Rising Temperatures Force Winemakers to Adapt Across the Region

Rising temperatures are impacting more than just people — they are also changing the way plants grow and how farmers adapt.

In the Temecula Valley, triple-digit heat is putting vineyards to the test, forcing winemakers to adjust to warmer seasons and changing growing conditions.

At Akash Winery, some grapes are already beginning to change color, a stage known as veraison, which marks an important part of the grape development process.

Wine expert Cliff says an unusually warm start to the year caused vines to wake up earlier than expected, pushing the harvest schedule ahead.

“We hit 100 degrees in March,” Cliff said.

He says rising temperatures, drought, and longer heatwaves are challenges wineries around the world are now facing.

Water availability is also becoming a major concern. In Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, winemakers at Adobe Guadalupe say drought conditions are affecting vineyards and forcing them to adapt.

Workers there say hotter and longer growing seasons can impact grape quality and flavor, creating challenges when it comes to balancing sugar levels and grape maturity.

“There was a bad combination about fruit getting ripe but the seed didn't get ripe,” one winemaker said. “The Brix and the sugar was too high or too low.”

For winemakers, adapting to a changing climate has become a necessary part of protecting their crops and preserving the unique qualities of each grape variety.

“Sure it started off really hot, really early. We were in the hundreds and it was still in winter actually,” Cliff said.

As temperatures continue to rise, vineyards are exploring new ways to protect vines, manage water, and maintain the future of winemaking.

I’m Kai Beach with NBC Palm Springs.