Swiss biologist José Vouillamoz largely owes his international reputation to the impressive research he carried out with his English journalist colleagues, Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding, which resulted in the book Wine Grapes. A Complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, a global census of 1,368 grape varieties (the entirety of those known, practically), whose DNA he profiled. It is this “world reference work, together with his intense programme of communication” that has earned him the Civiltà del Vino Prize. Originally from Valais, the 54-year-old ampelologist uses the latest biotechnology to further our knowledge of vines and wine. In Italy, he has worked with the Agricultural Institute of San Michele all’Adige. His research, based on genetic, archaeological and chemical evidence, has proved that the vine was first domesticated in Anatolia and not in Transcaucasia as previously believed. He is a member of the du Vin de Bordeaux e del Circle of Wine Writers’, la principale associazione mondiale di quanti scrivono di vino.
He has been awarded the International Civiltà del Vino Award for his internationally recognized accomplishments, combining advanced biotechnology with research into native grape varieties. His contribution to wine culture is further enhanced by his tireless efforts as a disseminator and by his book, Wine Grapes, which has become a global reference work.
