'Louvre of Wine' with 4,200 Grape Varieties Relocates: 'Gigantic Operation'

The unique 'Louvre of vineyards,' Domaine de Vassal, faces an unprecedented challenge: relocation. This isn't just about moving a collection of plants; it's a monumental undertaking to safeguard 4,200 grape varieties against the encroaching threat of climate change. The rising sea levels and soil salinization along the French coast near Marseillan-Plage necessitate this ambitious, multi-year, multi-million-euro project.

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This is a gigantic operation

Originally established in the 19th century in sandy soil, the vineyard's location was a strategic defense against the devastating phylloxera pest. This tiny insect, which wreaks havoc on grapevines, cannot survive in the sandy conditions found near the Mediterranean. The Domaine de Vassal, therefore, represents not only a vast repository of global viticulture but also a historical testament to the ingenuity employed to protect it.

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It is a collection of everything that exists in the world in terms of grapes. There are 4,200 grape varieties planted to secure them

Now, the very environment that once protected the vines is threatening their existence. The decision to move the collection to the higher ground of La Clape-massif, about 50 kilometers inland, underscores the severity of the climate crisis. This operation, spanning five to six years and costing over 5 million euros, highlights the significant resources required to adapt to environmental changes. It's a stark reminder that even treasured cultural and agricultural assets are vulnerable.

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The sea level is rising, the groundwater is receding, and everything is becoming salinized.