The ADVICO (Advancement of Viticulture Collective) platform marks the next chapter in journey of GEN-Z Vineyard Project, launched by Vinpro in 2016. What started as a focused initiative to establish demonstration blocks comparing cultivars, clones, and rootstocks has grown into a dynamic, collaborative effort that connects research, practice, and people across South Africa’s wine industry.
From GEN-Z to ADVICO – A Natural Evolution
The GEN-Z Vineyard Project was established to create a space where winegrowers could learn through observation and shared experience. By developing interplanting demonstration sites in commercial vineyards, growers can see firsthand how different combinations perform under real-world conditions. These demonstrations remain invaluable learning grounds, bringing science out of the lab and into the vineyard, where theory meets practice and practical insights are carefully and collaboratively developed.
A Broader Vision for Viticulture
As the project has matured, its vision has broadened. The focus, no longer solely on the “next generation” of vineyard plantings but on advancing viticulture as a whole through applied research, collaboration, and continuous learning. This shift in purpose called for a new identity, one that captured the broader mission and the collaborative spirit that had defined the project’s success.
The name ADVICO, derived from the Advancement of Viticulture Collective, embodies that vision. It reflects a renewed commitment to drive progress through partnerships, to link growers and researchers, and to bridge the gap between research and practical vineyard application. ADVICO represents not a new beginning, but a natural continuation of the GEN-Z legacy—stronger, more connected, and future-focused.
Demonstration Sites and Applied Research
Today, ADVICO’s work spans several interconnected areas. The interplanting demonstration network remains the foundation, offering comparative insights into the performance of cultivars, clones, and rootstocks across diverse growing environments. Alongside these sites, applied research projects address real-world viticulture challenges—developing solutions that are both scientifically sound and practically relevant.
ADVICO also partners with tertiary institutions to support student learning and cultivate the next generation of viticulturists, ensuring that the industry continues to attract and nurture fresh talent. Knowledge sharing is another cornerstone of the platform. Through vineyard walks, demonstration days, workshops, and digital learning resources, ADVICO makes research findings accessible, actionable, and relevant to growers on the ground.
Collaboration in the Face of Industry Challenges
In an industry facing the pressures of climate change, limited natural resources, and rising input costs, collaboration has never been more important. ADVICO helps the South African wine industry respond to these challenges through collective learning and shared innovation. By connecting growers, researchers, and industry partners, the platform encourages open exchange, turning data into understanding and experience into progress.
Looking ahead, ADVICO continues to expand with new demonstration sites, research initiatives, and partnerships. Its goal remains clear: to advance viticulture through collaboration, ensuring that the insights gained in the vineyard benefit not just individual farms but the broader wine community. ADVICO is more than a platform, it is a movement towards smarter, more sustainable, and more connected wine grape growing in South Africa.