Regional changes such as rising temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns and higher impact of extreme weather events provide evidence that climate change is threatening the present and future of farming. As grapevines are cultivated under different conditions, viticulture is highly sensitive to climate change, mainly due to the effects on crop phenology and soil water availability. Climate change-related issues vary from short-term effects (e.g. on wine quality) to long-term risks such as the viability of traditional wine areas.



To help the wine sector to cope with these problems, the project LIFE-ADVICLIM has developed local adaptation and mitigation strategies, and one of their outcomes is a manual to support winegrowers in adapting viticulture to climate change. It compiles different strategies for farmers, to adjust their production systems and properly respond to these challenges from the short to the long term.



In the medium term, there are several points for action according to the project.

First is the choice of plant material, the manual advises to take advantage of the natural variability of the grape varieties by looking for clones with later maturity and to choose rootstocks with greater drought resistance.

Secondly, the site is also critical for a sustainable vineyard. Under the same climatic conditions and within a short distance, the topography and soil can lead to different climatic patterns. Hence a good knowledge of the soil and microclimate is the best strategy to adapt the vineyard and its management for the future. For example, this knowledge helps to properly distribute the wine varieties, allocating those more sensitive to drought to deeper soils, or to know where to take measures against frost.



Regarding the long term, the choice of late-ripening varieties and longer-cycle rootstock and the use of irrigation systems may contribute to a sustainable production.