Zeginis Winery Contributes to Cutting-Edge Research on Vineyard Stress Detection

At Zeginis Winery, innovation walks hand-in-hand with tradition. We are proud to announce our participation in a groundbreaking scientific study published in the prestigious International Journal of Remote Sensing, titled:“New vegetation stress assessment approach via WorldView-3 imagery, validated with UAV thermal imaging”.

This international collaboration led by researchers from Greek and UK universities introduces a powerful new method to detect stress in vineyards using satellite imagery and drone technology—paving the way for smarter, more sustainable viticulture.

🌱 Why This Research Matters for Winemaking

Vineyard health is the foundation of great wine. But environmental stress—caused by heat, drought, or disease—can impact vine development, grape quality, and ultimately the wine in your glass.

The research focused on non-invasive monitoring of vine stress by analyzing satellite and UAV (drone) imagery. It offers a scalable, scientific way to detect plant stress early—before it’s visible to the human eye.

This means viticulturists can take targeted action (like adjusting irrigation or canopy management), helping protect yields and improve quality with minimal environmental impact.

🔬 What Was Done – In Simple Terms

The team used WorldView-3, a high-resolution satellite, to capture infrared and multispectral images of our vineyard in Grammatiko, Attica. By analyzing specific light bands—especially SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared), which is sensitive to water levels in leaves—they could detect even subtle signs of vine stress.

To make sure the satellite method worked, the team compared it to thermal and RGB images taken by drones flown over our vines shortly after the satellite passed overhead. Despite their very different resolutions, both methods identified the same stress zones, proving the reliability of the satellite-based approach.

This validation is key: it shows that vineyards can be monitored remotely, quickly, and with precision, using data from space.

🍇 Zeginis Winery’s Role in the Research

This pioneering work would not have been possible without the contribution of our experimental vineyard plots. The researchers selected our Chardonnay vines as the case study due to their maturity, unique location, and consistent cultivation practices.

Our enologist, Chrysanthi Zegini, played a central role in coordinating the fieldwork and validating the results. With formal training in Bordeaux and a research background that includes Château Mouton Rothschild, Chrysanthi brings deep scientific insight to every project she touches. Her expertise ensured the accuracy of stress assessments and bridged the gap between advanced technology and real-world winemaking.

🚀 Looking Ahead: The Future of Precision Viticulture

This study represents a leap forward in precision viticulture—a field where technology meets terroir. With tools like this, wineries can detect vine stress early, reduce water use, and respond to climate change more intelligently.

At Zeginis Winery, we’re proud not only to craft expressive wines but also to contribute to science and sustainability in the wine industry. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to responsible, forward-thinking winemaking rooted in the land and enhanced by innovation.

We invite you to explore our wines, visit our vineyard, and taste the future of Greek winemaking.

📖 Citation: Fevgas, G., Lagkas, T., Argyriou, V., & Sarigiannidis, P. (2025). New vegetation stress assessment approach via WorldView-3 imagery, validated with UAV thermal imaging. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 46(12), 4764–4780. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2025.2513562