My colleague at swissinfo, Tim Neville, wrote an excellent piece on an experimental organic vineyard in Valais that aims to restore the natural biodiversity to the region.

High on a hillside in the Alps, Hans-Peter Schmidt has begun an experimental vineyard where ancient clues for solving climate change may lie buried in the soil.

"Look at this," he says, stooping low to claw the earth. "See how black it is? This soil is alive. It could have a huge impact."

That's because Schmidt is no ordinary winemaker. Here in canton Valais, where about 140 producers make some of Switzerland's most popular wines, Schmidt runs a vineyard where the soil captures tons of carbon dioxide and methane gases each year while nurturing rich pinots noirs.

He is what agronomists call a climate farmer, seeking to restore the soil's natural biodiversity while simultaneously preventing greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.

more...

And speaking of grapes...

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