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IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 OIV 9 OIV 2025 9 Elevating value: favourable value chains and resilient business model 9 The impact of climate change on wine tourism in Germany

The impact of climate change on wine tourism in Germany

Abstract

Climate change is profoundly impacting wine tourism in Germany and presents new challenges for wineries. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and shifting climatic conditions are affecting wine production, tourist demand and the overall appeal of wine regions. This study examines the effects of these changes on wine tourism and analyses strategies to ensure its long-term sustainability. Based on interviews with key stakeholders such as winery owners, tourism operators, and policymakers, the study highlights adaptation measures including the cultivation of climate-resilient grape varieties, investments in infrastructure and the development of weather-independent offerings. At the same time, financial and structural barriers—especially for smaller wineries—are becoming apparent. However, the growing demand for sustainable and digitally enhanced tourism presents new opportunities. The study emphasizes the importance of political support, industry-specific collaboration, and sustainable operational strategies to secure the future of wine tourism in a changing climate.

Die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf den Weintourismus in Deutschland

Zusammenfassung. Der Klimawandel beeinflusst den Weintourismus in Deutschland tiefgreifend und stellt Weingüter vor neue Herausforderungen. Steigende Temperaturen, extreme Wetterereignisse und veränderte klimatische Bedingungen wirken sich auf die Weinproduktion, die touristische Nachfrage und die allgemeine Attraktivität der Weinregionen aus. Diese Studie untersucht die Auswirkungen dieser Veränderungen auf den Weintourismus und analysiert Strategien zur Sicherung seiner langfristigen Nachhaltigkeit. Basierend auf Interviews mit wichtigen Akteuren wie Winzern, Tourismusbetreibern und politischen Entscheidungsträgern werden Anpassungsmaßnahmen herausgearbeitet, darunter der Anbau klimaresilienter Rebsorten, Investitionen in die Infrastruktur sowie die Entwicklung wetterunabhängiger Angebote. Gleichzeitig treten finanzielle und strukturelle Hürden – insbesondere für kleinere Weingüter – deutlich zutage. Dennoch eröffnen sich durch die steigende Nachfrage nach nachhaltigem und digital unterstütztem Tourismus neue Chancen. Die Studie betont die Bedeutung politischer Unterstützung, branchenspezifischer Zusammenarbeit und nachhaltiger Betriebsstrategien, um die Zukunft des Weintourismus im Wandel des Klimas zu sichern.

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Publication date: September 22, 2025

Issue: 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine

Type: Short communication

Authors

Gergely Szolnoki1, Valeria Ogroske1

1 Hochschule Geisenheim University, Institute of Wine and Beverage Business, Von-Lade-Str. 1, 65366 Geisenheim / Germany

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Tags

IVES Conference Series | OIV | OIV 2025

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