Winegrowers in Belgium’s Walloon region are facing the challenges of climate change, with rising temperatures affecting wine production. Despite an increase in vineyards and wine production in recent years, the changing climate brings new obstacles such as extreme weather events like floods, rain, and frost. Jeanette van der Steen, owner of Château Bon Baron, notes the impact of global warming on the vulnerability of vines to spring frosts and the spread of insects and diseases previously more common in southern Europe.
To adapt to these challenges, winegrowers are changing their techniques. Van der Steen, a proponent of sustainable development, is applying clay to protect vines from water and heat stress, as well as thinning out leaves to create thicker skins for better protection against insects and diseases. Additionally, climate change is affecting the predictability of harvest times, with the start of the harvest in Wallonia moving earlier in recent years due to higher temperatures.
As the wine industry in Belgium faces the implications of climate change, winegrowers like Van der Steen are closely monitoring weather patterns to adjust their practices accordingly. While the increased risk of climate-related challenges presents a significant threat to wine production, the industry is demonstrating resilience and adaptability in response to these changing conditions. Climate change is reshaping the landscape of wine production in Belgium, requiring innovative solutions and a proactive approach to address its impact on the industry.
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