OINOVATE (European Regional Initiative for Re-shaping Vineyard Cultivation’s Vocational Excellence) is a European Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative dedicated to transforming vocational education and training (VET) in the wine and viticulture sector. By bringing together vocational education providers, universities, research centres, public authorities, industry representatives, and innovation actors from Greece, Italy, France, and Portugal, OINOVATE aims to build a strong transnational ecosystem that promotes excellence, innovation, and sustainability across Europe’s wine-producing regions.

The European wine sector represents one of the continent’s most valuable economic, cultural, and environmental assets. However, it is currently facing significant challenges, including climate change, digital transformation, labour shortages, and changing market demands. Addressing these challenges requires a new generation of professionals equipped with advanced technical, green, and digital skills.

As a CoVE project, OINOVATE seeks to strengthen the connection between education, research, business, and regional development. The project promotes innovative learning approaches, work-based learning opportunities, and cross-border collaboration to ensure that vocational training remains relevant to the evolving needs of the wine industry. Through the development of modern curricula, micro-credentials, digital learning environments, and mobility opportunities, OINOVATE will support learners, educators, wine professionals, and rural communities in acquiring future-oriented competences.