A wide range of varieties available for production in different climatic zones will enable more adaptability for wine grapes than some other perennial crops expected to be affected by changing climates.

The temperatures in NSW where most of the grapes are produced are predicted to be 1.5 to two degrees higher by 2050.

"Offsetting improved water use efficiency, climate change will likely lead to vines developing larger canopies due to higher CO2 content in the atmosphere," NSW Department of Primary Industries research horticulturist, Bruno Holzapfel, said.

"Overall, water requirements will increase.

"In addition, increased temperatures could also lead to earlier growing seasons.

"Further, extreme weather events are predicted to occur more frequently.

"This will create potential for higher frost risk and sub-optimal growing conditions.

"Higher temperatures, particularly during maturation, and earlier harvests of currently grown varieties will be likely to negatively influence grape composition."

It is predicted that winter rainfall in the catchments of rivers supplying irrigation water will be reduced by up to 10 per cent by the middle of this century, leading to potential reduction of inflow by 10 to 25pc.

"The predicted limited water supply and increased temperatures and seasonal and annual variation in both will create a adaptation and transition challenge for the Australian wine industry," Dr Holzapfel said.

Globally, Australia is the fourth largest exporter of wine, exporting about 46pc of production.

Contact Dr Bruno Holzapfel, Wagga Wagga, (02) 6933 4023.