Essential oils and the fight against mildew: What producers around the world can learn from an estate in Costières de Nîmes

A winemaking family in southern France has developed a natural alternative to copper fungicides using essential oils to fight downy mildew, one of the biggest threats to organic vineyards. With French authorities recently restricting copper use, Château l'Ermite d'Auzan's breakthrough could offer a game-changing solution for growers across Europe battling increasingly unpredictable weather. The estate is sharing their findings freely, suggesting this innovation could transform how producers tackle fungal diseases without relying on potentially harmful chemicals.