White wine production under threat due to extreme heat in Europe

Published Aug 8, 2024

Tridge summary

Record temperatures in Hungary have forced some winemakers to start harvesting grapes a month earlier than usual, due to rising temperatures potentially making the country too hot for white wine production. The National Weather Service showed that July was the hottest July on record in Hungary, with a 25% increase in degree-days. Climate change is expected to continue to impact the wine industry, with scientists suggesting that Hungarian producers may need to switch to red wine production. Hungarian winemakers are confident they can adapt and continue to produce traditional white wines. However, some are already implementing strategies to minimize the effects of direct sunlight on the grapes and considering planting new vines on east-facing slopes instead of south-facing ones.

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Original content

Record temperatures in Hungary have forced some of the country's winemakers to begin harvesting grapes in early August, a month earlier than usual. Climate change is having a serious impact on the country's famous wine industry, as rising temperatures could make Hungary too hot for white wine production, including the famous Tokaj wine, Independent writes citing scientists. "I don't remember ever picking this grape so early... we arrived at least a month early," said Laszlo Kerek, a 35-year-old grape growing veteran in Balatonlelle, who attributes the early harvest to "nothing else than climate change". A report from the National Weather Service showed that this July was the hottest July in Hungary since temperature tracking began in 1901. Hungary's wine-growing regions saw a 25% increase in degree-days, an indicator of heat build-up until the crop reaches maturity: "Our models show that the number of degree-days will increase and Hungary's climate will no longer be ideal for ...

Source: Unian