Hey! Do you love grape juice or grape soda? Well, today we’re talking about something that might change the way you think about them. In 2008, a  family that owns vineyards experienced something that made them sit up and take notice!  A giant bushfire raged through their vineyards in Victoria, Australia. And nearly destroyed everything they had built over the past century.

It was a warning sign that they couldn’t ignore – climate change was coming for their vineyards. And they weren’t alone. The wine industry in Australia is one of the largest in the world and climate change is hitting it hard.

Vineyards are already in hot, dry regions, and the weather is only going to get worse, with hotter temperatures and less rain on the horizon.

Important Details

• The biggest problem is that grapes are fussy, and they don’t like changes to their environment. Climate change is making it harder to grow the same grapes that the world loves, like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• So winemakers  are switching to “alternative” varieties that can withstand the heat and dryness better. And some are even moving to cooler areas like Tasmania to keep their grapes happy.
• But even that might not be enough – as climate change continues to make the world warmer and drier, it could be serious challenge for the wine industry.
• But don’t worry, not everyone is throwing in the towel. Winemakers are fighting back by doing things like planting their vineyards on the edge of wetlands, using solar power, and reducing waste.
• And even though things look tough, some people see an opportunity to make the wine industry even more exciting with new, planet-friendly grape varieties.
• So, if you’re ready for a taste of the future, get ready to try some different kinds of grape juice, because climate change is coming for your favorite wines!