Winegrape phenology

Abstract

Globally wine production has become an increasingly important economic activity for over 50 countries and numerous regions within countries. The annual growth cycle of winegrapes begins in the spring with bud break, culminating with leaf fall in autumn followed by winter dormancy. The growth cycle is strongly tied to climate with narrow geographic zones providing the conditions by which the plant can produce quality fruit that can be made into quality wine. Therefore the knowledge of the timing of winegrape phenology is important for understanding the suitability of different varieties to certain climatic zones. As a result, winegrape phenology has become an important industry and scientific tool to better understand how climate variability and change impacts viticulture and wine production. Observations across numerous varieties, in many regions, and over many years has shown that that winegrape phenology has trended earlier with a general shortening of the interphases and are a sensitive indicator for both short term variability and long term trends in climate.