Belgian winegrowers in the Walloon region are facing the challenges of climate change and are adapting their techniques accordingly. Despite an increase in wine production in Belgium, rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions pose risks to vineyards. Jeanette van der Steen, the owner of Château Bon Baron, explains that climate change brings about various climatic hazards, such as floods, rain, and frost, which affect vineyards. In addition, the appearance of insects and diseases that were previously more common in southern Europe is now a concern for winegrowers in Belgium.
In response to these challenges, winegrowers are implementing new techniques to protect their vines. For example, Jeanette Van der Steen advocates for sustainable development and uses clay to protect her vines from water and heat stress. She also thins out the leaves on the vines to create a thicker skin, providing better protection against insects and diseases. Moreover, climate change is causing inconsistencies in the start of the harvest season, making it difficult for winegrowers to predict when harvesting should begin.
Van der Steen notes that when she started as a winegrower in the 2000s, the harvest in Wallonia began in mid-October, but due to increasing temperatures, it now starts in early September. This year, the start of the harvest remains uncertain, with the winemaker closely monitoring the weather. With the ongoing impact of climate change, Belgian winegrowers are continuously adjusting their practices to ensure the quality and resilience of their vineyards in the face of changing environmental conditions.
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