Global Warming And Wine Production
During the 1950s scientists were concerned that the earth was cooling down . These views have now changed as it has become apparent that the earth is actually warming up. It is now anticipated that the average temperatures around the world will increase by between 1 & 3.5 degrees Celsius over the next 100 years. The question is what are the implications of climate change for the wine industry?
Climate change is already causing enormous problems in some traditional wine growing regions while at the same time it now making it possible for farmers to grow grapes in areas where previously this was not possible. Global warming is providing new opportunities for some while at the same time destroying the traditional lives of others.
Climate & the variety of grapes grown in a region are two of the most important factors affecting the quality & taste of a wine. Climate is not the only important factor to consider. The type of soil in a region is also important as are the parasites & diseases that exist in that region . It is also important to bear in mind that as climate change can make an area suitable for growing grapes it can also make the area a more suitable home for pests parasites & fungi that would previously have not survived.
For some wine producers climate change will mean the wines produced in their region will need to change. For example Pinot Noir is very sensitive to climate change whereas Chardonnay can be produced in a wide range of temperatures. However the flavour of the wine can be strongly influenced by climate.
Increasing temperatures in the northern hemisphere will bring higher humidity levels. This means that heavier rainfalls. The total amount of rain that falls remains about the same but when it does rain it heavier for shorter periods of time. This is something which is already being experienced in Europe. This change in rain patterns means there is less water available for the vineyards as less water is absorbed into the ground & the effects can be exacerbated in sloping vineyards where the water can easily drain away.
Some of the traditional southern hemisphere wine growing regions will be most significantly affected as the earth warms up. Many think that Australia will become too hot for grape production to continue to be successful. South Africa has a similar problem & farmers are already taking steps to lessen the impact of climate change on their profitability.
It’s clear that the warming planet will result in some winners & some losers in the wine industry. It will bring opportunities to many farms that previously wouldn’t have considered grapes as a cash crop. Vineyards are already appearing across the southern United Kingdom & more are likely to appear even as far north as Scotland. When wine is produced in a region then interest in wine tends to grow & this spawns further opportunities. People who may previously traditionally have quaffed cider & ale may now find themselves drinking locally produced wines. Businesses selling wine cellar equipment wine glasses & wine accessories like wine racks & decanters are all likely to do well & wine tourism can also bring some valuable revenue into region.
The other side of the coin is that many parts of the world that have for generations successfully produced popular wines may find it impossible to continue. Some are likely to change the style of the wine that they produce so in future years we are likely to see new wines appearing annually. Climate change is also likely to influence wine as an investment as the top quality wines produced from various regions become increasingly rare. Clearly there is much uncertainty for the worldwide wine producing industry as they face the challenges of climate change but there is also much excitement & anticipation of wonderful new wines coming from areas where wine is not normally produced.
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