Viseu, Portugal – Annual CEVI General Assembly

Participants arrived in Viseu on the evening of 4 May and were welcomed with a dinner organised by FENAVI, offering the different delegations a first opportunity to reconnect or get to know each other and exchange in a convivial atmosphere. The General Assembly took place on 5 May at Solar do Vinho do Dão, a visitor centre dedicated to the wines and wine heritage of the Dão region, formerly the episcopal palace of Fontelo dating back to the 12th century. CEVI warmly thanks the institution for its welcome and its contribution to the smooth organisation of the day.

Following the opening speeches by Samuel Masse, President of CEVI, and António Vinagre, President of FENAVI, the morning-session began with a presentation of FENAVI and the Portuguese wine sector, highlighting the work of Portuguese Independent Winegrowers and the specificities of the national vineyard. After the adoption of several amendments to CEVI’s statutes, a tour de table then allowed each federation to review the situation of its sector over the past year, sharing positive developments, difficulties encountered, and the main issues on which they would like CEVI to continue or strengthen its action at European level. The Assembly also provided an opportunity to review the work carried out by CEVI over the past year. Discussions notably focused on the adoption and entry into force of the Wine Package and the relaunch of the request for an excise “one-stop shop” for distance sales.

During the Board Meeting held in the afternoon, members voted in favour of the integration into CEVI of the Slovak association CVVS –Cech vinohradníkov a vinárov Slovenska/ The Guild of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Slovakia, following a presentation of the organisation before the Assembly.Discussions also focused on the European Commission’s proposals for the future post-2027 CAP. CEVI reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the overall CAP budget, preserving the mandatory nature of the wine sectoral programme and a dedicated wine sector envelope. Furthermore, discussions addressed the possibility of extending support for promotion on the internal market to public relations, promotion and advertising actions, as well as participation in international-scale events, trade fairs and exhibitions.Another key topic of the Board Meeting was the project to create a collective brand for European Independent Winegrowers through the development of a common logo, drawing inspiration from certain already well-established elements of the French and Italian models. The BM also marked a new step forward in the reflection on a common definition of European Independent Winegrowers.

The General Assembly day concluded with a gala dinner bringing together all participants in a convivial atmosphere and showcasing the gastronomy and wines of Portuguese Independent Winegrowers. On 6 May, participants then visited the vineyards and winery of Casa de Passarella. The visit provided an opportunity to discover the history and identity of the estate, as well as the work carried out on local clones and grape varieties and their commitment to preserving both the identity and diversity of the Dão vineyard.

CEVI warmly thanks FENAVI and the entire Portuguese delegation for the excellent organisation of this General Assembly and for their hospitality throughout these three days, in particular Miguel Queimado, António and Maria Vinagre, as well as João Pedro Araujo and Carlos Campolargo.

Finally, members agreed to meet again in Czechia for the next CEVI General Assembly in 2027. This perspective is already accompanied by another important milestone for the organisation, with CEVI’s 25th anniversary.