Trade and press gathered for a significant milestone in the UK’s wine calendar with a walkaround tasting dedicated entirely to PIWI grape varieties. Held at West London Wine School, Fulham, the event brought together over 30 wines from pioneering producers, highlighting the growing interest in these disease-resistant varieties that are reshaping sustainable viticulture across Europe and the UK.
PIWI – short for pilzwiderstandsfähig, or “fungal-resistant” in German – refers to grape varieties bred specifically to resist common fungal diseases. These varieties reduce the need for chemical treatments in the vineyard, offering a practical response to increasing environmental pressures and climate challenges.
The tasting was hosted by founder of the West London Wine School, wine educator and Beare Green winemaker Jimmy Smith, who, alongside his team, provided expert guidance throughout the day. The informal, self-pour format encouraged attendees to explore the wines at their own pace while engaging in conversations around sustainability, innovation, and quality – themes that PIWIs are uniquely positioned to address.
Producers from across Europe were represented, but it was particularly encouraging to see a number of English wineries featured. Among the domestic entries were wines made from PIWI varieties such as Rondo, Savignac, and Solaris, with contributions from:
- Yorkshire Heart Wine Estate
- Silverhand Wine Estate
- Halfpenny Green Wine Estate
- Blackbook Winery
- Flint Vineyard
These producers demonstrated that PIWIs can thrive in British conditions, offering stylistic range and commercial viability without heavy reliance on fungicides. The event provided a clear case study in how viticulture is evolving to meet environmental demands, and showed how PIWIs sit at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and quality – making them a timely and valuable area of exploration for the UK wine industry.
For details of Wine with Jimmy’s upcoming courses and events: www.localwineschool.com/west-london
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