Abstract

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is a critical platform chemical that can be obtained through the dehydration of fructose, a monosaccharide naturally present in many agro-industrial wastes, including winery residues. To date, extensive research has demonstrated the successful application of enzymes in the oxidation and esterification of 5-HMF, as well as in the recovery of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass. Concurrently, significant progress has been made in the chemical synthesis of 5-HMF from glucose and fructose mixtures. Building on this solid research foundation, this short review proposes a comprehensive pathway for 5-HMF production directly from wine waste. It highlights the fundamental role of biocatalysis across the entire value chain and strongly advocates for an integrated process approach. By leveraging stable enzymes to minimize intermediate purification steps, this strategy ensures the overall sustainability of the operation. Ultimately, this perspective aims to inspire future studies on the valorization of agro-industrial residues through fully integrated bioprocesses.