Europe's Wine Regions on the Brink of Climate Disaster

Study found that Southern and western Europe showed the highest levels of climate exposure across nearly all metrics.
Number of extremely hot days in these regions increased by nearly five times compared to pre-industrial levels.
Average temperature during the growing season rose by more than two standard deviations in key European vineyard areas.

The study assessed ten climate metrics relevant to viticulture, including daily minimum, maximum and mean temperatures during budburst, the growing season and harvest, as well as the number of hot days exceeding 35°C. The team compared current climate conditions (1981–2020) against pre-industrial baselines (1901–1940) to quantify the effects of human-caused climate change on winegrowing. The key findings of the study revealed that European wine regions are facing unprecedented climate challenges. Southern and western Europe showed the highest levels of climate exposure across nearly all metrics, including:

Increased frequency of hot days: nearly five times higher than pre-industrial levels
Higher average temperature: more than two standard deviations higher than pre-industrial levels

These trends pose significant threats to viticulture, as they can alter grape phenology, including earlier ripening and shifts in harvest timing. This, in turn, can affect grape composition, wine style, and regional identity. For instance, if a region experiences warmer temperatures and increased precipitation, the timing of the grape harvest may be pushed forward. This can result in wine producers having less time to harvest the grapes before they over-ripen and lose their quality. While the study did not offer prescriptive adaptation strategies, the authors emphasized that the observed changes are consistent with anthropogenic climate change. They suggest that many of the world’s most historic and prestigious wine regions, including those in Europe, are already undergoing unprecedented climatic shifts. The findings underscore the need for wine producers, particularly in Europe, to assess and implement long-term strategies to address evolving climate risks. This may involve:

Variety selection: choosing grape varieties that are more resilient to changing climate conditions
Vineyard management adjustments: modifying the way wine grapes are grown, harvested, and processed
Potential shifts in regional production norms: adapting production strategies to account for changing climate conditions

These strategies can help wine producers to mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve the region’s unique character and identity. By adopting these measures, wine producers can ensure the long-term sustainability of their winegrowing practices.

Key Takeaways

“Impacts of climate change on viticulture are far-reaching and can have significant effects on the wine industry, including changes to grape composition, wine style, and regional identity.”

—Elizabeth Wolkovich

This image illustrates the impact of climate change on European wine regions.

The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for wine producers to address the evolving climate risks associated with winegrowing. By understanding the impacts of climate change on viticulture, producers can take proactive steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of their winegrowing practices. As the world’s most prestigious wine regions undergo unprecedented climatic shifts, wine producers must be prepared to adapt and innovate to preserve their unique character and identity.

Global Impact

Global wine regions

North America: generally saw lower relative increases in extreme temperatures and hot days compared to European regions
Oceania: experienced moderate increases in temperature, but with more frequent hot days
Africa and Asia: regions with fewer winegrowers, and lower temperatures and fewer hot days compared to European regions

The study’s findings emphasize the importance of considering the global context when evaluating the impacts of climate change on viticulture. By understanding the varying climate exposures across different regions, wine producers can develop targeted adaptation strategies that address the unique challenges facing their specific region.