-
Oct 31, 2006 12:10 pm US/Eastern
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Climate Watch - Grapes Warm to Climate Change
Richard Primack & Abraham-Miller-Rushing, Plant Ecologists, Boston University
(WBZ)
Nestled along the coast of Rhode Island, Sakonnet Vineyards has been producing local wines since 1975. Wine makers picked the location based on soil conditions and microclimate which resemble some of the great wine regions of the world. The 50 acre vineyard produces more than 30,000 cases annually, but they are not alone. Almost 50 wineries dot the New England landscape taking advantage of the same unique growing conditions.
Although many local wines are well respected, the true heart of American wine making lies in northern California. The $2.9 billion industry boasts some of the best wines in the world, but a recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warns that climate change may cause the west coast wine industry to fizzle before the end of the century. The study estimates that up to 81% of premium grape growing land in the U.S. would be lost before 2100, with any gains happening right here in New England.
Climate is critical to grape growing. The vines are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. If the research is correct, temperatures in California will eventually become too hot to grow premium grapes. Once readings reach the low to mid 90s, the fruit shuts down to protect against water loss. Even resilient grapes can only manage 14 days of high heat each season and the research predicts 50 to 60 scorching days on the west coast in the future. Over the last 50 years, the average temperature in California wine country has already shot up by 1.5ºF, mainly due to warmer overnights.
So will New England become the next Napa Valley? Although our climate is "cool," grape growers at Sakonnet Vineyards have already noted a subtle warming over the last 20 years. Even if climate change did prove favorable in the future, the high price of property will challenge the growth of local wine making.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)