Has Climate Change Rendered French Wine Less Prestigious?
4 April 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://technews.tw/2025/04/04/global-wine-market/
Endangered species are those on the brink of extinction from Earth. For example, in Taiwan, the number of wild Formosan black bears is decreasing due to human destruction of ecosystems and plants face similar issues.
In recent years, global climate change has become increasingly apparent, affecting even industries such as wine production. According to a report by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine production in 2023 dropped to its lowest level since 1962, highlighting the threat extreme weather poses to agriculture and prompting sectoral reconsideration on future development strategies.
For instance, major crops like coffee and cocoa beans have also seen a sharp decline due to climate extremes. Coffee prices reached their highest point in nearly five decades as an example.
Global wine production saw significant declines in 2023 with Italy and Spain being heavily impacted among the main producers. Italian output fell by 23%, while Spanish dropped by 20%—both hitting recent record lows. As one of the world's top three wine-producing countries, France is also not immune to extreme weather conditions; its expected production in 2024 will decrease by 18%, down from an average over five years at 44.2 million hectoliters.
The primary cause behind this phenomenon includes increased frequency and intensity of global climate events. Wine-making relies on stable climatic conditions, but abnormal high temperatures, droughts, frosts, floods, etc., are occurring more frequently, making grape cultivation and harvesting increasingly difficult.
For example, the famous Chablis region in France faced frost, hailstorms, excessive rainfall, and mold attacks leading to a significant drop in production.
Scientific research indicates that if global temperatures rise by over two degrees Celsius, nearly 30% of traditional wine regions may no longer be suitable for grape cultivation. This poses challenges especially for areas dependent on specific varieties like Bordeaux and Burgundy known for their classic grapes but with limited adaptability to higher temperatures and more extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, severe climate changes necessitate additional agricultural measures from farmers such as increased irrigation, altered pruning methods or even artificial cooling techniques to protect grapevines. These actions undoubtedly increase production costs further impacting wine market prices and competitiveness.
While climate change exerts pressure on traditional wine regions, it also presents opportunities for others. For instance, northern European countries like the UK and Sweden are now producing high-quality sparkling wines due to warming climates that previously made them unsuitable for winemaking.
North American areas such as Canada and Oregon in the US have similarly become new hotspots because of rising temperatures.
These changes could alter global wine market structures where traditional powerhouses may lose their monopoly advantages while emerging producers gain opportunities. However, these newcomers still face challenges like building brand recognition, improving winemaking techniques, and stabilizing production.
To address climate change impacts, the industry must seek adaptive strategies including planting more heat- or drought-resistant grape varieties.
For example, Bordeaux estates are already introducing Portuguese and Spanish varietals such as Touriga Nacional known for their higher resistance to high temperatures.
Moreover, some wineries adopt innovative technologies like installing sunshades in vineyards to reduce direct sunlight exposure on vines or adding soil coverings to retain moisture.
Others opt to relocate to higher altitudes where the climate is more suitable for grape cultivation.
Climate change presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the global wine industry, driving transformation and innovation. Traditional regions must adapt if they are not to decline; those that can adjust will find new markets in changing climates.
Future market uncertainties increase but one thing remains certain: Climate change continues to impact development. Wineries and vineyard owners need more flexible strategies to survive and seize opportunities in a constantly evolving world.
（首图来源：pixabay）
In recent years, global climate change has become increasingly apparent, affecting even industries such as wine production. According to a report by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine production in 2023 dropped to its lowest level since 1962, highlighting the threat extreme weather poses to agriculture and prompting sectoral reconsideration on future development strategies.
For instance, major crops like coffee and cocoa beans have also seen a sharp decline due to climate extremes. Coffee prices reached their highest point in nearly five decades as an example.
Global wine production saw significant declines in 2023 with Italy and Spain being heavily impacted among the main producers. Italian output fell by 23%, while Spanish dropped by 20%—both hitting recent record lows. As one of the world's top three wine-producing countries, France is also not immune to extreme weather conditions; its expected production in 2024 will decrease by 18%, down from an average over five years at 44.2 million hectoliters.
The primary cause behind this phenomenon includes increased frequency and intensity of global climate events. Wine-making relies on stable climatic conditions, but abnormal high temperatures, droughts, frosts, floods, etc., are occurring more frequently, making grape cultivation and harvesting increasingly difficult.
For example, the famous Chablis region in France faced frost, hailstorms, excessive rainfall, and mold attacks leading to a significant drop in production.
Scientific research indicates that if global temperatures rise by over two degrees Celsius, nearly 30% of traditional wine regions may no longer be suitable for grape cultivation. This poses challenges especially for areas dependent on specific varieties like Bordeaux and Burgundy known for their classic grapes but with limited adaptability to higher temperatures and more extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, severe climate changes necessitate additional agricultural measures from farmers such as increased irrigation, altered pruning methods or even artificial cooling techniques to protect grapevines. These actions undoubtedly increase production costs further impacting wine market prices and competitiveness.
While climate change exerts pressure on traditional wine regions, it also presents opportunities for others. For instance, northern European countries like the UK and Sweden are now producing high-quality sparkling wines due to warming climates that previously made them unsuitable for winemaking.
North American areas such as Canada and Oregon in the US have similarly become new hotspots because of rising temperatures.
These changes could alter global wine market structures where traditional powerhouses may lose their monopoly advantages while emerging producers gain opportunities. However, these newcomers still face challenges like building brand recognition, improving winemaking techniques, and stabilizing production.
To address climate change impacts, the industry must seek adaptive strategies including planting more heat- or drought-resistant grape varieties.
For example, Bordeaux estates are already introducing Portuguese and Spanish varietals such as Touriga Nacional known for their higher resistance to high temperatures.
Moreover, some wineries adopt innovative technologies like installing sunshades in vineyards to reduce direct sunlight exposure on vines or adding soil coverings to retain moisture.
Others opt to relocate to higher altitudes where the climate is more suitable for grape cultivation.
Climate change presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the global wine industry, driving transformation and innovation. Traditional regions must adapt if they are not to decline; those that can adjust will find new markets in changing climates.
Future market uncertainties increase but one thing remains certain: Climate change continues to impact development. Wineries and vineyard owners need more flexible strategies to survive and seize opportunities in a constantly evolving world.
（首图来源：pixabay）