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December 2, 2008 9:58:41 AM CST

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Winemakers Battle Climate Threat

Posted Feb 12, 08 10:50 AM CST in Business,  Science & Health,  World 

(Newser) – For vineyards, global warming isn’t a distant, theoretical problem—it’s hurting their products now. That’s why winemakers and scientists are gathering in Barcelona this week to hash out ideas for combating changing temperatures and harsher sunlight, NPR reports. Recent studies have shown that grapes are ripening faster and losing their complexity as vineyard temperatures have risen.

“I remember how for weeks it used to rain and rain and rain,” said one Spanish winemaker, who now stores rain water to use during dry spells. Growers are also trying new techniques, like adding nutrients to soil, letting vines grow to create shade, and even monitoring conditions with satellites. Still more ideas could come from a planned 4-year, $370 million study.

Source NPR

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"Each cellar is named after a family member," said the owner of one gava winery. "On the upper level, you have my father and my mother. Here's my aunt, and over there's my uncle."   (Shutterstock.com)
In the vineyards of the Penedes Valley, makers of the sparkling wine known as "cava" have started taking steps to adapt to a changing climate.   (Shutterstock.com)
As Grapes grown for Cava are more vulnerable to changes in weather conditions, the future of all cava wineries in the area depends on how well they can adapt.   (Shutterstock.com)
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