This post examines how Burgundy’s winemakers are responding to escalating climate pressures—hail, frost, drought, heavy rain and heatwaves—by blending modern precision tools with organic, biodynamic and agroforestry practices.
Drawing on recent reports from estates across the region, I explain how targeted technologies and age-old farming methods are being combined to protect vine health and preserve wine quality.
Climate threats are reshaping viticulture in Burgundy
Over the past decade Burgundy has faced an unusual mix of climatic stresses: out-of-season cold snaps, erratic precipitation, sustained summer droughts and sudden severe storms.
While the region has largely avoided large wildfires so far, these patterns are increasing risk to both yields and grape quality, forcing producers to rethink long-standing practices.
Practical adaptation on Burgundian estates
On the ground, winemakers are deploying a suite of measures—some high-tech, some traditional—to build resilience.
The goal is not to eliminate risk entirely but to stack small, effective interventions so they collectively protect vines and the integrity of the terroir.
Electromagnetic soil mapping and precision tools: At Domaine du Cellier aux Moines in Givry, owner Philippe Pascal used soil electrical conductivity mapping to reveal subtle geologic variations across parcels.
This data guides rootstock selection, irrigation decisions and planting density so vines are better matched to their micro-sites.
Organic and biodynamic transitions: Pascal transitioned his estate to organic farming in 2004, achieved organic certification in 2020 and biodynamic certification in 2023.
He now uses natural treatments—such as yarrow and burdock infusions—to help vines manage heat stress, emphasizing plant-based resistance rather than synthetic inputs.
Agroforestry and biodiversity: In Chablis, Julien Brocard has embraced agroforestry, planting 17 acres of trees with plans for 25 more.
These trees increase biodiversity and create microclimates without competing significantly for water, helping buffer vineyards against extreme temperature swings.
Precision monitoring and lower-emission machinery: Brocard and others use soil moisture monitors, weather stations and electric tractors to reduce emissions and enable rapid responses to changing conditions.
At Domaine Fernand et Laurent Pillot, Laurent Pillot uses precision spraying guided by on-site weather data to optimize timing and minimize organic treatment use.
Soil cover and carbon sequestration: Many producers have eliminated chemical weedkillers in favor of grass cover crops.
This approach reduces erosion, improves soil structure, retains moisture and contributes to COâ‚‚ sequestration in the root zone.
Community learning and the role of networks
One of the most important developments is knowledge-sharing.
Networks such as Biodyvin are facilitating exchange of techniques and results, helping smaller growers adopt practices more quickly and avoid common pitfalls.
A pragmatic path forward
In practice, adaptation often looks like a layered strategy:
As someone with three decades in viticulture, I’ve seen many cycles of stress and recovery.
What is different today is the speed and combination of pressures, and the equally fast adoption of a hybrid approach—where science and traditional wisdom complement one another.
Here is the source article for this story: The Battle to Save Burgundy’s Vineyards From Extreme Weather