Wild vine discovered in the Gorges de l'Ardèche

A protected vine, the wild form of the domestic grape, has been identified in the national nature reserve, prompting preservation efforts.

Generic image of a wild grapevine growing on a rocky landscape.
AI

Generic image of a wild grapevine growing on a rocky landscape.

A wild vine, a protected species and ancestral form of the domestic grape, was discovered in 2023 within the Gorges de l'Ardèche National Nature Reserve.

This climbing plant, present in the region for thousands of years, has seen its populations weakened by agricultural changes and the arrival of phylloxera. Since this initial discovery, other individuals have been spotted in the area.
DNA samples were collected over the summer by the National Forestry Office (ONF) to confirm the identification of this species.
A working group comprising the ONF, the National Botanical Conservatory, the Gorges de l'Ardèche Management Syndicate (SGGA), and the Scientific Council will meet in November. The aim is to define the actions needed to better understand, protect, and preserve this wild vine.
Based on information from the official source: Syndicat de gestion des gorges de l'Ardèche (SGGA) (22/10/2026)