International Organisation of Vine and Wine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
International Organisation of
Vine and Wine

Organisation Internationale de la vigne et du vin
Member states as of 2011
Abbreviation	OIV
Predecessor	International Vine and Wine Office
Formation	January 1, 2004; 21 years ago (2004-01-01)
Type	Intergovernmental organisation
Headquarters	Hôtel Bouchu dit d'Esterno, 1 rue Monge, Dijon, France
Fields	Winemaking, viticulture
Membership	51 states
Official languages	English French Spanish German Italian Russian
Director General	Dr. John Barker
Main organ	OIV General Assembly

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) is a special group of countries. They work together on the science and technical parts of growing grapes and making wine. This includes all kinds of grapes, not just for wine. They also deal with grapes you eat (called table grapes) and raisins.

The OIV collects facts and figures about grapes and wine from all over the world. One of their main jobs is to create and keep up rules for the grape and wine industry. The OIV is based in Dijon, France. As of 2024, 51 countries are members. China was the most recent country to join.

A Look at OIV's History

The OIV's story began a long time ago. Its first steps were international meetings held in the 1800s. These meetings happened because of a big problem called the phylloxera epidemic. This disease was harming grapevines.

How the OIV Was Formed

One important meeting was the Montpellier Congress in 1874. Five nations came together to talk about the problem. Over the next few decades, people often thought about creating an international group. Finally, on November 29, 1924, eight countries signed an agreement. This agreement created the International Wine Office in Paris.

The first official meeting of this office was on December 3, 1927. Later, on September 4, 1958, the group changed its name. It became the International Vine and Wine Office. The OIV we know today was set up on April 3, 2001. This happened after 35 nations agreed to it. This new agreement officially started on January 1, 2004. It replaced the older office.

Countries That Are Members

Many countries are part of the OIV. They work together to improve the grape and wine world.

How Countries Join the OIV

Countries can ask to become a member of the OIV. If most of the current member countries agree, the new country can join. After being accepted, the new member has one year to make it official. They do this by sending their admission papers to the Director General.

What Member Countries Do

OIV member countries have certain duties. Each country must choose a person to represent them. This person attends the General Assembly. This makes sure every country is involved. The OIV also holds a big meeting every year called the Congress. Researchers and scientists share their new discoveries about grapes and wine there. A different member country hosts the Congress each year.

China was the most recent country to join the OIV. They officially became a member on May 14, 2024. China has the third largest area of grapevines in the world. Their membership helps with teamwork and trade. Now, the OIV includes about 85% of all the planted grapevines worldwide.

How the OIV Works

The OIV has a clear structure to help it run smoothly. It includes several important groups. These groups work together to make decisions.

Main Parts of the OIV

The OIV's structure includes:

• The General Assembly
• The Executive Committee
• The Steering Committee
• The OIV Scientific and Technical Committee
• The Director General
• The General Secretariat

These different committees help the organization work together.

The General Assembly's Role

The General Assembly is like the main law-making body. It checks and approves the plans and rules from other committees. They make decisions by trying to get everyone to agree (called consensus). Member countries choose who represents them in the General Assembly. This group meets twice a year.

The Executive Committee's Role

The Executive Committee gives advice to the General Assembly. It also watches over the scientific and technical work. This helps make sure the OIV follows its own rules and standards.

Setting Standards for Grapes and Wine

The OIV's main job is to create and keep up the rules for the grape and wine industry. These rules are like suggestions for member countries. They also help make sure customers know what they are buying. For easier international trade, products need certain information. This includes where they come from, how much alcohol they have, and their size.

What is Geographical Indication?

Geographical indication (GI) means a product has special qualities because of where it's made. To keep things real, there are rules for different products. For example, wine must have at least 85% of its grapes from the area written on the label. Spirits must be fully made in the area shown on their label.

The OIV also provides ways to check the color of a wine. They use a special tool called a spectrophotometer. This helps them measure colors accurately.

Important Decisions and Goals

At their yearly Congress meetings, the OIV makes decisions for the coming year. These decisions are called resolutions.

Recent OIV Resolutions

In 2013, the OIV made a resolution about new grape types. They suggested finding and growing new grapevines that can fight off diseases. This helps lower the risk of stronger diseases like downy and powdery mildew.

At the 43rd OIV Congress in Mexico in 2022, 32 new resolutions were made. Some of the newest goals include:

• Reducing things in products that can cause allergies.
• Keeping healthy plant and animal life in vineyards. This is called functional biodiversity.