The wine industry in Europe is currently facing significant challenges due to extreme climatic conditions, causing a decline in wine production and quality. Winemakers across the continent are struggling to adapt to the changing environment, with some even predicting the extinction of certain grape varieties. This article will explore the impact of climate change on European winemakers and the measures they are taking to mitigate the risks.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) reported a 10% decline in global wine production in 2023, marking the lowest level in over 60 years. Wineries in southern Europe, including Greece, Italy, and Spain, experienced adverse weather effects such as heavy rainfall, drought, and early frost, leading to a significant drop in output. For instance, Paraskevopoulos’s Gaia Wines in Santorini saw a sharp decrease in Assyrtiko grape production, with estimates pointing towards extinction by 2040.
Impacts on Winemakers
The decrease in wine production has resulted in rising costs for winemakers, affecting the consumer market. Higher production and distribution costs have led to increased wine prices, causing a 2.6% annual decline in wine consumption in 2023. Winemakers like Yiannis Paraskevopoulos are grappling with the challenge of balancing quality and affordability in the face of escalating costs. Paraskevopoulos noted that the cost of Assyrtiko grapes has doubled since 2022, posing a threat to the market viability of their wines.
Adaptation Strategies
In response to changing climate conditions, winemakers are implementing new production methods to adapt to the evolving landscape. Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Italy has started planting vines in new directions to optimize sun exposure, while raising trellises and planting grass in between vines to improve air circulation. Similarly, winemakers like Dimitris Skouras in Greece are planting vineyards at higher altitudes and identifying areas with better water supply to combat rising temperatures and lower production levels.
Despite efforts to adapt, winemakers face ongoing uncertainty due to extreme weather events and changing consumer behaviors. The traditional agricultural workforce is shifting towards the hospitality sector, impacting manpower in vineyards. Increased tourism in regions like Tuscany has provided an alternative source of income for wineries but has also raised concerns about the sustainability of wine production in the long run. Paraskevopoulos expressed worries about the future of winemaking in Santorini, where the impact of climate change and tourism is threatening the survival of traditional vineyards.
To address the challenges faced by the wine industry, the European Union has launched a high-level group on wine policy to discuss the sector’s future. Representatives and industry stakeholders are set to convene for policy discussions, with the goal of presenting recommendations by early 2025. The group aims to identify solutions to reduce the risks posed by climate change, ensure the sustainability of the industry, and protect the livelihoods of millions of people employed in the wine sector across the EU.
European winemakers are grappling with the profound impacts of climate change on wine production and quality. The shifting environmental landscape, coupled with changing consumer demands and workforce dynamics, presents significant challenges for the industry. By implementing adaptive strategies and policy measures, winemakers hope to safeguard the future of European wine production and preserve the cultural heritage of the region.