OIV SCOPE Forum Unites 150 Experts from 51 Countries, Representing 90% of Global Wine Production

The first SCOPE Forum, organized by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), took place on October 20 and 21 in Dijon, France. The event marked a new step for the OIV in its efforts to foster dialogue and gather strategic input on the main challenges facing the global vine and wine sector. The forum was held at the historic Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne and brought together 150 participants, including OIV members, scientific experts, private sector representatives, policymakers, and delegates from international organizations.

The SCOPE Forum—short for Stakeholders Contribution on OIV Priorities and Engagement—was opened by Mathias Cormann, Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The agenda focused on three central themes: sustainability, trade, and culture. These topics were discussed through plenary sessions and working groups designed to encourage open exchange among stakeholders.

OIV Director General John Barker welcomed the high level of engagement at the event. He emphasized that the SCOPE Forum is intended to connect stakeholders at all levels within the OIV’s mandate as a global reference for vine and wine. Barker noted that the insights shared during the forum highlighted the importance of cooperation and knowledge-sharing to advance common interests in the sector.

On sustainability, participants agreed on the need to promote strategies that address environmental, economic, and social pillars. They discussed how a proliferation of different sustainability programs can create confusion for consumers and increase costs for producers. Many attendees saw an opportunity for the OIV’s sustainability principles to serve as a common reference point for future initiatives aimed at harmonizing standards across countries.

Trade was another major focus. Speakers highlighted that nearly half of all wine is consumed outside its country of origin, making international trade essential to the sector’s future. However, they also pointed out growing challenges from geopolitical uncertainty and non-tariff measures such as labeling and certification rules. The forum explored how the OIV could work with organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) to promote transparency and harmonization in trade regulations.

The cultural dimension of vine and wine was also discussed in depth. Experts described wine culture as an asset developed over thousands of years, shaping both present consumption patterns and future opportunities. Participants considered ways for the OIV to help define and promote recognition of vine and wine culture internationally, including possible collaboration with UNESCO.

The two-day program included high-level interventions from figures such as Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director General of the WTO; Paul Nugent, Professor at the University of Edinburgh; Sandrine Espeillac from ISO; and Julie Hesketh-Laird from FIVS. Working sessions allowed for detailed discussion on each theme, with moderators guiding debates among panelists from organizations such as Wines of Chile, Systembolaget, European Commission DG AGRI, Wine and Spirit Trade Association UK, CEEV Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins, ICOMOS France, La Cité du Vin Bordeaux, Burgundy School of Business, and others.

The SCOPE Forum is part of a broader initiative under the OIV Strategic Plan. The organization was founded in 1924 and now includes 51 member states representing 85% of global vineyard area, 90% of world wine production, and 75% of consumption. SCOPE aims to leverage this network by bringing together governments, international bodies, producers, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss key challenges facing vine and wine worldwide.

According to organizers, outcomes from this first forum will be compiled into a report distributed to participants and presented to OIV’s Scientific and Technical Committees for further consideration. The goal is to ensure that future OIV work reflects stakeholder priorities in areas such as sustainability standards harmonization, support for open trade systems, and recognition of cultural heritage.

The event concluded with reports from each working session summarizing key points raised during discussions. John Barker closed the forum by reiterating OIV’s commitment to ongoing dialogue with all parts of the sector as it continues its role as a scientific and technical reference body for vine and wine globally.