Climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is reshaping vineyards across the globe today. From the rolling hills of Bordeaux to the sunny slopes of Tuscany, from Portugal’s Douro Valley or Spain’s Rioja, to our very own vineyards in Romania, winegrowers are being forced to adapt to hotter summers, irregular rainfall, spring frosts, and unpredictable harvest periods.
Global impact: Hot summers, lower yields, earlier harvests
The signs of global warming are undeniable. Hotter and drier summers are putting vines under stress and reducing berry size, resulting in smaller yields. Earlier harvests, often two to three weeks in advance of traditional dates, are driving rapid sugar accumulation and lower acidity levels.
As a result, the regional typicity of established wine styles is beginning to fade, as grapes ripen more quickly and their aromatic profiles shift. Extreme weather events are also becoming more frequent, spring frosts, hailstorms, and unexpected heavy rains, complicating vineyard management and increasing production costs.
In many regions, wines are becoming fuller-bodied, with higher alcohol, while some traditional varieties are struggling to maintain their signature quality.
Europe: Rising challenges and rapid adaptation
In Bordeaux, France, winegrowers face hotter, drier summers that accelerate the ripening of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their strategies include planting heat- and drought-resistant varieties such as Touriga Nacional and Marselan, optimizing canopy management to protect grapes from sunburn, and relocating vineyards to cooler sites or higher altitudes.
In Champagne, warmer summers put pressure on the acidity balance that is essential for sparkling wines. Producers are adapting by harvesting earlier and selecting slower-ripening clones to maintain freshness.
In Burgundy, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are ripening earlier, leading to higher alcohol levels. Innovative pruning methods, careful leaf management, and frost-protection systems like wind machines and candles have become indispensable.
In Tuscany, Italy, Sangiovese, the backbone of Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, is ripening faster, sometimes losing acidity and aromatic complexity. Producers are investing in higher-altitude vineyards, experimenting with drought-resistant clones, and incorporating Cabernet Franc or Syrah into blends. Night harvesting is also widely used to preserve freshness.
In Rioja, Spain, and Ribera del Duero, Portugal, Tempranillo is ripening too quickly, and prolonged drought is reducing yields. Winegrowers are adapting by planting native, drought-tolerant varieties such as Garnacha and Graciano at higher altitudes.
In Portugal’s Douro Valley, extreme heat and water shortages are offset by traditional varieties like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, which show remarkable resilience.
In Germany’s Mosel and Rheingau regions, Riesling is ripening earlier, with higher alcohol levels and lower acidity. Solutions include planting on shaded slopes at higher altitudes and selecting clones that retain their freshness even in warmer summers.
Romania, with its diverse terroirs, from Dobrogea and Muntenia to Oltenia, is feeling these changes acutely.
Hotter summers are accelerating ripening, leading to wines that are more concentrated but sometimes unbalanced. Increasingly frequent spring frosts in recent years have damaged young buds, reducing yields. Persistent drought in the south puts additional stress on vines, altering the expression of native varieties like Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală, and Crâmpoșia Selecționată.
Romanian winegrowers are responding with investments in irrigation systems and exploring new grape varieties and clones to maintain balance and typicity in Romanian wines.
Adaptation is the key
Worldwide, winegrowers are diversifying their strategies to protect vineyards. Many are moving plantings to cooler zones, planting heat- and drought-resistant varieties and rootstocks, and adopting advanced technologies, from drones to soil sensors, to monitor vine health.
Winemakers are also adjusting vinification techniques to preserve balance in wines with higher sugar levels.
Vine growing in cold regions: Emerging trends
As global temperatures rise, traditionally cold-climate regions such as England, Denmark, and Belgium are becoming increasingly suitable for premium varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Once considered too cool for consistent ripening, these regions are now producing high-quality sparkling and still wines.
A shared responsibility
Climate change presents winegrowers with unprecedented challenges — but also opportunities for innovation. Whether in world-renowned regions or in local Romanian vineyards, producers are experimenting, adapting, and sharing solutions to keep their wines expressive of their unique terroirs.
For wine lovers, understanding these transformations means appreciating the resilience and creativity behind every bottle, and recognizing the need for sustainable practices to protect the future of wine.
Alina Iancu
21/08/2025
