(Wines&Vines) - The grape varieties grown in California’s warm Central Valley were chosen largely based on their overall popularity, growing qualities and tradition, not rigorous research. As a result, some varieties may not be optimum for the area’s warm climate, particularly as the earth grows ever warmer.

To address this issue, Lindsay Jordan, the UC Cooperative Extension’s viticulture advisor for Madera, Merced and Mariposa counties in the San Joaquin Valley, has been conducting research on wine grape varieties for warm-climate wine production.