If Americans still need convincing that global climate change is a reality, the Oregon wine industry can be instructive, both as proof that things have indeed changed and as a case study in what steps can be taken as we address changes.

Oregon is now known world-wide as an ideal home for finicky cool-climate grape varietals such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. These delicate varieties require cool-to-moderate growing seasons to retain finesse and elegance, keeping bright, fresh fruit acids and reach full ripeness in our shortened seasons.

Being sensitive to the precarious balance we enjoy, winemakers like Harry Peterson-Nedry have long monitored weather data for predictive signs of what vintages will be like and what needs to be done to optimize ripening. What can be seen is sobering.

Currently, climates like ours benefit from the gradual climate changes, but as they progress, steps have to be taken, both to slow and hopefully stop the change, as well as adapt to the warmer future as it unfolds. The presentation investigates where we are now, where we have been and where the future is predicted to be, viewed realistically but with an optimism that we can adapt to maintain a world-class industry, while working globally to slow change.

Our first question will be asked by Brie Malarkey, co-owner of Wine Styles of Eugene.