The editors of Wine Economics and Policy invite submissions for a special issue on the transformation of global wine value chains. The global wine industry is at a critical juncture. Faced with a structural decline in consumption, particularly among younger demographics, the sector is also grappling with escalating pressures from climate change, economic volatility, and technological disruption. This confluence of factors necessitates a fundamental reevaluation of how value is created, distributed, and sustained from grape to glass. This special issue seeks to capture the latest research on these transformations and provide a comprehensive understanding of the economic, strategic, and policy responses shaping the future of wine.
Topics of Interest
We welcome contributions that analyze how wine producers, distributors, retailers, and policymakers are adapting to this new landscape. Submissions are encouraged on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Climate Adaptation and Sustainability: Analyses of adaptation and mitigation strategies, the integration of circular economy principles, the role of certification standards, and carbon accounting across the value chain.
- Digital Transformation and Technology: Applications of AI, big data, and precision technologies in viticulture and winemaking; blockchain for traceability; and the growth of e-commerce, direct-to-consumer models, and smart logistics.
- Market Dynamics and Consumer Trends: Strategic responses to shifting consumption patterns and preferences, localization versus globalization, the emergence of shortened value chains, and innovations in packaging and collaborative business models.
- Policy, Trade, and Regulation: Examination of policy frameworks supporting sector resilience, the impact of trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions, labor market challenges, and the regulation of sustainability and environmental claims.
Special Issue Workshops
Selected papers will be invited to participate in one of two workshops: Perth, Australia (July 8, 2026) or Milan, Italy (October 20, 2026). Funding will be available to cover travel expenses for some participants.
Submission Guidelines
All submissions will undergo a standard but accelerated journal peer-review process [https://journals.fupress.net/reviewers/what-is-peer-review/]. Manuscripts must be submitted electronically through the journal’s online submission system by February 28th2026. Please adhere to the journal’s author guidelines, available on the journal’s website [https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/wep/about/submissions].
In the submission process, please, indicate the title of the special issue (Transforming wine value chains – Adapting to a changing world) on the title page, in order to get your paper addressed to guest editors.
Deadline for submissions: February 28th, 2026.
Download the complete Call as a PDF
