Enjoy Your Favorite Wine Before Climate Change Destroys It
Mar 27, 2024
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Scientists are helping the wine industry adapt to extreme heat and droughts. Climate change is altering wine production, affecting flavor profiles and traditional wine-growing regions. Learn about adaptation strategies like shifting vineyards northward and experimenting with different grape varieties to combat the challenges faced by winemakers.
Climate change is impacting traditional wine regions, risking decline in wine production areas.
Winemakers are adapting to climate change by experimenting with cooling techniques and developing heat-resistant grape varieties.
Deep dives
Impact of Climate Change on Wine Production
Climate change is affecting wine production globally. With rising temperatures, traditional wine regions face risks, while new areas are emerging. The net suitable area for wine production in California could decline by up to 50%, and Europe's traditional regions could see a 20 to 70% decrease. The changing climate alters grape development, affecting flavor and alcohol content. Heatwaves damage grape quality and volatile compounds, impacting wine characteristics.
Adaptation Strategies for Winemaking
Winemakers are adapting to climate change by experimenting with cooling techniques and new grape varieties. Cover crops help cool fruit, reducing heat stress. Managing canopy and leaf biomass can conserve water during heatwaves. Developing heat and drought-tolerant grape varieties with deeper root systems is crucial for future wine production.
Challenges and Future of Wine Industry
The wine industry faces challenges like rising prices, supply chain disruption, and changing consumer preferences due to climate change. Scientists explore innovative ways to cool plants and conserve water. Despite risks, wine makers strive to maintain traditional identities while adapting to climate challenges, emphasizing the need for flexibility in grape cultivation and wine production.
Extreme heat and droughts are making it harder to grow grapes in many traditional regions. Here’s how scientists are helping the industry adapt. Thanks for listening to WIRED. Talk to you next time for more stories from WIRED.com and read this story here.