Vineyards in Heilbronn: Future in danger – winemakers are sounding the alarm!

Vineyards in Heilbronn: Future in danger – winemakers are sounding the alarm!

In the Heilbronn region, experts are observing worrying developments in viticulture. Vineyards are increasingly remaining uncultivated, which raises questions about the future of this traditional industry. Martin Heinrich, a winemaker from Heilbronn and member of the citizens' association “We for Heilbronn”, expressed his concern about the decline of Heilbronn's local mountain at the inauguration of the wine terraces on the Wartberg. Viticulture, he warns, is not only part of the local culture, but also essential for landscape management, tourism and the existence of many winemaking families. Heinrich also criticized the city administration, which, in his opinion, tolerated the abuses in the vineyards and repeatedly rejected inquiries on this topic. The situation has resulted in many vineyards lying fallow and growing uncontrollably, which poses health risks from mildew fungi that could also endanger neighboring plants.

However, the city of Heilbronn has a clear position on the importance of viticulture. She reiterated that both viticulture and winemakers are indispensable for the city community. In order to address the industry's challenges, the city is planning a personal conversation between the administration, Heilbronn Marketing GmbH (HMG) and local winemakers. In order to actively support winegrowing, the city will forego rental income from its vineyards until 2026.

Political measures and future prospects

The Heilbronner HMG also has plans to adapt the framework conditions for the wine village in 2024. A central point is the development of solutions for the increasing task of vineyards. Property owners are legally required to mow or graze agricultural land at least once a year to protect neighbors. Despite these regulations, the town hall has so far refrained from imposing fines in order not to place an additional burden on economically burdened companies.

The situation is not only local, but also has a national dimension. The German Viticulture Association (DWV) is calling for the introduction of rotational fallow land as a promoted biodiversity measure. This could help to improve market conditions, but must be sufficiently rewarded, together with full financing that covers the fixed costs and the costs of the new measure. So far, however, the federal government has not responded to these demands, which led to a blockade in the Conference of Agriculture Ministers.

Viticulture in crisis and the call for support

In view of the current challenges, the DWV appeals to politicians to take urgent measures to reduce costs for companies, including tax risk compensation reserves. Immediate efforts to promote wine sales are also called for, as the intensification of sales promotion measures is considered necessary. A comprehensive initiative to preserve the cultural and economic importance of wine in Europe is urgently needed. The VITÆVINO campaign, initiated by European umbrella organizations, is committed to defending the value of wine in society and educating consumers about responsible wine consumption.

The national implementation of this campaign, which began on October 1, 2024, is intended to set a further example to actively support wine culture. The Rhineland-Palatinate wine minister, Daniela Schmitt, officially opened this initiative in Mainz and called for support for wine culture - a step that could also convert desk discussions into real action in Heilbronn.

The challenges in viticulture are complex and require a coordinated effort from politicians, winemakers and society as a whole to secure not only the tradition but also the future of this important industry.

Further information and support options are available on the platform German Viticulture Association provided.