H O W N A PA’ S W I N E INDUSTRY IS MANAGING
Climate Change BY FRAN MILLER
Photo by Bob McClenahan
Photo by Sarah Anne Risk
C
haracterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, Napa Valley’s Mediterranean climate is the perfect environment to grow worldclass grape varieties. Yet, along with nearly all other wine regions globally, Napa is experiencing the effects of more extreme weather events, including cycles of drought and an increasing frequency of significant wildfire events. As a result, climate change is no longer merely a future threat; it is real and very present, and it’s changing the way that Napa’s vintners and grape growers manage their businesses. At their essence, vintners and grape growers are farmers, adept at adapting to Mother Nature’s whims and renowned for employing the most up-to-date technology for growing premium grapes and producing consistent quality wines. Nevertheless, a top priority has become slowing the rate of climate change and mitigating the effects of drought, heat, and wildfire. Napa wineries have made it 46
NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM
Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Grapegrowers
through low water years many times in the past, and most have become adept at smart water management; local leaders have come together to work with regional governments to promote fire safety. “Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) has always embraced sustainability as a vital part of preservation and agricultural permanence,” said Molly Moran Williams, the organization’s industry and community relations director. “Our work to preserve agriculture is part of our climate resilience work, so we're naturally excited to look ahead at opportunities to become more climate-smart. We currently provide educational programs in both Spanish and English on climate science and best farming practices. We are also conducting a comprehensive vineyard trial in partnership with UC Davis, Oakville Station, and Cal Poly SLO, focused on soil health and climate mitigation. This work to translate science into practice in the field is essential.
Vinwood Solar
“Napa County is small,” added Williams. “So, we won’t solve climate change alone, but 11% of the world is covered in farmland, with 18M acres of vineyards worldwide. If we can invest in local solutions and engage and share with the global grape growing and farming community, that’s our chance to really make a difference.” Two of the most significant issues facing wineries right now are drought and wildfires.
DROUGHT Unlike other crops, grapevines can survive and even thrive with little water. Table grapes, for instance, are grown more for size than flavor and require more water than wine grapes that are grown for smaller yields and more concentrated flavors - qualities that require less water. So it makes sense that many vineyards in the Napa Valley can be farmed using relatively little to no irrigated water by practicing deficit irrigation or even dry-farming. In addition to irrigation management, tactics can be employed
