Background The global wine sector represents around 0.3% of the global annual carbon footprint of human activities, with each bottle of wine producing 2.2 (+/- 1.3) kg of CO2-eq. depending on technological, geographical and viticulture conditions. Viticulture (especially fertilisation) and packaging (especially with glass bottles) are the most significant processes contributing to the carbon footprint. The wine sector also impacts significantly on water quality and quantity. In addition, biocides and fertilisers negatively impact soil and water ecosystems. The EU is the world‘s leading producer and exporter of wine. It represents 20% of total agricultural employment in the EU, though it is overwhelmingly composed of small producers. In the last 30 years, the Priorat region (Spain) has developed an internationally-renowned model for producing high-quality wines. This model is grounded in the economic development and sustainable management of a unique agriculture landscape. The Priorat wine sector is formed by 170 wineries that are facing major challenges, such as the impact of climate change on the quantity and quality of the wine produced, and increased market competition from third countries. Grape growers and winemakers in the region need more than ever to improve efficiency, while at the same time preserving the quality of soil, water sources and biodiversity. Objectives The LIFE PRIORAT+ project aims to develop and demonstrate a model of sustainable wine production that is replicable in other EU wine-producing regions, along with the application of a set of methodologies for efficient resource use. The project will determine the environmental footprint of wine production and focus on its key aspects, such as the use of fertilisers and pesticides, water scarcity, energy consumption and packaging. The project’s innovative model will integrate sustainability actions in all of these areas. This addresses the need for a harmonised EU methodology for the green performance of wineries. The project results will contribute to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), as it promotes water efficiency and the reduction of pollutant loads in water bodies. LIFE PRIORAT+ will promote the substitution of synthetic pesticides by more environmentally friendly chemicals and non-chemical compounds, in line with the Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, as well as EU regulation defining maximum residue limits of pesticides in food. The project will also contribute to the implementation of the EU Single Market for Green Products Initiative, by demonstrating the applicability of the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) and by calculating the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) of wine products. The LIFE PRIORAT+ model will moreover help to develop the green economy in the wine sector, creating new job opportunities. Expected results: At least 20 representative wineries providing data for the calculation of the environmental footprint of the average wine produced in the Priorat region (applying the calculation rules published by the EC as a result of the PEF Initiative); At least 20 wineries involved in raising consumer awareness, resulting in at least 1 500 wine tourists informed about the project and the importance of taking into account the environmental footprint of products in purchasing decisions; 10% reduction in water consumption per tonne of grape produced for irrigating 400 ha of vineyards. In addition, it is expected that other producers will commit to project recommendations (reaching 25% of the current irrigable area); 25% reduction of the lifecycle environmental impact and 15% of the economic costs associated with pest and disease treatments applied on 250 ha. It is expected that at the end of the project, 30% of the region’s grape growers (i.e. more than 50) will implement environmentally friendly pest and disease-control practices; At least 20% reduction of chemical fertilisers used in 400 ha of vineyards. In addition, it is expected that other producers will commit to following the recommendations (reaching 30% of vineyards in the area); 10% reduction of the environmental impacts and economic costs of the production of grapes in Priorat; 15% reduction in the environmental impacts and economic costs of winemaking processes through the optimisation of the use of resources (energy, water and materials); Identification of at least 10 strategies to reduce the lifecycle environmental footprint (including the carbon footprint) of the wine produced in the Priorat; At least 40% of vine growers (approximately 580) and winemakers of the region directly informed and trained on the recommended sustainable production techniques; and At least 150 additional wineries reached by activities to promote transferability of the project results to other wine regions.