Climate change is having a profound impact on Portugal’s wine industry, a key part of its cultural and economic heritage. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are creating challenges for traditional wine regions like Douro, Alentejo, and Dão. Warmer temperatures are accelerating grape ripening, leading to wines with higher alcohol content and lower acidity, while unpredictable rainfall causes water stress and increases the risk of disease. Extreme weather, such as heatwaves and hailstorms, can devastate vineyards, particularly in regions vulnerable to soil erosion. To adapt, winemakers are experimenting with heat- and drought-resistant grape varieties and implementing new vineyard management practices, but the costs of these changes are significant, especially for smaller producers. As the climate continues to shift, the quality and consistency of Portuguese wines are at risk, with potential economic and cultural consequences.
