Reducing Pesticides, Preserving Quality—The Frontline of World-Attention PIWI Varieties: 6th JVA Symposium Announcement

The Japan Viticulture Association (JVA) will hold the "6th JVA Symposium" on June 28, 2026 (Sun) at the Convention Hall of the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo. This symposium serves as a crucial opportunity to share and exchange the latest knowledge on technical progress in grape cultivation for Japanese wine, challenges in nursery supply systems, variety development, quality improvement, and the cultivation of unique Japanese wine culture.

This time, as one of the solutions to issues such as climate change and moves to reduce pesticide use, we will introduce new variety initiatives that are currently seen in various parts of the world.

On the day, we will introduce the latest overseas trends regarding PIWI varieties—a representative group of disease-resistant varieties that are currently little known in Japan—and conduct a rare tasting session of PIWI wines. Furthermore, we will report on JVA's activities over the past year and announce future business developments.

[Background of the Event]
As Japan's wine industry grows rapidly, attention to the foundation—grape cultivation—is increasing. Under the unprecedented climate change facing the world, various challenges exist on the ground. JVA has been conducting its activities based on three pillars: "import of foreign varieties and clones," "supply of virus-checked nursery stock," and "information sharing and technical exchange."

Given the recent increase in hot, humid conditions and disease risks due to climate change, and growing interest in sustainable cultivation and reduced pesticide use, we have chosen PIWI varieties, which have excellent disease resistance and are expected to adapt to the Japanese climate, as the theme.

[Event Overview]
Event Name: 6th JVA Symposium (Lectures and Wine Tasting)
Date/Time: June 28, 2026 (Sun) Doors open 12:30 / Starts 13:00
Venue: Convention Hall, 2F, An Block, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
Participation Fee: Plans available for lectures only, with tasting, or online for both members and non-members.
Organizer: Japan Viticulture Association (JVA)

[Program Details]
Part 1: Lectures 13:00–17:00
1. Report on JVA activities
2. Explanations of initiatives by directors
3. PIWI Keynote Speech (Ms. Bea Steinemann, PIWI International)

Part 2: Wine Tasting 17:30–19:00
A comparative tasting of approximately 30 types of wine mainly featuring PIWI varieties brought in from Italy.