09/10/2024

Cabernet Sauvignon & Climate Change

Hotter temperatures are endangering these grapes

In California's Napa Valley, cabernet sauvignon is king.

The bold red wine has made the region world famous, with some bottles retailing at hundreds of dollars. But increasingly severe heat waves are taking a toll on the grape variety, especially in late summer during ripening. As temperatures keep rising, the wine industry is slowly confronting a future where Napa may not be the prime cabernet region it once was.

In the face of climate change, wineries around the world are innovating. New technology is being installed to keep the grapes cool during heat spells. A handful of wineries are going a step further. They are experimenting with new grapes, ripping out high-value cabernet vines to plant varieties from hotter climates.

Please select this link to read the complete article from NPR.