IMW Webinar: climate change and how it is affecting vineyards

Description

The IMW is pleased to invite you to a complimentary webinar. This event follows on from the popular sustainability series hosted in 2021-22 and will provide insights in how the landscape has evolved since that time. You can watch previous sustainability webinars here.

In its latest report published in November 2024, the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) pointed to climatic challenges across both northern and southern hemispheres as being major contributors to the low level of global wine production in 2024. Earlier in 2024, the French National Research Institute for Agriculture (INRAE) published a study of how climate change is changing winegrowing regions. The study show that 90% of coastal ad low-altitude regions in southern Europe and California may no longer be able to produce good wine in economically sustainable conditions by the end of the century if global warming exceeds 2°C. Other regions, however, could benefit from rising temperatures.

This webinar will provide an update on the latest climate data from, climatologist and wine producer, Greg Jones (based in Southern Oregon). With the aim to understand the extent of climate change in different geographies and its impact on weather and growing grapes. We will speak with winemakers from diverse regions, who will offer first-hand examples of what changes they have witnessed over the last two decades – and their impact on wine quality and style. Joining the panel is Fergus Elias (Head Winemaker, Balfour Winery, UK), Emily Faulconer (Technical Director, Viñedos Familia Chadwick and Chief Winemaker for Seña and Viñedo Chadwick, Chile) and Sandrine Garbay (General Manager, Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux).

The event will be moderated by Jane Masters MW and there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

Panel includes
Jane Masters MW (moderator) – view MW profile

Fergus Elias – Head Winemaker, Balfour Winery, UK
One of England’s leading producers of still and sparkling wines. He serves as Chair of Wine GB South East and leads the Sustainability Winemaking Committee, playing an active role in addressing key industry challenges such as climate change and sustainable practices.

Emily Faulconer – Technical Director, Viñedos Familia Chadwick and Chief Winemaker for Seña and Viñedo Chadwick, Chile
Emily studied Agricultural Engineering at the Universidad Católica in Chile. She has also worked in wineries in the United States (Cakebread Cellars, Napa), New Zealand (Trinity Hill Winery, Hawkes Bay) and France (Chateau Canon, Bordeaux). Upon returning to Chile, Emily worked at Viña Maquis, Viñedos de Alcohuaz, Viña Arboleda and Viña Carmen. In 2023 Emily was appointed Technical Director of Viñedos Familia Chadwick and Chief Winemaker for Seña and Viñedo Chadwick.

Sandrine Garbay – General Manager, Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux
Sandrine worked previously at Ch d’Yquem for 27 years.

Dr Greg Jones – CEO, Abacela, Oregon
World-renowned atmospheric scientist and wine climatologist. He has held research and teaching positions at the University of Virginia, Southern Oregon University, and most recently, Linfield University. For over twenty-five years his research has firmly linked weather and climate with grapevine growth, fruit chemistry, and wine characteristics in regions all around the globe. 

About the IMW webinar series
Webinars are open to anyone who wishes to attend. All guests are welcome to submit questions in advance or during the webinar. The IMW uses the Zoom webinar platform, instructions on how to join will be emailed to you. Please check your junk or spam folder if you do not receive an email confirmation when registering. Unless specified otherwise, webinars are recorded and will be made available online here a few days after the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Belinda Eaton at beaton@mastersofwine.org.