TASTING CLIMATE CHANGE

JANUARY 18-19-20, 2026

The fifth edition of TASTING CLIMATE CHANGE™ will take place in Montreal on January 18–20, 2026. Presented both in person and virtually, this international conference will bring together more than 500 participants from around the world. The program includes four masterclasses, two full days of conferences and panel discussions, four walk-around tasting sessions, and numerous networking opportunities.

*New* There will be a simultaneous translator who will translate all conferences from English to French.

Early Birds tickets available until November 8th!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

Old Vines in the Context of Climate Change

MASTERCLASS | 9:30-10:30

Sarah Abbott MW

This session explores how old vines and heritage viticulture are fundamental to the future of wine in the face of climate change. Sarah Abbott, Master of Wine and co-Founder of The Old Vine Conference, will highlight how old vines are arks of genetic diversity, viticultural craft, and heritage varieties. Wines from Old Vine Conference member wineries will exemplify how some of the most dynamic and admired wineries of the world are working specifically with old vines to increase resilience, quality and sustainability in their response to climate change.

The Chianti Classico toolkit, a holistic approach to climate change

MASTERCLASS | 11:00-12:00 

Michaela Morris DipWSET

No wine region is immune to the effects of climate change and while broad issues may be similar from one to the next, the unique reality of each brings its own set of challenges - and opportunities. Chianti Classico provides a case study of a denomination marrying natural factors with human ones to mitigate challenges and continue producing territorial wines that preserve historic and cultural identity. Through a diverse selection, this seminar will explore altitude, exposure, biodiversity and native grape varieties along with specific techniques producers are applying in the vineyard and winery.

Learning from South Africa

MASTERCLASS | 1:00-2:00

Rosa Kruger · Etienne Neethling PhD

South Africa is a land of extremes, where drought and fires are a constant threat. Yet the country is thriving and more dynamic than ever. What lessons can other regions draw from South Africa to build a sustainable future?

The Role of Viticulture in Climate Action

MASTERCLASS | 2:30-3:30

Elaine Chukan Brown

Farming is crucial for building resilience in vineyards as wine regions face climate change. In California, Napa Valley, Silicon Valley, and UC Davis combine world-class winegrowing, technological innovation, and viticultural research to create impactful solutions. Key Napa Valley producers use these opportunities to refine viticultural practices suited to their site and style goals, enhancing the environment and vineyards' agility. This seminar will explore the role of farming, location, and vigneron in developing a holistic approach to climate action and wine quality. Through three winery case studies, it will examine how vineyards can cool their environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, how soil health builds resistance to temperature changes, disease pressure, and smoke impact, and the importance of dry farming and cover crops in countering climate change.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20