Western Cape winemakers turn to conservation as drought and heat threaten grape production

South Africa’s Western Cape, which produces about 90 percent of the country’s wine, is facing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and more intense storms. A three-year drought in the late 2010s stressed vineyards and cut grape production, prompting many producers to build on existing sustainability measures.

For vineyard operators, conservation measures may help address climate-related pressure on grape production while supporting business resilience. The article does not specify which practices are being adopted or quantify their costs and benefits, so producers’ results cannot yet be compared.