Winegrowers in Belgium’s Walloon region are adjusting their techniques to combat the effects of climate change. Despite the increase in wine production in Belgium, climate change is presenting challenges such as extreme weather events, increased vulnerability to spring frosts, and the spread of insects and diseases previously unseen in northern Europe.
Jeanette van der Steen, owner of Château Bon Baron, is one of the winegrowers adapting to these challenges. She spreads clay on her vines to protect them from water and heat stress, thins out the leaves to create thicker skins on the grapes, and uses sustainable practices in her vineyard. Climate change has also impacted the predictability of the harvest, with Van der Steen noting the shift from a mid-October start in the 2000s to an early September start due to rising temperatures.
With climate change threatening the traditional winegrowing methods in Belgium, winegrowers like Van der Steen are taking proactive measures to ensure the quality of their product. The adaptation to new techniques not only safeguards the vineyards against climate-related risks but also contributes to sustainable winemaking practices. As the wine industry in Belgium continues to evolve in response to climate change, wine enthusiasts can expect innovative approaches from the region’s winemakers to overcome the challenges posed by the changing environment.
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