Climate change is putting the squeeze on the world’s grapegrowers: new research
Renowned wine regions from Australia to South Africa are battling increasingly fierce fire seasons.
This year, Europe has experienced an unprecedented heatwave, accompanied by drought and wildfires. These conditions, particularly in wine regions like Bordeaux, have caused significant damage. The smoke from these fires can impart a burnt or ashy taste to grapes, making wines from affected areas less appealing to consumers. However, fire-affected wineries are not alone in their struggles.
Wine regions worldwide, including Australia, California, Chile, and South Africa, are facing hotter and drier climates due to human-induced climate change. These conditions pose a threat to grape production and increase the risk of destructive fires. In Australia, a study examined the impact of climate change on five major wine regions.
The findings reveal that human-induced climate change has altered conditions in these areas, making them hotter and drier, especially during the peak grape-growing season. To adapt, winemakers are employing strategies such as water conservation, experimenting with different grape varieties, and relocating their vineyards. Some regions, like Victoria in Western Australia, may become more suitable in the future.
However, the overall long-term survival of wine regions depends on mitigating climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
