Hull is most famous for its maritime history and being an industrial fishing port. However, by 2100 the English city could be filled with vineyards and iconic wines. The South of France could have this unlikely wine rival by the end of the century as a new report predicts that climate change will allow wine production to flourish as far north as Yorkshire.
The warmer temperatures and sunshine means grape varieties flourish in England meaning Hull could reinvent itself as a leading wine region. The first annual Fine Wines and Restaurants Market Monitor report, written by the consultancy firm Bain & Company, predicts that the area around Bordeaux in France will be too hot and dry to support production of the wine by the end of the century. Both red and white Bordeaux wines are renowned for their quality and rich flavours.
The classic Bordeaux blend is made up of five main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
The report predicts that wine production will be forced to move to northern France, Germany, England and southern Scandinavia.
The most northerly point in England that will support the grape is estimated to be Yorkshire with the cut-off just north of the city of Hull.
It is predicted that cabernet sauvignon will “thrive” in central and northern regions by 2100.
“Climate change is redrawing the wine map. Southern regions face rising temperatures of plus 3C from flowering to harvest in 2024 and extreme droughts, threatening traditional vineyards, says the report.
The report adds: Meanwhile, northern areas like Denmark will gain ground with longer growing seasons and milder conditions.
“If the climate challenge is not addressed, cabernet sauvignon, once exclusive to southern Europe, may thrive in central and northern regions by 2100. To adapt, the industry must invest in policy reforms, agricultural technology and collaborative solutions to ensure a sustainable future.”
Currently, the only place in the UK that cabernet sauvignon can be grown successfully is southeastern England thanks to its warmer climate.
Kent, in particular, is known for its sunny climate and chalky soils, which are ideal conditions for growing grapes.
Ideal temperatures to successfully grow grapes is between 20C and 30C, with long hours of sunshine beneficial to create full-bodied red wines. Temperatures below this causes vegetative growth to become limited.
The Met Office predicts that the UK’s average annual temperature could increase by between 2.3C and 5C by 2100.