As climate change brings more extreme weather patterns, vineyard managers are facing new challenges—and opportunities—to adapt. In How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change, Chris Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension, shares practical strategies to help growers remain resilient in shifting conditions.
Mediterranean climates like California’s are especially vulnerable to climate variability. Hotter summers, more intense heat spikes, and wider temperature swings between day and night all impact grape development and vineyard health. These changes require growers to rethink traditional practices.
One key area of adaptation is rootstock selection. Choosing rootstocks that are more drought-tolerant or better suited to changing soil conditions can improve vine resilience. Similarly, experimenting with new scion varieties allows growers to identify grapes that perform well under evolving climate pressures.
Canopy management is another important tool. By adjusting how vines are pruned and trained, growers can protect fruit from excessive sun exposure while maintaining airflow and plant health. These adjustments can help reduce heat stress and improve fruit quality.
Perhaps the most important takeaway is the value of trialing. Rather than relying on a single solution, Chen encourages growers to test different approaches on a small scale. This allows them to observe what works best in their specific conditions before making broader changes.
Climate adaptation in vineyards is not about a single fix—it’s an ongoing process of observation, experimentation, and adjustment. By staying flexible and informed, growers can continue producing high-quality grapes while building more resilient systems for the future.