Did you know that cold ocean currents can have a cooling effect on coastal wine regions? Why is this good? ‘Cooling influences’ such as ocean currents and ocean breezes help the vines to retain the acidity in their grapes, which adds to the ‘structure’ and ‘finish’ in the final wine. Next time you are in a vineyard look for the ‘cooling influence’…It might come from the ocean, the shade from a nearby mountain, or even a morning fog that descends on the vineyard. It isn’t always obvious, but it can make a very big difference to the quality and style of the wine produced from that vineyard.

Photo – Marlborough, New Zealand by drone.