What Are Winemakers Doing To Slow Climate Change

In the first article of this two-part series, we looked at how climate change is affecting wine production in France. At COP 26 last year, world leaders made promises about how their individual countries would take action to slow climate change. Vines are one of the crops that are most affected by climate change. The ongoing discourse around wine and climate change highlights the urgency of this issue.

Understanding the Impact of Wine and Climate Change

With a history of wine dating back to the 6th century B.C., the French wine community has become one of the most progressive and rebellious wine regions worldwide. They maintain strict wine production rules and traditions. The 2003 growing season in France made winemakers realize that the future of the wine industry was under threat.

One threat to winemakers is the extinction of certain grape varieties such as Merlot in Bordeaux, which is not tolerant to high temperatures. A solution being explored is growing grape varieties that are better adapted to hotter weather, such as Sangiovese. Winemakers have begun to realize traditional varieties are in danger and are willing to experiment with those better suited to higher temperatures.

Ultimately, the conversation around wine and climate change is pivotal for the future of the industry.

Many are advocating for policies that address the impact of wine and climate change on traditional practices.

As discussions about wine and climate change evolve, winemakers are increasingly collaborating on sustainable practices.

This challenge of adapting to wine and climate change is not only a local issue but a global concern that affects winemakers everywhere.

Other winemakers have adopted environmentally friendly methods of producing their wines. Winemaking requires a lot of energy, from the production process to grape crushing and fermentation. While the wine ages, it needs a constant temperature, which requires humidifiers and refrigeration running for years.

Innovations in energy efficiency also contribute to the discussion on wine and climate change, showcasing winemakers’ commitment to sustainable practices.

In 2020, the French Agricultural PV Specialist Sun’Agri created solar panels installed in vineyards. The panels are placed 4.2 meters high and can be moved using AI in real time, so they always tilt ideally according to sunshine, water requirements, soil quality, and weather conditions.

The integration of renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating the effects of wine and climate change.

With the temperatures reaching record heights early in the growing season, the panels which are built on a platforms above the vines provide shade and will help to conserve the water in the soil.  Winemaker Pierre Escudie uses this new technology at his winery near Perpignan where he cultivates Marselan, Grenache Gris and Chardonnay grape varieties.  It is a game changer and has protected his crops whilst his neighbours are struggling with the erratic weather conditions.

This innovative approach resonates with the broader challenges presented by wine and climate change.

Other winemakers have dedicated part of the proceeds of certain bottles of wine to be donated to the Carbon Trust to lower their carbon footprint.  Cellier des Dauphins, a very large Rhône producer has made some important changes in its packaging by lowering the weight of their 75CL bottles from 630g to 400g as sell as changing the packaging of their Bag in Box reducing the use of plastic and cardboard.

Efforts to reduce carbon footprints are increasingly linked to the narrative of wine and climate change.

Another very important step (it takes three years in France to become certified) is becoming an organically certified vineyard or having the vineyards certified at HVE (Haute Valeur Environmental – High environmental value) meaning that biodiversity, lowering the reliance on chemicals and water management are improved. In 2020 17% of all French vineyards were certified organic and the number of producers choosing to become certified organic increases as each year passes.

Transitioning to organic practices is part of a larger movement addressing wine and climate change issues.

In the Champagne Region the Comité de Champagne has recently agreed to reduce its usage of chemicals by 50%  and to treat all wastewater as well as reducing the carbon footprint of bottles by 15%.

This commitment to sustainability reflects a growing recognition of the relationship between wine and climate change.

Individual producers are also trying to reduce their environmental impact by making changes to their vineyards and cellars. They are increasing biodiversity by creating areas for birds and wildlife to shelter. Some use horses or other strong animals to till the land between vineyard rows and adopt minimalistic cultivation methods to encourage weeds and flowers to grow.

These initiatives not only benefit the environment but also highlight the importance of addressing wine and climate change.

It is very encouraging to see so many winemakers take these sort of initiatives and the wine community only hopes that these changes will make a real impact in the damage that has already occurred to the damage that has been caused by climate change and the overworking of soils and chemical abuse that has been caused to them.

The proactive measures taken by winemakers are vital in the context of conserving resources amidst wine and climate change.

By supporting these forward thinking winemakers around the world we are also doing our part to ensure the continuation of the wine industry and the survival of our planet.  Santé!

Supporting these efforts is crucial for the wine industry’s future in light of wine and climate change.