parapluie-vignes

Genius idea: a French start-up invents the protective umbrella for vineyards

undefined undefined 6 février 2026 undefined 18h00

The Editor

Cocorico version Agri’Food Tech. At the CES in Las Vegas, the global temple of innovation, the start-up Bienesis snagged the highly coveted Best of Innovation Award. This international award catapults this young company from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes into the spotlight of the global tech scene.

An “intelligent umbrella” to protect vineyards

Behind this award is an idea as simple as it is brilliantly effective. Bienesis has designed a vineyard protection system comparable to a remotely deployable umbrella. The goal: to shield the vines from extreme weather events, particularly hail and severe storms, without permanently altering the beautiful vineyard landscape.

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The device only deploys when needed, then retracts once the danger has passed. It's a direct response to the challenges posed by climate change, which is increasingly impacting French winemakers.

A technology designed for the field and landscapes

Innovation maintains both efficiency and aesthetics. Unlike some heavy and permanent installations, the Bienesis solution has been designed to preserve the interpretation of terroirs and the identity of vineyards. This approach is appealing for both its technological aspect and its respect for the winemaking heritage.

For François Lemaire, president of Bienesis, this recognition is the culmination of several years of research and development.ng> And this isn’t just a trial run: at the end of 2025, the company already stood out at the Sitevi exhibition in Montpellier by winning a silver medal in the innovation competition.

Soon to be widely marketed?

While a few tests and adjustments are still needed, the market launch is getting closer. In the end, this new generation “umbrella” could become a valuable ally for grape growers, facing increasingly unpredictable seasons. A clear sign that French agricultural innovation knows how to blend common sense, technology, and international ambition.


Source: Radio Scoop