WE LOVE BACTERIA
We are here to secure yield and quality of grapes in a sustainable way, using bacteria – In short keeping your grapes healthy and happy
Our ambition
Sustainable viticulture with bacteria-based solutions
The world is changing
The climate is changing, and vineyards are experiencing increasing fungal disease issues. At the same time, authorities across Europe are pushing for more sustainable agricultural practices. This is happening in parallel with consumers, who are actively seeking out wines that are more sustainable. So, the pressure is on!
The pressure has resulted in increased use of synthetic fungicides that contain Trifluoroacetic acid (TCA), with the lovely nickname of a forever chemical. This is leading to rising concentrations in the wine itself. In fact, a recent study found TCA levels that were 3,000 times the legal limit for drinking water in Europe – Cheers!
The catch
Copper is an essential tool for fighting off diseases like downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola). But here is the catch—while it is great at killing the bad stuff, copper is a heavy metal that persists in the soil. And it is what we call a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, which means it does not just target the pathogens; it can also disrupt the good, healthy microbial life and throw the vineyard’s natural biological balance out of whack. In fact, many vineyards across Europe are already seeing copper levels that exceed the critical limit, by several folds – Time for change.
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It is time to change how we combat fungi
Emerging research highlights the plant microbiome as the vines “second genome”, playing a vital role in vine health, resilience and productivity (Minerdi & Sabbatini, 2025). In other words, modern science is teaching us the importance of the microbiome; we are now realizing that microbes are a team with their hosts, whether they’re plants or us.
copper is a heavy metal that persists in the soil
Why we love bacteria
Microbes (fungi, yeast, bacteria) are everywhere and part of this fascinating microbial world that we can’t see. A symbiotic world, from which we can learn a lot if we look close enough.
Our bacteria-based solutions are found in nature, and we are using our combined microbial expertise to find bacteria solutions that are effective against fungal diseases and conducive to the microbiome. We do this by isolating beneficial bacteria in nature and screening them for antifungal activity towards Botrytis cinerea, Plasmopara viticola and Erysiphe necator in vineyards.
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We will bring to market bacteria-based solutions, with high efficacy towards fungal infection, which can increase yield and quality of grapes, as well as enable a thriving vineyard microbiome. We want to work with the industry to develop the best bacteria-based solutions.
That is how we will ensure our products are not only effective but also convenient to use in vineyards and will not mess with the winemaking process or the wine’s taste. Because we do enjoy our wine.
Our team
The team behind VitiBiotech® truly love bacteria. With over 100 years of combined experience, they have worked with bacteria to create everything from fine wine to powerful enzymes and even used them as tiny soldiers to fight off various fungal diseases.
Operating team
The Board
Fascinated by grapes and vineyards
Great wine starts with vibrant healthy vineyards. In a thriving soil, you will find trillions of microbes working hard and supporting the vines.
Vines are incredibly robust plants that can thrive in a huge range of places. Yet, the grapes are delicate and fragile by nature. Their thin skins, tight clusters, and high sugar levels make them highly susceptible to fungal infections.
Peter Vinding-Diers | Vinding Montecarrubo winery, in Sicily
“VitiBiotech® is revolutionizing viticulture and validating my belief in a future entirely free of copper and sulfur in the vineyard”