The Arrighi Winery, a historic estate on Elba Island with over a century of winemaking tradition, continues its commitment to innovation by planting new vineyards at the edges of small forests. This initiative includes restoring dry-stone walls, which play a crucial role in preventing hydrological risks on steep terrains, aiding water retention, and maintaining soil moisture.

Arrighi Winery has a long history of viticultural research and experimentation. In the 1990s, it partnered with CREA in Arezzo to introduce non-native grape varieties. Later, it collaborated with Professor Attilio Scienza and the University of Pisa’s viticulture program on research into the legendary ancient Greek “Wine of the Gods,” testing the effects of immersing grapes in seawater.

As a fully organic winery, Arrighi is now expanding its research with small vineyards planted on natural terraces bordering Mediterranean flora such as cork oaks, mastic trees, holm oaks, bay laurels, and junipers. This innovative approach integrates vineyards into the surrounding forest, enhancing both sustainability and resilience in viticulture.

The increasing effects of climate change, such as accelerated grape ripening, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity, pose significant challenges for viticulture. In particular, monoculture vineyards are more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, disease outbreaks, and soil degradation.

Our research shows that the presence of trees and Mediterranean shrubland modifies the vineyard microclimate, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. The natural alternation of vineyards and forests improves vine growth and care, making it a valuable strategy for climate adaptation. Additionally, this approach enhances Elba’s rich biodiversity, supported by the island’s extraordinary mineral-rich soils.

Proximity to trees also plays a role in reducing vineyard disease outbreaks, as forested areas can help slow or prevent the spread of localized infections into large-scale epidemics. Additionally, it may lower the risk of spring frosts by moderating temperature fluctuations.

However, despite these promising observations, we currently lack tools and methods to accurately measure, monitor, and optimize the benefits of integrating vineyards with surrounding forests. It is therefore essential to identify innovative approaches and scalable solutions that can support the implementation of this model more effectively and help adapt it to different contexts.

Carbon Storage and Climate Resilience

• Wind protection: Trees act as natural windbreaks, reducing wind speed—particularly beneficial on an island where strong winds affect air circulation.
• Temperature regulation: During increasingly hot and dry summers, the forest provides a natural buffer against extreme temperatures.
• Biodiversity boost: Extensive monoculture vineyards reduce biodiversity and increase plant disease risks, while integrating forests and vineyards creates an ideal habitat for insects and birds, promoting vineyard ecosystem health.
• Salt spray protection: For coastal vineyards, forests serve as a natural barrier against wind-carried salt spray, reducing soil salinization and protecting vine health.

This project underscores the importance of harmonizing viticulture with natural ecosystems, fostering a sustainable and resilient agricultural model that strengthens both vineyard productivity and environmental balance.

Arrighi Farm

Porto Azzurro, Isola d’Elba, Livorno, Italia