The cultural landscape of the Rheingau, shaped by viticulture, faces significant ecological, climatic and economic challenges. How do local stakeholder groups view the region’s future? The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE), in collaboration with Geisenheim University (HGU), addressed this question by conducting an online survey of regional experts. The focus was on current challenges in the Rheingau and the future development of the cultural landscape. Representatives from the wine industry, public authorities, and nature conservation associations and organisations in the Rheingau took part in the survey.

The results indicate that all stakeholder groups regard climate change as the key challenge facing the region. Accordingly, climate adaptation measures are considered essential to the long-term viability of viticulture. In addition, economic challenges and legal requirements play a significant role for both winegrowers and the wine industry. Participants further identified the protection of habitats and the diverse use of the cultural landscape as important measures for safeguarding viticulture.

Feeding Results Back into the Optimisation of Transfer Processes

The results of the survey will be used to further develop Geisenheim University’s targeted outreach programmes for the Rheingau region. A follow-up survey is planned at the end of the project, with the aim of highlighting changes in needs and interests over time and, where applicable, identifying initial structural trends in cultural landscape development.