Top Montpellier Researchers Visit L’Avenir

An esteemed group of researchers and wine scientists from SupAgro, Montpelier University of Excellence and ENTAV-INRA visited L’Avenir for a specialized Pinotage and Chenin Blanc tasting. The group travelled to South Africa as part of an innovation partnership with Stellenbosch University.

The visiting group included Prof Laurent Torregrosa (professor in viticulture, Montpellier SupAgro), Prof Cedric Saucier (Professor in wine chemistry, Montpellier University) and prof Bruno Blondin (Professor at Montpellier SupAgro), as well as Mr Hervé Hannin (Development director at Institut des hautes études de la vigne et du vin).

The exchange with L’Avenir is a result of the Strengthening French Ties initiative, which promotes collaboration between L’Avenir and French businesses, organisations and research institutions. This follows a visit in February by ENTAV-INRA to isolate and propagate clone material from L’Avenir’s celebrated Single Block Chenin Blanc vineyard.

“We are proud to be associated with L’Avenir, as one of the most prestigious wineries in Stellenbosch. The wine industry is one of the key opportunities for innovation and collaboration between South Africa and France,” explains Mathieu Bécue, Attaché for Innovation at the Embassy of France in South Africa.

Advini South Africa is in talks with Stellenbosch University and the French Embassy in South Africa to formalize an exchange programme for promising post-graduate students, with an emphasis on development and innovation.

For more information contact Advini South Africa’s Operational Marketing manager, Edo Heyns: edo.heyns@advinisa.co.za