How big of a threat is climate change to wine production?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
I read an article that said wine could face extinction because of climate change. It was a short read and provided few details. What do you think?
—Jerry, Minneapolis
Dear Jerry,
I’m going to give you a fairly short response as well, but only because you can read our extensive archives on climate change, sustainability and the environment if you want to take a deep dive. We’ve covered these topics from various angles for many years, and we’ll continue to do so.
Winemakers all over the world are wrestling with the issues posed by climate change. Many aspects of winemaking, from farming practices to packaging materials, are being scrutinized. Researchers are experimenting with heat-tolerant and drought-resistant grapes, including hybrids, and new methods of frost protection are being investigated. Lighter bottles are gaining favor. We’re seeing excitement around electric tractors, water reclamation strategies, ways to prevent and eliminate smoke taint, new yeast strains, more energy-efficient technology and beyond. More and more vintners are embracing biodynamic and regenerative farming methods.
While climate change poses a major threat to the wine industry, I’m optimistic that wine will always be made so long as people are around to enjoy it. It’s certainly true that some warmer regions might struggle to continue producing quality wines. But other regions that were previously too cool for winegrowing might soon be considered prime terroir. There’s little doubt that the map of the wine world will look different in the future, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
And as for the complete elimination of winegrowing as an industry, I believe we’re many years away from that possibility. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the threats of climate change seriously. But I’m hopeful that wine grapes will continue to be grown all over the globe, in our lifetimes and well beyond.
Check out our guide to consuming wine more sustainably for tips on enjoying wine while being friendly to the environment.
—Dr. Vinny
