European vineyards face most severe climate change impacts among global wine regions, new study finds

European vineyards are experiencing the most severe impacts from climate change, according to a new international study published Wednesday in the American journal PLOS Climate. The research shows that European wine regions have faced the highest increases in temperature and a significant rise in the number of extreme heat days, compared to other wine-producing areas around the world.

The study brought together climatologists, agronomists, ecologists, and grapevine genetics experts from France, Spain, the United States, and Canada. By analyzing climate data—such as temperatures during flowering, bud break, and pre-harvest periods—and matching these with growth stage responses across more than 500 grape varieties, the researchers were able to compare how climate disruptions affect different regions.

The findings reveal that Europe has seen the most dramatic changes. There has been a marked increase in days where temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C), especially during critical periods of grape ripening. These high temperatures can accelerate sugar accumulation in grapes, leading to earlier harvests and potentially altering the balance of flavors and alcohol content in wines.

In contrast, North America has experienced more moderate increases in both average and extreme temperatures. South America’s wine regions show similar trends to Europe regarding average temperatures but have not seen as many extreme heat events. The study also notes that regions like North Africa and Australia, which already faced high temperatures before recent warming trends, are experiencing strong impacts such as wildfires, even if temperature increases are less dramatic.

The research relied on decades of data collected by the experimental unit at Domaine de Vassal, managed by France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE). This long-term data allowed scientists to track how grapevines respond to changing conditions over time.

One key takeaway is that grapevines are primarily challenged by rising maximum temperatures rather than increases in minimum temperatures or unexpected cold snaps. However, cold episodes occurring at sensitive times can still cause significant damage.

Grapevines are highly sensitive to climate shifts. The effects are already visible: harvests are happening earlier than before, sugar levels in grapes are rising, and new wine-growing areas are emerging as traditional regions become less suitable for certain varieties.

E.M. Wolkovich, lead author of the study from the University of British Columbia in Canada, expressed surprise at the extent of warming observed globally but especially in Europe. He noted that after visiting Europe for over 15 years, he has witnessed firsthand the increase in heatwaves. The data now confirms that the scale of change facing European winegrowers is greater than expected.

The study highlights that human-driven climate change is reshaping viticulture worldwide. While all wine regions are affected to some degree, European vineyards—home to many of the world’s most famous wines—are currently bearing the brunt of these changes.