A Ripe Future? Coastal Climate Perceptions and Adaptations among the Long Island Wine Industry

Abstract

Coastal climates have distinctive effects on the growth, quality, and quantity produced of wine grapes. A changing coastal climate could alter these interactions and impact regional wine style and variety. There is a need to understand how growers and wine makers are perceiving and responding to climate change to inform future adaptation strategies. To explore this topic, those in the wine industry on the Eastern End of Long Island, NY were interviewed regarding their perception of 1) how the maritime climate affects viticulture, 2) how that interaction has changed/may change in the future, 3) how they will adapt, and 4) how viticulture affects the local environment. The maritime climate has the perceived effects of moderating land temperature, inducing humidity, and featuring unpredictable weather such as hurricanes and coastal storms. Most respondents believe that the maritime climate has changed over time, allowing for higher quality wine but also greater environmental risk. Industry professionals don’t see extensive adaptation methods as necessary yet, but do seek to utilize sustainable and vigilant vineyard practices to enhance resilience in times of greater risk and uncertainty.