South Africa's Wine Industry Races Against a Warming Climate

The Western Cape province, home to South Africa's famous wine region, is starting to feel the heat of climate change. Local winegrowers are now racing to adapt. Warmer temperatures threaten grape quality and harvest timing. Farmers are testing new grape varieties that can handle higher heat. Others are changing how they water their vines or planting on cooler slopes. The goal is simple: keep South African wine competitive and delicious. If they fall behind, the region's billion-dollar wine industry could shrink. For now, vintners say they are staying one step ahead. But each growing season brings new challenges from a planet that keeps warming.