Some wines struggling with climate change

Australian vineyards could be forced to replace grape varieties such as semillon and pinot noir as the climate becomes warmer and drier.

Many well known grapes can't adapt to expected warmer temperatures, and unfamiliar varieties will need to be planted if Australia wants to remain a competitive wine making region.

Dr Peter Dry, from the Australian Wine Research Institute, says new varieties are already being planted in the South Australian Riverina.

"A lot of our existing varieties are quite tolerant, they're plastic, but some more than others," he said.

"Semillon, for example, is not particularly adaptable, pinot noir is certainly not adaptable.

"In hot regions, I think semillon's days are very much numbered, and will be replaced by varieties which I think make better wines, such as vermentino."