Less wine being produced?

The International Organization of Vine and Wine estimates that world wine production will fall 8.2 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year, reaching its lowest point in two decades. The reason: “unfavorable climate conditions” in Italy, France and Spain, the world’s three largest producers. Pinot noir is in the most danger as it is vulnerable to hail, late heat waves and other weather extremes.

And the decline in production is estimated for the U.S., as well. A peer-reviewed study in 2006 projected that climate change, by 2100, would reduce the U.S. area suitable for premium grape growing by up to 70 percent. Earlier this year an Oregon climate assessment reported that the Willamette Valley can expect a three-fold to nine-fold increase in the amount of area burned by the year 2100.