Foreseeing California's Future in Fine-Wine Viticulture in Light of Climate Change
Date of Award
1-20-2010
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Applied Science
Organizational Unit
University College, Environmental Policy and Management
Disciplines
Environmental Policy & Mgmt
First Advisor
Jerry Barker
Keywords
Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Fine-wine grapes, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Syrah, Viognier, Viticulture, Wine region
Abstract
California produces over 90 percent of wine in the United States, which may decrease with changes in local climates. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that temperatures will increase from 1.4F to 5.8F over the next century. This capstone will assess the IPCC temperature predictions and determine the likely impacts on a subset of fine wine grape varieties grown in California. Grape growing is dependent on soils, temperatures, and precipitation, the latter two of which will vary the most with climate change, affecting the wine industry's viability. GIS spatial data analysis tools demonstrate a need for a shift from growing cool climate grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, to warm climate grape varieties like Syrah and Viognier.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Schiffbauer, Crystal, "Foreseeing California's Future in Fine-Wine Viticulture in Light of Climate Change" (2010). University College: Environmental Policy and Management Capstones. 35.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_epm/35