OINOVATE (European Regional Initiative for Re-shaping Vineyard Cultivation’s Vocational Excellence) is a European Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative dedicated to transforming vocational education and training (VET) in the wine and viticulture sector.

The project’s name combines the ancient Greek word “oinos” (wine) with the concept of innovation, reflecting its core mission: to connect Europe’s rich viticultural heritage with the skills, technologies, and knowledge required for the future. For centuries, wine has been deeply connected to European culture, rural development, and economic prosperity. Today, however, the sector faces new challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, labour shortages, and rapidly evolving market demands. OINOVATE seeks to address these challenges through innovation, cooperation, and vocational excellence.

The project brings together a multidisciplinary partnership of 17 organisations from Greece, Portugal, Italy, and France, including higher education institutions, vocational education providers, research centres, SMEs, NGOs, and sectoral stakeholders. By fostering collaboration between education, industry, and regional authorities, OINOVATE aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports skills development and innovation across Europe’s wine-producing regions.

At the heart of the project lies the ambition to modernise wine-sector vocational education by identifying emerging skills needs and developing innovative learning opportunities aligned with the green and digital transition. Through regional Centres of Vocational Excellence, partners will co-create modern curricula, develop digital learning resources, and strengthen cooperation between training providers and the labour market. The project will also establish a multilingual Digital Academy, providing learners and professionals with access to innovative educational content and technology-enhanced learning experiences.

OINOVATE places particular emphasis on inclusion and accessibility. The project is designed to support a diverse range of target groups, including vocational learners, rural youth, women, NEETs, vineyard professionals, educators, SMEs, and policy stakeholders. Through training activities, mobility opportunities, knowledge exchange, and certification pathways, OINOVATE will help strengthen employability, promote lifelong learning, and support the competitiveness and sustainability of the European wine sector.

Ultimately, OINOVATE aims to create a lasting impact by building stronger regional skills ecosystems, supporting innovation in viticulture, and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, and future-oriented European wine industry. By connecting tradition with innovation, the project seeks to cultivate not only better vineyards, but also the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of European viticulture.