In the latest episode of The Drinking Hour podcast, David Kermode sits down with writers Jane Masters MW and Andrew Neather to discuss their brand new book, Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine.
2024 wine production was the lowest since 1961 due to a combination of wild fires, drought, torrential rain and floods. The wine industry is at the very hands of the climate disaster, with unprecedented and extreme conditions threatening its future. Masters and Neather’s new book looks at where wine is headed should no action be taken – and it’s a scary proposition. Importantly, Rooted in Change gives an alternative to this harsh reality, by peeking at the practices of some of the wine world’s most inspiring and successful sustainable winemakers.
Throughout this episode the three discuss what drove Masters and Neather to write the book. The group look at examples of extreme weather that have affected vineyards and livelihoods, the path to sustainable practice, everything from the impact of glass bottles to building vineyard resilience, and more. This fascinating episode ends with a hopeful look at wine’s future, and the optimism both the writers felt after researching the book, even amidst this huge period of climate uncertainty.
Masters and Neather’s brand new book, Rooted in Change: The Stories Behind Sustainable Wine is available to purchase now via Académie du Vin Library. Listeners can claim a 10% discount with the code TDH10.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here
