Britannist

The Daily Telegraph reported on 18.2.2008 (in an article by their Foreign Staff titled “Kiwis raise their glass to global warming”) that global warming “which is threatening drought-stricken wine makers in Australia could be a boon for New Zealand’s viticulture”.

The report said that rising temperatures would allow colder areas to be cultivated for grape production and there could be better conditions in areas already producing wine.

New Zealand has had some difficulty for some years in producing wines in sufficient quantities for export due to its weather.

Philip Gregan, Chief Executive of New Zealand Winegrowers told the Telegraph that the outlook for New Zealand wine was good and that they may be able to expand their range of wines and grow grapes further up the hillsides.

Pinot Noirs from New Zealand’s South Island region of Otago “are fast making a name across the world” the Telegraph said.