Rising Temperatures Threaten Vineyards in California

Climate change could take the 'wine' out of wine country in next 30 years
By Sarah Whitmire,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 9, 2011 2:04 PM CDT
Climate Change Threatens California Wine Country: Napa Valley Will Be Too Hot For Wine in 30 Years
In this photo taken June 2, the Silverado Trail winds through the Stags Leap District in this view from Silverado Vineyards in Napa, Calif.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

A new report warns that climate change could drastically shake up California’s wine country in the next 30 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that Napa Valley will eventually see 10 more days with grape-scorching temperatures of at least 95 degrees, the Los Angeles Times reports. If the weather pattern holds, that means trouble for Napa's Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, which don't do well in the heat.

Growers can adapt by switching to other varietals or trying different growing methods. Or maybe move north: The report also notes that Yamhill County in Oregon and Walla Walla County in Washington state can expect better growing seasons. (More Napa Valley stories.)

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