Proposal for the development of a framework for a globally relevant wine sector climate change adaptation strategy

Climate change is impacting wine production in all parts of the world in highly variable ways that may change the expression of terroir, from rapid loss of viability right through to highly beneficial aspects that increase suitability. The ability of the wine sector to adapt to climate change is largely constrained in a relatively consistent manner across the world, with very similar barriers being identified in several countries (Aus, USA, Por, Ita, Esp). The most important of these include accessibility to meaningful predictive climate data projections, the capacity and ability to use the predictive data, and the identification of relevant and practical adaptation response actions. The authors are proposing the development of a simple guide to possible response actions based on a hazard risk analysis and a control point approach that will incorporate a wide range of viti-vinicultural climate types and terroirs. The guide will constitute a framework that can be upgraded as new adaptation options become uncovered through research and practical experience relevant to each region, thereby allowing individual regions to better define their own relevant adaptation strategies. A preliminary framework covering a sample section of the value chain will be presented for discussion.