Old vines

Food & Wine reports that the Old Vine Registry has launched a new OVR Seal designed to give consumers a clearer definition of “old vine” wines. The scheme starts at vineyards aged 35 years or more, with additional 50+, 75+, 100+ and 150+ year classifications, and requires at least 85% of a wine’s grapes to come from qualifying registered vineyards. The registry now covers more than 12,500 vineyards in 43 countries, while the seal launches with 10 producers across seven countries. Supporters argue that the system could improve transparency around a loosely regulated term and potentially encourage preservation of mature vineyards, which may offer lower yields, distinctive fruit and greater resilience to environmental stress.

Vinography reports that the Old Vine Registry has now surpassed 10,000 registered vineyards worldwide, reaching a target originally set for 2027 more than a year early. The announcement says the database, launched in 2023 to document vineyards older than 35 years, now spans 42 countries, covers more than 40,900 hectares, includes 1,144 grape varieties, and reflects a broader push across the wine world to identify and preserve historic plantings.