We have previously discussed Australia and the characteristic Shiraz they typically produce. While it has established itself as a frequent contender in the global market, the reality is that recently, producers in this region have faced various difficulties in preserving and maximizing their harvests. This is due to climate change affecting different places around the world. In the specific case of Australia, rising temperatures and climate variability have wreaked havoc on grape phenology and harvest dates, necessitating new solutions for vineyard managers.
Adaptations in Viticulture
First, we must mention the types of complications viticulturists are encountering. These include variability in growing seasons, formerly stable harvest zones now facing broader climate conditions, reduced winter rainfall necessitating increased dam storage capacity, compressed harvests making collection more challenging, dry-grown vines needing irrigation to prevent dehydration, and Australia’s characteristic heat excessively drying soils before harvest.
As seen, most of the challenges posed by climate change are beyond human control. However, this has spurred entrepreneurs, winemakers, and viticulturists to adopt innovative practices to address these issues. Some notable adjustments include improving irrigation efficiency due to limited water resources, soil management to retain moisture and organic matter, exploring grape varieties resilient to diverse climates, and adjusting canopy management techniques to protect fruit from extreme heat.
Additionally, advancing harvest dates has become a crucial strategy to preserve grape quality and mitigate the negative effects of excessive sun exposure. These changes require careful planning and investment but are essential to maintain production levels and industry competitiveness.
Commercial Innovations in the Wine Market
According to statistics from the Spanish Wine Market Observatory (OEMV), Australia saw a slight decline in exports of over 2% in 2023, reaching 624.7 million liters, the lowest volume exported since 2003. Consequently, as the industry adapts to new conditions, shifts in commercial strategies are evident. To prevent further export declines, wineries have begun promoting wines produced with sustainable techniques and grape varieties resilient to the new climate. This not only addresses climate change but also appeals to an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
These ecologically certified wines are becoming a significant trend as consumers increasingly value responsible practices, reflected in market statistics showing rapid growth projected at a compound annual growth rate of 10.4% from 2024 to 2030. Australia is already embracing this shift, enhancing all aspects of sustainable production and gaining ground in a market niche that attracts more followers each day.
Top 3 Wine Brands Adapting to Climate Change
As the initial signs of climate change became evident, some wineries saw an opportunity to innovate and adopt sustainable practices in wine production. Here are three brands successfully implementing sustainable methods:
- Chateau Tanunda: They prioritize sustainability as crucial to longevity and quality by recycling 100% of their water and enhancing soil health for their vineyards. This has earned them accreditation for Sustainable Tourism by the Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TICSA).
- Yalumba: Recognized for their sustainable approach based on the belief that healthier vines produce better wines. Their commitment to biodiversity and environmental management is evident throughout their operations.
- Kangaroo Ridge: A global leader in exporting classic Australian wines of quality and trust, specializing in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.
For more information about Chateau Tanunda, please contact: [email protected].
The Future for the Industry
Climate change is a global phenomenon that is here to stay, requiring entrepreneurs and viticulturists to find new ways to confront and adapt. However, following the Australian example of resilience, this challenge can be met through innovation and sustainable practices, paving the way for a promising and novel future in diverse wine creations. With intelligent adaptations and a focus on environmental conservation, the industry can continue to thrive, offering high-quality wines to the world.
Protip: An excellent technical article on how climate change is affecting wine: Read here. Also, we invite you to visit Chateau Tanunda’s Cellar Door. View location on Google Maps here.
Additionally, if you’re on a Disney Cruise, you can find them on board.
In Florida, you can find them at:
- Broward Meat & Fish – 3201 North State Road 7 Margate, Florida
- 7 Eleven – 119 West Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, Florida
- AC Marriott Hotel in Miami Wynwood – 3400 Biscayne Blvd Miami, Florida
- Cabañas Restaurant #2 – 435 SW 8th St Miami, Florida
Sources:
- How does Climate Change in Australia effect winemaking? – Wine Selectors. (s. f.). https://www.wineselectors.com.au/selector-magazine/wine/how-does-climate-change-in-austalia-effect-winemaking
- Organic Wine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by type (Red, White), by packaging (Bottles, cans, others), by distribution channel (On trade, off trade), by region, and segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030. (s. f.). https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/organic-wine-market-report
- Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. (2023, 30 junio). Our supporters – Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. https://sustainablewinegrowing.com.au/about-us/our-supporters/
- Observatorio Español del Mercado del Vino. (2024, 15 febrero). OEMV – Exportaciones de vino de Australia | Año 2023. https://www.oemv.es/exportaciones-de-vino-de-australia-ano-2023
- Chateau Tanunda image credits: Vintrail
