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.

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