\n<\/p>\n
“It is not just about higher temperatures, as the weather is getting more extreme in general,” says the 31-year-old.<\/p>\n
“We get more late frosts and [then when it gets hot], you have to keep the leaves in place on the vines for longer to protect the grapes from the sun. <\/p>\n
“I also have some friends now who have to irrigate, and others experimenting with grape varieties from hotter countries.”<\/p>\n
Wine journalist Jamie Goode, says that when it comes to climate change “there are few winners and many losers in the wine world”.<\/p>\n
“Part of the problem is that grape varieties only perform well within narrow climatic parameters, and it takes many years to change varieties and begin getting good quality grapes.”<\/p>\n
Echoing Ms Swan’s comments, he adds: “There are increasing problems with extreme climatic events, too – this is part of the chaos of climate change.<\/p>\n
“Warmer springs encourage vines to bud early, and then they are at risk of frost. And hail is a big issue in many regions, and causes extreme localized damage. It is the increasing inconsistency of weather patterns which makes it hard for winegrowers to adjust.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n