The Heat Is on Winemakers |
Surging temperatures pose a particular risk to the world’s winemakers. The climate crisis could destroy production in much of Europe in the coming decades, including central Italy and southern France. Yields in California may plunge by as much as 70%. So one California-based winery is fighting back with aggressive strategies to protect its vineyards, writes Amanda Little.
Jackson Family Wines has a stable of brands including Kendall Jackson and La Crema. It’s using a combination of old-school techniques and modern technology to maintain production across its 10,000 acres. It plans to control pests using owls and falcons, introduce cover crops such as rye and barley between vine rows, and help the soil retain moisture and absorb carbon dioxide using compost made from waste including grape skins. Data from satellites and drones will monitor droughts, while sanitizing fermentation tanks with ultraviolet light instead of water will save millions of gallons of water a year.
“All wineries will have to adapt,” Amanda says. “Agricultural ministers in every wine-producing country will need to help fund both traditional and technological solutions to support the transition.”
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