakers: on the one hand, they must confront the immediate consequences of climatic events; on the other, they act as a barrier against the abandonment of fragile and at-risk territories. Eighty-one per cent of vineyards managed by independent winemakers are located in hilly or mountainous areas, often subject to hydrogeological degradation. “The agricultural system must reassess its priorities, accepting lower yields and higher costs to ensure quality and sustainability,” Cesconi explains, emphasising how such choices can become best practices for more resilient agriculture. The testimonies collected in the documentary illuminate the strength of these communities, which not only protect their territories but also envision a sustainable future for the sector.

Communicating Change: A Bridge Between Winemakers and Society

The documentary “Gradi” arises from the need to shed light on the challenges that Italian winemakers face daily due to climate change. For this reason, the language used is simple and direct, while the video format is designed to be accessible and engaging, particularly for younger generations. “The issue of communication is crucial not only to raise public awareness but also to bridge the gap between winemakers and institutions, which often lack a real understanding of the sector’s problems,” says Rita Babini, Fivi’s national secretary.

“From this same need came the Custode del Territorio (Custodian of the Land) project, which aims to recognise the winemaker as a guardian of the environment. This is because the winemaker is the one with their feet in the soil, deeply understanding natural dynamics, the difficulties of the territory, and the daily challenges. They are the first to perceive change and, through their work, protect and nurture the environment in which they operate, preserving a balance that goes beyond mere vine cultivation.” The project is currently in the hands of regional authorities, tasked with turning this vision into concrete reality.

Rita Babini underscores the need for greater institutional awareness regarding the sector’s real challenges. An example of how public funds can be mismanaged was highlighted by Lorenzo Cesconi, Fivi’s president: “Although Minister Lollobrigida allocated €144 million for vineyard restructuring and conversion, these funds cannot be used for critical interventions on the territory, such as addressing hydrogeological issues or preventing damage caused by climate change. It is essential that these resources also be directed toward concrete measures to tackle the environmental challenges threatening viticulture.”