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May 27. 2015 12:01AM Our View: Wine growers take note of climate change “It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” — Upton Sinclair It is human nature to be skeptical of doomsday warnings — especially when they involve the forces of nature. And when money is involved, skepticism often becomes outright denial, as in the case of fossil fuel investors fighting measures to reduce carbon emissions by denying the reality of climate change. But when those whose livelihood depends on a climate that does not change say their business is at risk, it just might be time to pay attention. Grape vines are famously dependent on soils, topography and climate — called terroir in the wine business — to develop the flavor and character that command top prices. Oregon's Willamette Valley has for decades been known for its terroir and the resulting pinot noir wines that are among with the best in the world. But those who have been growing Oregon pinot the longest warn those days may be numbered. Oregon is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first pinot noir grapes planted in the Willamette Valley, but the Ponzi family of Sherwood says their winery is making changes to adapt to a climate that is clearly warmer than it was just 40 years ago. For now, that could mean planting in different spots or with different alignments, and changing how the wine is made. Eventually, it may mean planting varietals more suited to a warmer climate. Winemakers worrying about pinot noir may not be as dramatic as melting glaciers, rising sea levels and erratic storm patterns. But it pays to take note when that worry is emanating from an industry with an estimated economic impact in Oregon of $3.35 billion, counting crop value and direct and indirect jobs, wages, sales and services. Just wine tourism alone is worth $207 million a year in this state, according to the same market analyst. Whether it is too late for humans to reverse the climate trends, or whether it can even be accomplished on a global scale, is a matter of debate. It is no longer debatable that the change is occurring, whether we like it or not. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20150527/OPINION/150529687 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->