The groundbreaking, decade-long study offers evidence on how the modern wine industry can bolster its resilience to climate adversity by incorporating ancient grape cultivars and traditional farming techniques into modern processes.
January 2, 2025 (Haifa, Israel) – A new study conducted by researchers from University of Haifa’s School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures has unveiled vital insights to help modern winemakers enhance resilience against climate change.
In their paper, “Propagating Terroir Revival in the Negev: How the Wine Industry Can Amplify Its Resilience to Climate Adversity through a Deeper Understanding of Historic Dryland Viticulture,” lead researchers Dr. Joshua Schmidt and Prof. Guy Bar-Oz detail how ancient grape varieties (Vitis vinifera) have thrived in the arid conditions of the Negev desert for centuries.
The research, which combines bio-archaeological analysis and ethnographic inquiry, highlights the potential of ancient grape cultivars and traditional farming techniques to adapt to the increasing environmental challenges that have put the modern wine industry under imminent threat.
As the global wine industry grapples with the effects of climate change and ecological instability, the integration of historical insights into modern viticulture could play a pivotal role in ensuring the future viability of wine production.
“Vineyards are an inherently long-term investment, and understanding the historical context of viticulture in arid regions like the Negev can provide modern winemakers with essential insights,” said Dr. Schmidt. “Our findings suggest that reviving and incorporating historical cultivars, along with the agronomic practices that supported their growth, can significantly enhance the resilience of vineyards in the face of climate change.”
Grapevines, which are particularly sensitive to climatic variations, require stable conditions to thrive and produce high-quality grapes. The delicate balance of sugar, acidity, and tannins essential for crafting exceptional wines is jeopardized by fluctuations in temperature and precipitation. As grapes depend on consistent sunlight for sugar maturation, sufficient water for acidity development, and extended sun exposure for tannin enhancement, any disruption in these factors can lead to diminished grape quality and yield. Alarmingly, projections indicate that a mere 2°C increase in average temperatures could adversely affect grapevines in over half of Europe’s traditional wine-producing regions, necessitating a re-evaluation of viticultural practices to uncover more sustainable strategies.
By examining the practices of both ancient and contemporary viticulturists, University of Haifa’s study emphasizes the importance of leveraging traditional knowledge and genetic diversity to combat the adverse effects of rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.
The research team — comprised of bioarcheologists, cultural historians, paleogenetics, ethnographers, and wine experts — was able to locate, identify, revive, and restore several grapevine cultivars believed to be the pride of the ancient Negev viticulture industry. Researchers conducted extensive fieldwork, including semi-structured interviews with local farmers and analysis of ancient DNA from grape remnants, to reveal a historical viticulture lineage that has persisted for centuries. According to researchers, the Negev’s relatively stable climate over the past several thousand years offers a unique opportunity to compare historical and modern viticultural practices, providing a framework for adaptation strategies.
Key recommendations from the study include the revival of endemic grape cultivars and the application of traditional agronomic techniques that have proven effective in the past. These strategies not only aim to improve grape quality and yield but also to foster a deeper connection between winemakers and their local terroir.
“This research underscores the significance of historical knowledge in contemporary agriculture,” said Prof. Bar-Oz. “By understanding how past farmers successfully navigated the challenges of their environment, we can inform current practices, enhance the sustainability of the wine industry at a time when it is under significant threat, and preserve the rich viticultural histories and lineages in wine growing regions.”
The study reflects University of Haifa’s institution-wide commitment to make strides toward achieving the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include combating climate change.
University of Haifa’s researchers conducted the study in cooperation with several regional municipalities, including the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, with support from the European Research Council (ERC). The full paper is available in the Horticulturae journal and can be accessed at https://doi.org.
