Spain's droughts need sustainable solutions

Spain’s wine industry is under increasing pressure as drought conditions persist, sparking urgent discussions on sustainable water management. At Barcelona Wine Week, experts debated irrigation, climate adaptation, and regulatory reforms to safeguard vineyard yields.

The drought has affected the north of Spain, in particular Catalonia, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero. Catalonia, home to Cava production, has been hit hard from the 3 year drought, with non-irrigated vineyards suffering reduced yields and rising grape prices.

Meanwhile, Rioja and Ribera del Duero are seeing shifting harvest dates due to rising temperatures. In Rioja, for example, Tempranillo used to dominate in the north, but with changing climatic conditions, Graciano — a long-cycle variety that ripens later — is now thriving,” said Diego Pinilla, chief oenologist at Raventós Codorníu and similarly, in Priorat, we are reconsidering Monastrell.

The drought is being caused by a number of factors, such as rising temperatures, with Spain's average temperature rising by 1.5°C since the late 20th Century. Spain is also influenced by the Azores High, a high-pressure system over the Atlantic that affects rainfall patterns. Recent shifts have caused it to expand and remain stationary for longer periods, blocking Atlantic storms that traditionally bring rain to the Iberian Peninsula.