Climate and Weather - WSET Diploma - Unit 1

Question 1

Talk about how lake can effects the vineyards near it.

Answer 1

In cool regions with very low temperatures in the winter, the large lakes provide moisture to the prevailing winds, which creates a deep snow cover, protecting vines from winter freeze.

The lake may eventually freeze, depending on the size. In spring, the winds blow across the frozen lake and become cooler. These cooler breezes blowing on the vines retard budbreak until the danger of frost has passed.

In summer the lake warms up. By autumn/fall, the winds are warmed as they blow across the lake. The warm breezes on the vines lengthen the growing season (balancing the late start to the growing season) by delaying the first frost.

Lakes and large inland seas also moderate climate through temperature effects alone.

Question 2

Give some examples of bodies of water which can to influence the site climate in a vineyard.

Answer 2

• ocean
• sea
• river
• lake

Question 3

Give some examples of the advantages to have a large body of water near a vineyard.

Answer 3

• reflect the sun’s rays.
• store heat late in the ripening season and releases it to warm adjacent vineyards
• provide a source of water for irrigation
• reduce the risk of ground frost
• can provide morning mists to encourage the development of noble rot

Question 4

Give some examples of the disadvantages to have a large body of water near a vineyard.

Answer 4

• increase the humidity of a site which increases the risk of fungal disease, in particular downy mildew