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Rising Temperatures Threaten Vineyards in California

Climate change could take the 'wine' out of wine country in next 30 years

By Sarah Whitmire,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2011 2:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – A new report warns that climate change could drastically shake up California’s wine country in the next 30 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that Napa Valley will eventually see 10 more days with grape-scorching temperatures of at least 95 degrees, the Los Angeles Times reports. If the weather pattern holds, that means trouble for Napa's Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, which don't do well in the heat.

Growers can adapt by switching to other varietals or trying different growing methods. Or maybe move north: The report also notes that Yamhill County in Oregon and Walla Walla County in Washington state can expect better growing seasons.

In this photo taken June 2, the Silverado Trail winds through the Stags Leap District in this view from Silverado Vineyards in Napa, Calif.
In this photo taken June 2, the Silverado Trail winds through the Stags Leap District in this view from Silverado Vineyards in Napa, Calif.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Workers pick grapes in Oakville, Calif.
Workers pick grapes in Oakville, Calif.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
beckjr2000
Jul 14, 2011 10:16 AM CDT
The weather may be hotter than the growers like but if they put their faith in anything the the village idiots say who populate the IPCC they will definitely be in big trouble. Climate change is real and has been going on since the beginning of time. To believe that you can actually change it even a very little is to believe in the Tooth Fairy!
HappyHabenero
Jul 9, 2011 5:43 PM CDT
The effects of the el niño and la Nina oscillations have been theorized something of a twenty to thirty year frequency.... Couple that with other factors. It's hot
tangeri
Jul 9, 2011 4:28 PM CDT
I'm sure if they ask really nicely, Rick Perry will pray for them.

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