From Tradition to Innovation: EU-GIFT Summer School Explores the Future of Wine, Heritage and Sustainability
Students and academics from across the EU-GIFT Alliance came together in Eger to explore how wine traditions, local heritage and scientific innovation can contribute to a more sustainable future
Eger hosted the EU-GIFT Summer School from 2 to 10 July 2026, organised by Eszterházy Károly Catholic University as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). Bringing together students and academics from partner universities across Europe, the Summer School explored how local heritage and traditional knowledge can contribute to addressing future sustainability challenges, with a particular focus on climate change and its impact on grape and wine production.
The programme welcomed participants from Eszterházy Károly Catholic University and several partner institutions of the EU-GIFT European University Alliance, creating an international platform for knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Summer School was officially opened by Dr Ilona Pajtókné Dr Tari, Rector of Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, who welcomed participants by highlighting the unique significance of Eger as the host city.
“Eger is a special location for this summer school. The history of our city, its cultural heritage, the spirit of the Lyceum, and the traditions of the Eger Wine Region all carry a message about the past and the future.”
She also emphasised that, in this region, grapes and wine represent far more than an economic sector—they embody identity, collective memory, landscape stewardship, knowledge and culture.
In her address, the Rector underlined one of the key messages of the EU-GIFT Alliance: Europe’s geographical identity is a valuable resource for shaping the future. She stressed that local values, regional characteristics, landscape-based knowledge and international scientific cooperation can jointly provide answers to complex challenges such as climate change and the development of sustainable food and beverage systems.
“We believe that higher education fulfils its vocation through the transmission of knowledge, the building of communities, and shared reflection on Europe’s future.”
Participants were also welcomed by Prof. Dr Elena González Fandos, EU-GIFT Coordinator and Professor at the University of La Rioja, and Dr Zsolt Zsófi, Director of the Institute of Viticulture and Oenology at Eszterházy Károly Catholic University.
Throughout the programme, students and academics gained insights into research related to viticulture and wine production, explored the relationship between local traditions and modern innovation, and engaged in discussions on sustainable approaches for the future of the sector.
For participants, Eger was much more than a venue—it became a living cultural and scientific environment where centuries-old traditions met cutting-edge research and innovation.
The Summer School strengthened knowledge exchange among EU-GIFT partner universities while fostering new international collaborations.
Once again, the EU-GIFT Summer School demonstrated that European university alliances create not only opportunities for joint education and research, but also meaningful connections between regional heritage, scientific excellence and the shared responsibility of shaping a more sustainable future.
