What's happened
Vineyards in Portugal, Spain, and Italy are increasingly harvesting grapes at night to preserve flavor amid hotter, longer summers driven by climate change. This practice, adopted since 2019 at Herdade Da Fonte Santa in Portugal, improves grape quality and worker comfort, with similar trends observed across Europe.
What's behind the headline?
Climate-driven shift in viticulture
Night harvesting is a strategic adaptation to climate change, allowing vineyards to mitigate the adverse effects of higher daytime temperatures. This practice helps preserve grape acidity, flavor complexity, and prevents early fermentation caused by heat. It also benefits workers, who prefer cooler night conditions.
Broader implications
The adoption of night harvesting signals a significant shift in European viticulture, reflecting broader climate resilience efforts. As heatwaves become more frequent, this method will likely become standard, influencing wine quality and production timelines.
Industry impact
Vineyards that adapt quickly will gain a competitive edge by producing more vibrant, complex wines. However, the shift also requires logistical adjustments, including night-time labor and equipment changes. The trend underscores the urgent need for the wine industry to innovate in response to climate pressures.
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights how vineyards like Domaine Rouge-Bleu in France have embraced traditional harvest methods, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of hand-harvesting. Meanwhile, The Independent and AP News detail how Portuguese vineyards, such as Herdade Da Fonte Santa, have adopted night harvesting since 2019, citing climate change as the primary driver. Both sources agree that this shift improves grape quality and worker comfort, but The Guardian focuses more on the cultural aspects, whereas the other outlets emphasize climate adaptation and practical benefits.
Contrasting opinions are minimal, but The Guardian's narrative romanticizes the tradition, while the other sources frame it as a necessary adaptation to environmental challenges. This difference underscores the tension between preserving cultural practices and responding pragmatically to climate change. Overall, the consensus is that night harvesting is becoming a vital part of European viticulture, driven by the need to maintain wine quality amid rising temperatures.
How we got here
Traditionally, grape harvesting occurs during daylight hours, but rising temperatures and climate change have prompted vineyards across southern Europe to shift to night harvesting. This method helps preserve grape freshness, manage heat stress, and maintain wine quality, especially as summers become hotter and more unpredictable.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Vineyards Harvesting Grapes at Night Now?
As climate change causes hotter, longer summers across Europe, vineyards are adopting new harvesting methods to protect grape quality. Night harvesting has become increasingly common, helping winemakers preserve flavor and freshness. Curious about this shift? Below, we explore why vineyards are harvesting at night, the benefits involved, and how climate change is transforming traditional farming schedules.
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How Is Climate Change Affecting Farming Practices Today?
Climate change is transforming agriculture worldwide, prompting farmers to adapt in innovative ways. From shifting harvest times to changing crop choices, these adjustments are crucial for maintaining food security. Curious about how exactly climate change impacts farming and what farmers are doing to cope? Below, we explore key questions about the evolving landscape of agriculture in a warming world.
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Will Climate Change Make Wine Taste Different?
As global temperatures rise, vineyards worldwide are adapting in innovative ways. But what does this mean for the taste of your favorite wines? From night harvesting to shifting vineyard locations, the wine industry is changing fast. Curious about how climate change impacts wine flavor, vineyard practices, and future trends? Keep reading to find out more.
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Are Night Harvests Safer and Better for Workers?
As climate change pushes vineyards to harvest grapes at night, many wonder how this shift impacts worker safety and comfort. Night harvesting is becoming more common across Europe, but what does it mean for the people doing the work? Below, we explore the safety, labor, and health implications of this changing practice, answering the most common questions about night harvests and their effects on farm workers.
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Are Night Harvests Spreading Worldwide? What You Need to Know
As climate change accelerates, more vineyards and farms are turning to night harvesting to adapt to hotter temperatures. But is this practice limited to Europe, or is it becoming a global trend? In this page, we explore which countries are adopting night harvests, the reasons behind this shift, and what it could mean for agriculture worldwide. Keep reading to find out if night harvesting might become a standard farming practice everywhere.
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How Is Climate Change Changing Farming Practices?
Climate change is transforming agriculture in many ways, prompting farmers worldwide to adapt their practices to cope with hotter temperatures, unpredictable weather, and new environmental challenges. From night harvesting to innovative farming techniques, these changes aim to preserve crop quality and ensure food security. Curious about what’s next for farming? Below are some common questions about how climate change is shaping agriculture today.
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