{"id":258,"date":"2025-05-23T15:43:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T15:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/?p=258"},"modified":"2025-06-16T11:58:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T11:58:37","slug":"rooted-in-nature-ancient-techniques-shape-climate-adaptation-in-portugals-wine-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/2025\/05\/23\/rooted-in-nature-ancient-techniques-shape-climate-adaptation-in-portugals-wine-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Rooted in Nature: Ancient Techniques Shape Climate Adaptation in Portugal\u2019s Wine Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"
The production of wine has always been impacted by changes in the weather. Winemakers refer to a year\u2019s vintage as hot and dry, for example, when conditions create higher sugar contents that result in a fuller bodied wine. That\u2019s the way it\u2019s always gone; some years were better than others.<\/p>\n
The global\u00a0challenges\u00a0facing the\u00a0wine\u00a0industry as a result of\u00a0climate change\u00a0are different in scale and severity.\u00a0Hail and heat, fires and floods\u2026<\/p>\n
France recently saw its smallest harvest since 1957, costing the industry approximately $2 billion in sales. One vineyard that normally produces up to 50,000 bottles of champagne produced nothing at all after drenching rains and a heatwave. The California wildfires of 2020<\/a>\u2014and similar events from Australia to Argentina, and across Europe\u2014not only destroyed vines; smoke can ruin grapes up to 100 miles away. In 2022, Portugal experienced a particularly severe fire season, resulting in nearly 260,000 acres burned.<\/p>\n Traditional port wine boat on the Douro River in the city of Porto<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Why are wines particularly vulnerable to the perils of climate change? Many agricultural products are far less fragile or susceptible to minor changes in weather. Wine, however, has always been valued precisely because of its sensitive nature. As a result, viticulture is on the front line of climate adaptation.<\/p>\n In the world\u2019s oldest demarcated wine-making region, ancient traditions drive responses to contemporary challenges.<\/p>\n Portugal<\/a> has a wine-making history dating back two thousand years. Despite its small size, roughly the same as the U.S. state of Indiana, Portugal is the fifth-largest wine producer in the European Union and the eleventh-largest in the world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n (function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=’text\/javascript’;s.src=’https:\/\/a.omappapi.com\/app\/js\/api.min.js’;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,123366,’qrbpwhbczav9yu76y6vd’); Portugal\u2019s wine industry\u00a0is deeply interwoven with the country\u2019s socio-economic landscape, closely associated with its\u00a0local\u00a0cultural heritage and traditions,\u00a0and\u00a0plays\u00a0a pivotal role in local economic and social\u00a0stability\u00a0in rural areas.\u00a0Viticulture\u00a0is responsible for 1.5% of Portugal\u2019s GDP. Portugal is also the world\u2019s largest producer and exporter of cork, with exports of \u20ac1.133 billion in 2021.<\/p>\n It\u2019s long winemaking tradition, coastal location, varied ecosystems and seafaring history have contributed to over 250 native grape varieties in Portugal. There are 31 DOC (Denomina\u00e7\u00e3o de Origem Controlada) wine regions and 14 IPR (Indica\u00e7\u00e3o de Proveni\u00eancia Regulamentada) wine regions across the country.<\/p>\n Traditional winemaking with winepress and helical screw<\/p>\n<\/div>\n How do Portugal\u2019s ancient winemaking techniques shape climate adaptation strategies? Here are three very different winemaking regions\u2014the Douro Valley, Alentejo and Pico Island in the Azores\u2014drawing upon ancient traditions to adapt to contemporary conditions.<\/p>\n These regions exemplify the challenges faced by the wine industry due to climate change and how they draw both inspiration and sustainable practices from their rich winemaking heritage to secure a sustainable future.<\/p>\n Douro River Valley<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Douro Valley<\/a> stretches nearly 400 miles across northern Portugal east of Porto, and is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, dating back to 1756. Its ancient terraced vineyards showcase Portugal\u2019s wine industry\u2019s resilience and adaptability.<\/p>\n As rising temperatures and extreme weather threaten grape varieties and viticulture, winemakers in the Douro have turned to their unique centuries-old methods to provide the resilience that is their hallmark. Vineyards in the Douro Valley are built on beautiful, stacked stone terraces known as socalcos, built by hand over centuries, to prevent soil erosion on the steep hilly slopes and to optimize sun exposure for grape growth. This method evolved over hundreds of years for the sustainable cultivation of grapes in the challenging terrain of the region. They play a vital role in preventing erosion, optimizing water usage, and maximizing sun exposure, crucial aspects in adapting to changing climate patterns.<\/p>\n Additionally, stone walls supporting the terraces act as heat sinks, moderating temperature fluctuations and protecting the vines. These ingenious structures navigate the rugged terrain, prevent soil erosion and optimize grape cultivation.<\/p>\n Socalcos<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The region\u2019s focus on indigenous grape varieties promotes biodiversity and reduces the need for chemical interventions. This allows many wineries to practice organic and biodynamic farming methods, promoting soil health and eliminating harmful pesticides. Numerous wineries in the Douro Valley hold certifications from sustainable wine organizations, like the Sustainable Winegrowing Program, further reinforcing their commitment to responsible viticulture.<\/p>\n The traditional foot-treading method, employed in Port wine production, gently extracts juice from grapes in stone lagares. This technique ensures better control over tannin levels, contributing to the complex and well-balanced flavors of Port wine.<\/p>\n Over 74,000 acres of vineyards in the Douro Valley are dedicated to Port wine production. The region\u2019s sustainability efforts encompass an integrated approach to land and resource management, preserving its cultural landscape.<\/p>\n The Douro Valley offers a captivating journey through history, captivating landscapes and a commitment to sustainable winemaking practices. For those who love nature, conservation and travel, this wine region promises a delightful experience. Nat Hab\u2019s Hiking & Paddling Portugal\u2019s River of Wine<\/a> trip offers an unmatched opportunity to hike and kayak the river by day and enjoy food and wine in authentic Portuguese vineyard estates or quinta at night. The valley\u2019s storied heritage terraced vineyards are emblematic of the resilience and adaptability of Portugal\u2019s wine industry. What better way to see them than from the water by day and from the inside at night?<\/p>\n Castle of Valongo, Alentejo region<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Alentejo region is the largest wine region in Portugal, accounting for 30% of the country\u2019s total wine production. Renowned for its full-bodied red wines, Alentejo is diversifying its portfolio with increased emphasis on white and ros\u00e9 wines, reflecting both market trends and climate adaptability. This diversification may help winemakers adapt to rising temperatures.<\/p>\n The region, in southern Portugal, is characterized by a hot and dry climate and is at risk of desertification. Alentejo\u2019s winemakers have long drawn inspiration from ancient techniques passed down through generations to adapt and thrive in this challenging environment. One of those ancient techniques is the use of traditional clay amphorae, known as talhas. This ancient method of fermentation and aging imparts unique flavors to the wines and allows winemakers to better control the impact of temperature variation, a critical factor in the face of climate change.<\/p>\n Rainwater harvesting and the construction of intricate water channels, known as levadas, have been practiced in Alentejo for centuries. These techniques have efficiently distributed water to crops and communities, ensuring a sustainable water supply even during droughts. Thanks to these traditional practices, Alentejo has managed to cope with water scarcity better than many other regions.<\/p>\n Levada<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The region\u2019s embrace of organic and biodynamic farming practices not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also enhances soil health and biodiversity. Alentejo is a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic plant and animal species. The region\u2019s diverse flora, fauna and agroforestry traditions serve as a natural buffer against climate challenges, contributing to ecosystem resilience. Over 135 plant species can be found per square meter in Alentejo\u2019s cork oak woodlands.<\/p>\n Adding to Alentejo\u2019s allure as a wine destination is its significant growth in wine tourism, attracting over 1 million visitors in 2019. Tourists flock to the region to immerse themselves in its rich winemaking heritage and experience its unique terroir firsthand.<\/p>\n Alentejo has witnessed the rise of collaborative initiatives involving local communities, conservation organizations, and governmental bodies. These partnerships work toward preserving traditional practices, restoring degraded ecosystems, and fostering climate-resilient agriculture. Notably, the Green Heart of Cork project<\/a>, led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has been recognized as a successful model for nature restoration, contributing to climate resilience.<\/p>\n Volcano Pico-Azores<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Azores archipelago, made up of nine islands, is located in the Atlantic Ocean, midway between Europe and North America. The Azores wine region is made up of three appellations of origin: Graciosa, Biscoitos (on Ilha Terceira) and Pico.<\/p>\n Pico Island is home to the highest point in the Republic of Portugal, volcanic Mount Pico, which rises 7713 feet above sea level and last erupted in 1720. The island\u2019s volcanic soils and maritime influences create a unique terroir, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a02004, as the \u201cLandscape of Pico Island Vineyard Culture.\u201d<\/p>\n Verdelho is the most famous and most grown grape variety in the Azores. It is thought to be originally from Sicily or Cyprus and was brought to the Azores by the Franciscan Friars who cultivated it throughout the islands.<\/p>\n A vineyard inside lava walls at Criacao Velha on Pico Island in the Azores<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pico Island\u2019s winemakers are pioneers in climate adaptation, employing\u00a0centuries-old\u00a0sustainable practices\u00a0based on\u00a0the island\u2019s delicate ecosystem. The island\u2019s vineyards are planted in\u00a0what\u2019s called\u00a0currais, traditional\u00a0stone-walled enclosures that protect the vines from\u00a0salty\u00a0ocean winds\u00a0and retain heat.\u00a0Sustainable water management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, are essential for coping with the island\u2019s limited freshwater resources.<\/p>\n The number of wine producers more than doubled between 2015 and 2020, reaching over 500. Wine production grew from 73,968 gallons in 2016 to 153,220 gallons in 2019. Wine tourism and whale watching are the main activities here, as Pico lies in what WWF has dubbed a blue corridor or whale superhighway<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nat Hab guests take a tour of the vineyards at Casa De Casal De Loivos \u00a9 Daniel Blankenheim<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Portugal\u2019s winemaking regions of the Douro Valley, Alentejo and Pico Island exemplify the challenges faced by the global wine industry in the era of climate change. By embracing sustainability and adapting to the changing climate, these regions are not only preserving their ancient winemaking traditions but also exemplifying adaptive strategies for the industry.<\/p>\n The artistry of Portugal\u2019s winemakers lies not only in the mastery of modern techniques but also in their reverence for ancient practices that have stood the test of time. The marriage of tradition and modernity in the Portuguese wine industry reflects a harmonious union between human innovation and nature\u2019s resilience.<\/p>\n As climate change continues to drive temperatures higher and increase extreme weather, the proactive and innovative efforts of Portugal\u2019s winemakers offer a beacon of hope for other wine regions worldwide. Through sustainable viticulture practices, the preservation of biodiversity and responsible resource management, the Portuguese wine industry demonstrates that it is possible to savor the world\u2019s finest wines while also savoring a sustainable future.<\/p>\n Experience Portugal\u2019s sustainable wine culture and more by Hiking & Paddling Portugal\u2019s River of Wine<\/a>!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The post Rooted in Nature: Ancient Techniques Shape Climate Adaptation in Portugal\u2019s Wine Industry<\/a> first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The production of wine has always been impacted by changes in the weather. Winemakers refer to a year\u2019s vintage as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":261,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/258"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=258"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":272,"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/258\/revisions\/272"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.kiwaniscluboflombard.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/p>\n
Portugal\u2019s Ancient Traditions Contribute to Climate Resilience<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Douro Valley: Ancient Terraces Guarding the Future<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Alentejo: Nurturing Tradition for Climate Resilience<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Pico Island:\u00a0Stony\u00a0Resilience <\/strong>on Windy Volcanic Rock<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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See for Yourself: Experience Portugal\u2019s Ancient Traditions & Support Local Communities through\u00a0Wine Tourism in Portugal<\/strong><\/h2>\n