26 March 2025, London – WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), the global leader in drinks education, has today announced the latest edition of its Industry Talks series: From soil to glass – Climate action in the global drinks industry. This three-part webinar series will address the urgent climate challenges facing the drinks sector and explore collaborative opportunities to drive meaningful action.
Developed in collaboration with sustainability consultancy The Vine Strategy Group and chaired by Michelle Bouffard DipWSET – speaker, educator and founder of Tasting Climate Change – the series brings together leading voices from wine, beer, spirits and sake. These panel discussions invite drinks professionals worldwide to connect, exchange insights and foster conversations aimed at building a more sustainable and resilient drinks industry.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Dr Laura Catena, Managing Director, Catena Institute of Wine
- David Paterson, General Manager and Winemaker, Tantalus Vineyards, BC
- Stephanie Jordan, Founder, Avallen Spirits and Drinking Out Loud, Netherlands
- Ed Massey PhD, General Manager Sustainability, New Zealand Winegrowers
- Mark Chapman, CEO & Founder, Zero Carbon Forum
- António Graça, Head of Research and Development, Sogrape Wine Academy
- Matt McGinness, GM Environmental Sustainability, Constellation Brands
Michelle Brampton, WSET CEO, said: “We’re committed to using our global reach and influence to drive positive change across the drinks industry. Climate change is a defining challenge – impacting everyone in the supply chain. As an industry, we need to work together to remain resilient and embrace innovation. We hope to play our part by connecting and empowering individuals and organisations to share knowledge and best practice, helping to build a more sustainable future.”
Michelle Bouffard DipWSET, adds: “In every challenge lies an opportunity. The climate crisis presents a chance to strengthen collaboration within the wine and spirits industry, building resilience and shaping a more sustainable future. Join us in being part of the solution.”
What’s on: Three-part webinar series
Each session is a live 60-minute Zoom webinar, with recordings available via WSET’s Global Events Hub on YouTube.
- The climate emergency and the global drinks industry
Thursday 27 March 2025, 5pm GMT (1pm EST)
An in-depth discussion on how climate change is impacting raw material production, supply chains, and consumer trends—and why immediate action is needed.
Book here - Sustainable land use and soil health
Tuesday 13 May 2025, 5pm BST (12pm EST)
This session focuses on regenerative agriculture, soil health, and sustainable land use as foundations for climate resilience.
Book here
- Rethinking the supply chain and innovations for a greener future
Tuesday 1 July 2025, 5pm BST (12pm EST)
Talking about innovations in packaging, logistics and production to decarbonise the drinks industry’s supply chain.
Book here
Tom Owtram, Managing Director, The Vine Strategy Group, said: “This series is a valuable opportunity to bring together experts from across the drinks industry to exchange ideas, share lived experiences, and explore practical responses to climate change. At The Vine Strategy Group, we believe that by partnering with those who challenge, inspire, and innovate, we can create opportunities for meaningful growth and impact. It’s been a pleasure to work with WSET on this series, which we hope will inform and inspire action across the sector.”
Ed Massey, General Manager Sustainability, New Zealand Winegrowers, adds: “Climate change is the biggest long-term challenge facing our industry. It will influence our choice of grape varieties, wine styles, viticultural techniques and regions, and importantly, the purchase decisions of our customers. Our response to climate change is critical to the reputation of New Zealand as a producer of high value, sustainable, premium quality wine.”
Open for booking now
All three sessions are free to attend and open for booking now via the WSET website.
