To anchor this Observatory in real-work experience, partners organised focus groups at national level. They bring together professionals, associations, and stakeholders from the wine sector to validate the methodology of the Observatory, with particular emphasis on assessing the relevance of data-collection tools, and identify blind spots. These exchanges make it possible to capture wine sector-specific dynamics, cultural differences, and obstacles that need to be overcome to reach gender equality. By integrating insights from focus groups alongside quantitative data, the Grapes of Change Observatory is designed to reflect lived realities across countries and to respond more effectively to the needs of those working in the wine sector.
The first rounds of national focus groups have already generated important preliminary conclusions. Across countries, participants consistently highlighted the persistence of structural gender inequalities in the wine sector, alongside a strong tendency toward under-reporting of GBV, particularly in cases involving sexualised or ambiguous behaviours. Focus group discussions revealed common barriers to disclosure, including fear of stigma, lack of shared definitions, lack of trust in institutional bodies’ timely and sensitive capacity to provide support, and concerns about professional repercussions. Participants also underlined the need for clear, accessible language, trauma-informed approaches, and trustworthy guarantees of anonymity. These early insights confirm the relevance of the Observatory and are already informing adjustments to data-collection tools, reinforcing the project’s commitment to building an Observatory that is both credible and grounded in lived experience.