Society of International Terroir Experts
Society of International Terroir Experts
The Society of International Terroir Experts (SITE) represents leading scientists working in climate, geology, soil, and plant studies in viticulture and wine research worldwide. The organization's main event is the Terroir Congress, which has been held every other year since 1996 in various locations, including France, Italy, Hungary, Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, Oregon, Australia, and Argentina. The Terroir Congress provides a venue for scientists from many wine regions worldwide to share current research and explore the terroir of the host site.
Our Expertise
Viticulture Studies
Our expertise in viticulture studies encompasses in-depth research on weather, climate, soil composition, and plant biology, providing valuable insights into the unique terroir of different wine regions worldwide.
Enological Studies
Our expertise in enological studies examines how vineyard site characteristics affect the inherent qualities of the fruit, such as aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel, which ultimately affect the quality of the wine from regions around the world.
Technologies
Numerous aspects of terroir research require knowledge of technologies including remote sensing, weather sensor networks, drones, soil moisture probes, artificial intelligence and machine learning, simulation modeling, DNA sequencing and metagenomics, and atomic absorption and near-infrared spectroscopy. These technologies, when combined with traditional field observations and viticultural and enological expertise, help scientists to gain a deeper understanding of how terroir shapes the unique characteristics of wine.
Terroir Congress
The Terroir Congress is held every two years at prominent locations where grapes are grown and wine is made around the world. The event brings scientists from many countries and regions together to share current research examining aspects of terroir. We are proud to announce that the next congress will be held in the Loire Valley of France!
16th International Terroir Congress
Held in conjunction with the 3rd ClimWine Symposium, the congress will take place from July 5 - 10, 2026, at the Ecole Supérieure des Agricultures in Angers (France).
Thirty years after the first International Terroir Congress held in Angers, this event will once again bring together scientists, academics, experts, and industry representatives from around the world to explore the complex interactions between the vine, its environment, and human practices that shape the concept of terroir.
The conference will feature keynote lectures, scientific sessions, technical visits, and ample opportunities for discussion and networking (and exciting surprises to mark this special anniversary edition).
Please save the date in your calendars, the official call for abstracts and further details will follow soon.
Dr Cécile Coulon-Leroy and Dr Etienne Neethling
Co-Chairs of Scientific and Organizing Committees
Previous Terroir Congresses have been held at these locations:
15th - Mendoza, Argentina (2024)
14th - Bordeaux, France (2022)
13th - Adelaide, Australia (2020)
12th - Zaragoza, Spain (2018)
11th - Oregon, United States (2016)
10th - Tokai/Eger, Hungary (2014)
9th - Dijon/Reims, France (2012)
8th - Soave, Italy (2010)
7th - Nyon, Switzerland (2008)
6th - Bordeaux/Montpellier, France (2006)
5th - Cape Town, South Africa (2004)
4th - Avignon, France (2002)
3rd - Tenerife, Spain (2000)
2nd - Sienna, Italy (1998)
1st - Angers, France (1996)
Publications
Proceedings of the International Terroir Congress
The Society of International Terroir Experts (SITE) has partnered with the International Viticulture and Enology Society (IVES) to provide access to the congress proceedings in the IVES Conference Series searchable database.
Please use this link at IVES to access the congress proceedings.
Exploring Terroir Diversity
Our ongoing exploration of terroir diversity aims to unravel the distinct characteristics of various wine regions, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of terroir's influence on wine typicity and quality.
Terroir Conservation Initiatives
We are dedicated to promoting terroir conservation efforts, emphasizing the preservation of unique environmental and geological factors that shape the terroir of different wine-producing areas.
Collaborators
Our collaborators include renowned research institutions, viticulture experts, and wine industry leaders, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing terroir studies and promoting excellence in viticulture and wine production in regions around the world.
Contact Us
For inquiries about our events, research collaborations, or membership, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to facilitating knowledge exchange, and collaboration in the study of terroir worldwide.