1st International Conference : Bridge of Viticulture & Enology: From Antiquity to the Future, May 2027
Conference Aim
A 2 day conference aims to highlight viticulture and enology as a geocultural nexus connecting human networks, places, histories, and civilizations.
Its purpose is to build a bridge of knowledge from antiquity to the present and toward the future.
At the same time, the conference seeks to foster the creation of an integrated ecosystem that includes:
- a Database of Small Islands and Mountain Heroic Viticulturists
- a Wine Research & Education Observatory Centre dedicated to study of the local ecosystem and us this a an exmple to study other regions too
- a multimodal experiential framework exploring the relationship between the microbiome and neural processes
Dates & Location
📅 Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 May 2027
📍 Ikaria, Greece
💻 Hybrid format (in-person & online)
Preliminary Programme
Day 1 — Saturday, 22 May 2027
09:00 – 09:30
Arrival and Welcome
09:30 – 10:00
Opening Address
“Think about where you want to be in the end… and begin now, through wine”
10:00 – 10:30
Historical Keynote Presentation
“Pramnian Wine of Ikaria in Homer: The ‘Soothing’ Wine of Antiquity”
Topics include:
the earliest historical reference to Pramnian Wine in the Homeric epics (Iliad and Odyssey)
its description as the wine that soothes, strengthens, nourishes, and consoles
Mount Pramnos, the ancient mountain of Ikaria associated with the production of this renowned wine
the connection between ancient Ikarian wisdom and contemporary scientific insight into the gut–brain axis, including polyphenols, serotonin, and states of calm
Ikaria as one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where the legacy of Pramnian Wine may offer insight into contemporary longevity and wellbeing
10:30 – 13:30
Main Talks and Presentations
(15–20 minutes each, followed by a short discussion)
Indicative themes:
Wines without additives as a geocultural phenomenon
Microenvironment and locality: the concept of microbial terroir
Substance and wine: emergent qualities and their dependence on the supporting natural environment
Relationality among people, places, historicity, and non-linear architectures of time
Geoculture and the strategic meeting point of civilizations
The integration of future technologies (AI) into the new era of viticulture
Schools and pedagogy: new educational models through Master of Wine and Master Sommelier frameworks
Educational journeys in enology, viticulture, and wine tourism among small heroic producers
Experiential methods of knowledge-sharing and models of organization
Multimodal experience, the microbiome–neuron relationship, and its psychological implications
Open call for participation until the end of November 2026
Submission of presentation abstracts
13:30 – 15:00
Multimodal Wine Tasting and Experiential Session
“The Multimodal Taste of Ikaria and the Small Islands”
15:00 – 17:00
Central Workshop and Presentation
“The Dynamic Microenvironment of the Eastern Aegean: Soil and Climate — Temporal Variations, Historical Memory, and Adaptation to the Future”
Day 2 — Sunday, 23 May 2027
09:00 – 10:00
Experiential vineyard walk and workshop in a local vineyard
(for in-person participants)
10:00 – 12:00
Presentation and Discussion
Models for strengthening and advancing the brand identity of small wineries
A unique session focused on empowerment and on highlighting communication models rooted in the local ecosystem.
“Wine Tourism and Experiential Education in Small Wineries”
Including internship and educational programmes for students, in collaboration with universities.
12:00 – 14:00
Workshop — Ecosystem Creation
Official announcement of the Wine Research & Education Observatory Centre
Creation of a Database of Small Islands and Mountain Heroic Viticulturists
Launch of an online Forum (communication platform, map, and knowledge archive)
Group workshop:
“How can multimodal experience and microenvironmental data be transformed into psychological and scientific knowledge for the future?”
14:30 – 16:00
Lunch and Open Networking
16:00 – 17:00
Conclusions, Declaration of Cooperation, and Closing Session
Farewell address and announcement of the dates for the next gathering in 2028
Participation
Limited number of places available
Early bird registration until 28 February 2027
Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation
Registered participants will also be granted direct access to the Forum platform and the Observatory
Call for Participation
Scholars, wine professionals, educators, researchers, students, winegrowers, and cultural practitioners are invited to submit abstracts and expressions of interest for participation.
The conference welcomes contributions that explore the intersections of:
- viticulture and enology
- terroir and microbiology
- history and cultural memory
- education and pedagogy
- wine tourism and experiential learning
- technology and the future of wine ecosystems
- psychology, perception, and multimodal experience
For registration and further information find the informations below.
#BridgeOfViticulture #PramnianWine #Ikaria #BlueZone #WineObservatory
Book your spot:
🌐 www.afianeswines.gr
📞 +30 697 78 93 731
📧 info@afianeswines.gr
📍 Profitis Ilias, Raches, Ikaria