Extreme weather conditions caused by climate change seriously threaten winemaking in the south of Europe, in particular the Assyrtiko grape variety is in danger of disappearing. According to EastFruit, this situation is the result of recent temperature anomalies, which significantly affected the yield of grapes used for the production of white wine.

The Assyrtiko grape, which is famous for its unique taste and is the basis for numerous varieties of white wine, is suffering from abnormal heat. Yannis Paraskevopoulos, a winemaker from the island of Santorini, said that in 2023 production at his winery, Paraskevopoulos's Gaia Wines, had fallen to one-third of 2022 levels. According to preliminary estimates, this year's harvest may decrease to one-sixth of last year's volume.

Experts believe that under such conditions the Assyrtiko variety may disappear by 2040 if the situation does not improve. Climate change and extreme weather conditions have become a major challenge for winemaking in Southern Europe, where vineyards often face unpredictable weather events.

According to data from the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), world wine production in 2023 decreased by 10% and amounted to 237.3 million hectoliters. This is the lowest rate in the last 60 years. Wine production in Greece decreased by more than a third, in Italy and Spain - by more than one fifth. Frequent weather anomalies, including heavy rains, prolonged droughts and early frosts, are the reasons.

These factors have a negative impact on the wine-growing regions of Southern Europe, where climate change is increasingly leading to increased yield losses and threats to unique grape varieties. Wine producers from all over Europe are concerned about the situation and are actively looking for ways to adapt to new climate conditions to ensure the future of the wine industry and preserve traditional grape varieties.

Thus, climate change not only threatens the yield of grapes, but also calls into question the future of European winemaking as a whole.