Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Winemakers Battle Climate Threat

Vineyard owners, scientists gather to share new strategies

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 12, 2008 10:50 AM CST
Email

(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.

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.
"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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Farmers told to prepare for climate policies
America Farm Bureau

The more it costs, the better it tastes
Napa Valley Register

World • Green • Money

 
climate change • global warming • wine • grapes • wineries

More Newser Stories

French Wines Wither Under Climate Change

Italian Grapes Make Early Debut

In Bordeaux, Climate Change Looms

Philosophical Vintner Rethinks Wine

Oregon's Having a Grape Year
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne