Belgian winegrowers in the Walloon region are facing the challenges of climate change, forcing them to adapt their techniques. Despite a rise in temperatures benefiting wine production, extreme weather events like floods, rain, and frost pose threats to vineyards. Insects and diseases previously limited to the south are now moving northward, impacting vineyards in Belgium.
To combat these challenges, winegrowers are implementing new techniques. For example, Jeanette van der Steen of Château Bon Baron spreads clay on her vines to protect them from stress, thins out leaves to create a thicker skin for the grapes, and closely monitors the weather to anticipate the start of the harvest. The changing climate has caused the harvest season to shift from mid-October to early September in recent years.
With climate change presenting unpredictable challenges, winegrowers in Belgium are embracing sustainability and innovation to protect their vineyards and ensure quality wine production. As the industry continues to adapt to these changing conditions, the future of Belgian wine production remains uncertain but resilient in the face of environmental challenges.
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