‘In every challenge lies an opportunity’: Industry unites to build climate resilience

As the drinks industry confronts the growing threat of climate change, new collaborative efforts, including a three-part series from WSET, are putting sustainability and innovation at the heart of future-proofing the sector.  Climate change is no longer a distant threat for the drinks industry, it’s an escalating reality with implications across every link of the supply chain. From shifting grape-growing zones and changing ripening patterns, to water scarcity, wildfires, and altered consumer preferences, producers across wine, beer, spirits and sake are being forced to adapt. Recent analysis has shown how the global wine map is redrawing itself due to rising temperatures, with regions such as northern Europe growing in prominence while traditional strongholds are battling more extreme weather events. Meanwhile, producers are increasingly turning to higher altitude vineyards to mitigate climate stress, as detailed in a previous db reports. And with warmer nights and intense heatwaves becoming the norm, producers are being pushed towards earlier harvests, new grape varieties, and a rethink of viticultural techniques.

Taking action

In a bid to drive this conversation forward, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has launched a new three-part webinar series titled From soil to glass - Climate action in the global drinks industry. The online talks, running now until July 2025, bring together international experts to explore how the sector can adapt and collaborate in the face of the climate emergency.

Developed in collaboration with sustainability consultancy The Vine Strategy Group and chaired by Michelle Bouffard DipWSET – speaker, educator and founder of Tasting Climate Change – the series convenes voices from across drinks categories to “connect, exchange insights and foster conversations aimed at building a more sustainable and resilient drinks industry”.

Confirmed speakers include Dr Laura Catena of the Catena Institute of Wine; Ed Massey of New Zealand Winegrowers; Matt McGinness of Constellation Brands; António Graça of Sogrape; David Paterson of Tantalus Vineyards; Stephanie Jordan of Avallen Spirits; and Zero Carbon Forum founder Mark Chapman.

Michelle Brampton, WSET CEO, said: “We’re committed to using our global reach and influence to drive positive change across the drinks industry. Climate change is a defining challenge – impacting everyone in the supply chain. As an industry, we need to work together to remain resilient and embrace innovation. We hope to play our part by connecting and empowering individuals and organisations to share knowledge and best practice, helping to build a more sustainable future.”

Michelle Bouffard, DipWSET, added: “In every challenge lies an opportunity. The climate crisis presents a chance to strengthen collaboration within the wine and spirits industry, building resilience and shaping a more sustainable future. Join us in being part of the solution.”

The sessions:

The first session, held on 27 March, explored the overarching impact of climate change on raw materials, supply chains and consumption trends.

The second talk, Sustainable land use and soil health, takes place on Tuesday 13 May and will explore how regenerative agriculture and improved soil stewardship can help safeguard production in the face of climate extremes.

The final session, Rethinking the supply chain and innovations for a greener future, is scheduled for Tuesday 1 July and will examine how the drinks industry can decarbonise through innovation across packaging, logistics and production.

Tom Owtram, managing director of The Vine Strategy Group, said: “This series is a valuable opportunity to bring together experts from across the drinks industry to exchange ideas, share lived experiences, and explore practical responses to climate change. At The Vine Strategy Group, we believe that by partnering with those who challenge, inspire, and innovate, we can create opportunities for meaningful growth and impact. It’s been a pleasure to work with WSET on this series, which we hope will inform and inspire action across the sector.”

Ed Massey, general manager of sustainability at New Zealand Winegrowers, reinforced: “Climate change is the biggest long-term challenge facing our industry. It will influence our choice of grape varieties, wine styles, viticultural techniques and regions, and importantly, the purchase decisions of our customers. Our response to climate change is critical to the reputation of New Zealand as a producer of high value, sustainable, premium quality wine.”