The organisation, permanently based at Bodega Cuatro Rayas in La Seca, Valladolid, has signed a partnership agreement with the International Centre for Research in Rural Development (CIDER) at the University of Burgos (UBu) to carry out projects focused on research, development and innovation
La Seca, 30 May 2025 – The World Forum of Wine Cooperatives (FMCV) – an association bringing together leading cooperatives from major wine-producing regions across the globe – and the University of Burgos, via its International Centre for Research in Rural Development (CIDER), have formalised a collaboration agreement to promote research projects in viticulture and winemaking. The agreement was signed by José Miguel García Pérez, Rector of the University of Burgos, and Ignacio Martín Obregón, President of Bodega Cuatro Rayas, representing the FMCV.
The agreement also covers the development of R&D&I programmes, training initiatives, and knowledge transfer activities, among other areas. It was signed at the cooperative’s facilities in the province of Valladolid, which serve as the permanent headquarters of the Forum. From this base, the organisation drives its international strategy, representing cooperatives from several European and American countries. The Forum represents over 30,000 families who depend on wine production in rural areas of Spain and around the world, collectively producing more than 750 million bottles annually.
During the same meeting, García Pérez, Rector of the UBu, and Vicente Orihuela, Managing Director of the Bodega Cuatro Rayas cooperative, also signed an agreement to advance innovation strategies. The cooperative is recognised as a leader in this field, with successful initiatives including the CDTi ‘Longverdejo’ project, aimed at enhancing the ageing potential of the Verdejo grape; the creation of ‘61’ Vermouth Verdejo, the first vermouth made from this variety; and the launch of Cuatro Rayas Grape Lager, a craft beer incorporating Verdejo must in the brewing process.
