Climate Change and Viticulture in Liguria: Regional Perceptions, Impacts, and Adaptive Responses

Ligurian viticulture is characterized by a fragmented landscape and diverse microclimatic conditions, presenting both challenges and opportunities for grape production under climate change. This study investigates the perceived impacts of climate change on viticulture in Eastern (Levante) and Western (Ponente) Liguria, with a focus on vine growth dynamics, productivity, and the adaptation strategies adopted by local winegrowers. Semi-structured interviews with 48 winemakers revealed significant shifts in grape maturation (p < 0.001), earlier harvest dates, and increased vulnerability to fungal diseases (p < 0.01), primarily driven by rising temperatures and altered precipitation regimes. A notable rise in extreme temperature events (p < 0.01) was reported, with all respondents (100%) observing irregular seasonal temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, climate change was linked to changes in local fauna, particularly the expansion of ungulate populations (p < 0.001), leading to increased vineyard damage. In response, growers have adopted a range of adaptive measures, including drought-resistant rootstocks (e.g., M-series), traditional training systems (Guyot, Alberello), and local innovations such as the low pergola in Cinque Terre. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed region-specific adaptation profiles, underscoring the influence of environmental and agronomic variability on viticultural resilience. Logistic regression identified temperature variability, disease incidence, and precipitation shifts as key predictors of perceived climate impact. The results underscore the urgency of developing regionally tailored adaptation strategies to sustain viticulture in Liguria’s complex and changing landscape.