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An interesting story came up in our planning meeting this afternoon that you won't see on the broadcast because of time constraints, so we thought it was worth mentioning in this space. It's about the issue of global warming, and another disturbing prediction, especially to those of us who are concerned about grape expectations. (In addition to my role as a senior producer of the broadcast, I am also a wine critic for MSNBC.com and NBC Mobile on cell phones.)
A report just out in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says that by the end of the century, climate warming could wipe out at least half the areas suitable for growing premium wine grapes in the United States. The contention is that there will simply be too many very hot days for grapes to grow properly, especially in the Southwest and central parts of the country. The areas at risk also include California's Napa and Sonoma Valleys, which form the backbone of this country's multi-billion dollar wine industry.
By contrast, the paper suggests that conditions for grape growing might actually improve in parts of the Northwest and Northeast, where, if you ask some wine lovers, they're not too bad right now (Oregon, Washington and New York all produce excellent wines).
So consider this just the latest food - or wine - for thought on global warming as you pour yourself a glass of California cabernet or chardonnay with dinner after watching tonight's broadcast. Cheers.
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Working mothers
By the time the grapes won't grow in California, won't some of California and Oregon and Washington be gone anyway? If not by earthquakes or volcanos, then by an increase in the ocean level?
(Sent Jul 15, 2006 2:37:59 AM)
c'est la vie... so Pinot Noir production moves up coast to BC and Cab production up to Oregon..
Problem solved.
Next?
Jeff in Memphis (Sent Jul 11, 2006 4:41:20 PM)
You realize that the oil industry has not put forth its assessment concerning these grape issues. Certainly, the White House with its oil industry overseer who softens the impact of environmental concerns with a dogma of "there is nothing out there manmade that will harm you" even though plenty of data has come forth to indicate changes are afoot. Therefore,an oil industry expert probably would submit to you that with all this concern over grapes, you are dealing with a "sour grapes" concern.
(Sent Jul 11, 2006 12:17:23 PM)
I wouldn't put it pass California to build air conditioned greenhouses for all their vineyards (a Nevada jab at Cali), but then again, if it is going to be too hot for grapes then it will also be too hot for people to be out there picking the grapes or any other vegetation.
More heat means more watering and already the West Coast has suffered through droughts and years of below average snow/rainfall.
I wouldn't be too concerned about the grape and wine season, I'll be more concerned about lack of moisture and excessive heat below the U.S.-Canadian border. It's early in the season and we've had 100+ degree temperatures here and more to come.
Dewey Quong, Reno, NV (Sent Jul 10, 2006 7:32:14 PM)
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