Projected impacts from future warming on grapevine phenology have been modelled for two important varieties across six representative wine-growing regions in Australia. Various regional warming projections are based on a range of future greenhouse gas emission scenarios and patterns of climate change from a suite of climate models. Results are compared and contrasted regionally and the sensitivity of grapevine phenology to different climate futures is assessed. Impacts on budburst vary from region to region. Cabernet Sauvignon budburst in Coonawarra is projected to occur earlier by four to eight days in the year 2030, and by six to 11 days in 2050. Season duration (from budburst to harvest) is compressed in all regions studied and harvest is earlier in most cases. Given the highest warming scenario, harvest could be 45 days earlier in Coonawarra by 2050. Some regions may be adversely affected by the chilling requirement not being met in future warmer climates. For example, in the Margaret River region budburst is projected to be later. An important finding of this analysis is that harvest is projected to occur both earlier in the year and in a warmer climate, i.e. a dual warming impact. Harvesting in warmer temperatures can negatively impact grape quality.

(2010). Climate Change, Viticulture, and Wine: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Wine Research: Vol. 21, Climate Change and the Wine Industry, pp. 103-106.

A survey of 92 vineyards, representing 10 winegrowing regions in south-eastern Australia, soon after exposure to a severe heatwave, revealed variation in the reported heat-related impact. This variation was observed between regions, within regions and within vineyards. Notably the estimates of losses were not always related to the amount of heat above a certain threshold but to the management practices employed in the lead-up and through the event. Applicable and achievable recommendations for managing severe heat events have resulted from this assessment. We believe this method of capturing information from the diverse knowledge-base of managers is a very effective way to reveal potential adaptive capacity to a changing climate.