Climate change poses several challenges for viticulture. Grapes are vulnerable to changes in temperature, precipitation, water availability, pests and diseases, and extreme weather events. Changes in weather patterns are becoming less predictable and they can have significant impacts on the yield, ripening, sugar content, acidity, phenolic compounds, and aroma of the grapes.
In this article, we will look at the impact of climate change on five major wine-producing regions: South Africa, California, Chile, Europe and Australia. We will also discuss some of the adaptation and mitigation strategies that viticulturalists have implemented or are planning to implement in response to the changing climate.