SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 6, 2024 – The ProWein trade fair in Düsseldorf, a central hub for the wine industry, is set to explore the growing influence of wind on wine production in its 2025 edition. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, wind is emerging as a critical factor in shaping the terroir, or the "taste of the place," of wines.
Traditionally, terroir has been defined by factors like temperature, rainfall, soil, and topography. However, with global warming altering weather patterns, wind has become a game-changer in viticulture.
Wind as a Double-Edged Sword
Wind can be both a blessing and a curse for winemakers. On the one hand, it acts as a natural air conditioner, cooling vineyards in regions like California's Russian River Valley, South Africa's Western Cape, and Western Australia's Great Southern. This cooling effect is crucial for maintaining ideal grape-growing conditions in these regions.
On the other hand, strong winds can damage vines, particularly those of delicate varieties like Syrah/Shiraz. Storms, with their accompanying high winds and heavy rainfall, can also wreak havoc in vineyards, as exemplified by the damage caused by storm Boris in Austria and Northern Italy in 2024.
Harnessing the Power of Wind
Some winemakers are actively harnessing the power of wind to create unique terroirs. In Chile, Eduardo Chadwick planted the Sena vineyard in the Aconcagua Valley, a site known for its strong winds due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The result? Wines with high natural acidity and a distinct character shaped by the wind.
Pushing the Boundaries
As global warming pushes viticulture further north, winemakers are exploring new, wind-swept locations. Balthasar Ress, a German winemaker, has planted a vineyard on the island of Sylt, one of the windiest locations in Germany. This high-risk strategy has paid off, yielding a unique sparkling wine, SÖL Ring Sekt, made from the early-ripening Solaris grape.
ProWein 2025: A Showcase of Wind-Influenced Wines
ProWein 2025 will provide a platform for winemakers from around the world to showcase their wind-influenced wines. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste and experience the diverse flavors shaped by this increasingly important terroir factor.
The event will also feature discussions on other wine trends, including:
- The grapes of (climate) change
- Famous winds and the wines that grow there
- The New East: Europe and The Caucuses
ProWein 2025 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for anyone interested in the evolving world of wine and the impact of climate change on viticulture.