Background Viticulture, or the science of grape-growing, is economically significant for many European countries. However, this activity can have adverse environmental impacts. Building terraces for vineyards represents a major intervention in the natural landscape. The elimination of herbaceous surfaces on steep slopes, along with the application of inappropriate irrigation systems, results in erosion and loss of organic matter from the soil, and therefore a loss of fertility. Furthermore, soil can be contaminated by excessive use of fertilisers and chemical products. Objectives The PRIORAT project set out to demonstrate the potential that a sustainable management system could have for mountain viticulture, by reducing the sector's environmental impacts, while still producing grapes that could be used for wines of outstanding quality. The project tested a series of new techniques at three vineyards in France and Spain. The aims were to reduce the impact of viticulture on the landscape; increase vegetation cover leading to an increase in the proportion of organic matter in the soil; reduce use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers; and reduce water consumption by employing subsurface drip irrigation systems. Results The project successfully demonstrated a 'Mountain Viticulture Sustainable Management System' – a methodology with four aims: minimisation of environmental impacts, conservation/improvement of the landscape, quality control for grapes and wine, and increased productivity to improve economic performance. The system was tested in three viticulture establishments in the areas of Priorat and Empordà (both in Catalonia, Spain) and the Côtes du Rhône (southern France). Assessments showed the project had "exceeded expectations in many ways." The project employed a number of specific innovative techniques: Introduction of a terracing system that reduces the width of terraces by around 65 percent, and their slope by up to 60 percent, hence reducing the visual impact of terraces. This is accompanied by innovative vine architectures that follow topographic characteristics; The terracing system also allows vegetation cover to be increased by as much as 80 percent, and includes a drainage system for rainwater. This was found to significantly reduce soil erosion; Increasing the vegetation cover also had benefits for the organic content of soil, thus maintaining the soil's fertility; The improved irrigation system meant the use of fertilisers and herbicides could be reduced; Installation of subsurface drip irrigation systems meant water consumption could be cut by as much as 85 percent; Use of a number of monitoring devices and technologies, such as dendrometers, moisture sensors and sensors to determine the temperature of soil, and weather forecasting software, which can be used to determine precisely when pesticides, if any, should be applied.The project found that the maximum benefits are obtained if all techniques are used jointly – in other words, if 'comprehensive viticulture management' is applied, a start towards a more sustainable culture of wine production is achieved. It was found that, employing the methodology, high quality grapes could be produced at the same or higher levels of productivity as traditional systems, therefore improving margins. Economic benefits were also derived from reduced consumption of water, energy and chemical products. Introducing the Mountain Viticulture Sustainable Management System does involve up-front investment, but, in the long term, assessments have shown this is economically viable, and can even lead to higher incomes and employment creation. The methodology is transferable and could have great significance in particular for the conservation of natural resources in Mediterranean regions (usually wine production areas), and for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (see: www.coe.int/EuropeanLandscapeConvention). The project developed free software that can be used in terracing design, and produced a handbook of good practices, which is also available at www.forumambiental.org. In terms of transferability, these are expected to play an important role. Future activities could see the adaptation of the methodology and techniques to other types of wine-making area (e.g. non-Mediterranean areas) or to other mountain crops. The partners in the project are committed to continuing the use of the techniques, and to studying the results of the pilot projects over a three to four year period. This will allow collection of complementary data, in particular on long-term impacts. Overall, the project represents a step forward in a 'new thinking' about viticulture and viniculture, based on the management of grape and wine quality using new methodologies/technologies and scientific knowledge. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section). This project has been selected as one of the 17 "Best" LIFE Environment projects in 2008-2009.