With Australia going through extended periods of drought, the country’s wine makers are getting more concerned day by day. This situation is making Australian wineries reconsider various aspects of their business. This is yet another influence of global climate change.
The country’s wineries export the crates of wine to the world every day. With an annual turnover rate of $300 million, I think there’s a valid reason for the wine makers to get concerned over the weather. As of now, Australia is facing the worst drought in decades. The lack of rain hampers wine production and in turn increases the price of the wine up. The head of Australia’s biggest family winery, John Casella agrees:
If we don’t get rain the budget end of Australian wine will disappear and it will be replaced by budget imported wines, casks, cheap sparklings.
According to sources, the current weather conditions will lead to about 20% decrease in 2007 harvest. The once upon a time healthy wine industry of Australia, is threatened by severe drought conditions. If the weather conditions continue, Australia is most likely to loose about two thirds of the exports.
In order to increase the wine production and keep up the wine production people are trying different techniques. Some are experimenting with heat tolerant Sangiovese and Brunello. Others like Casella are trying water recycling methods.I think people are pretty desperate at this point and are working hard to save the industry. Folks like Tim Kirk are also taking preventive measures against climate change. Hopefully, this phase will pass sooner or later.
Image Credit: Winefront
