This paper presents a first overview of the evolution of institutions and networks that drive innovation processes in the French wine industry. The notion of “Systems of Innovation” (SI) is discussed and proposed as an analytical tool, contrasting two approaches : i) an interactionist approach, taking into account relations, actors and institutions involved in concrete changes observed in the vineyards ; ii) an institutional approach, assessing the evolution of the set of institutions formally dedicated to research, education, training and innovation oriented toward the wine industry. The study is based on previous empirical works in four regional vineyards and on a first national inquiry concerning research and innovation centres. Initial findings demonstrate that the national wine SI tends to develop at regional levels, becoming a crucial factor influencing competition between regional vineyards.