Consider this your morning briefing: Climate change isn’t just a threat to Champagne—it’s rewriting the rules of the game. Cellar master Alice Tétienne, steering Champagne Henriot through this upheaval, isn’t just protecting a legacy; she’s redefining what it means to make wine in a world where frost, drought, and shifting weather patterns are the new normal. “Climate change is a reality,” she says bluntly. “Every year is worse.” For Henriot, the stakes are clear: the future of their iconic Cuvée des Enchanteleurs—and the region itself—depends on how quickly they adapt.
The challenges are stark. Last year’s extreme dryness left grapes too shriveled to ferment, while frost threats loom like a shadow over spring. “We can’t protect 100% of the vineyards,” Tétienne admits. “We’re afraid.” Yet amid the uncertainty, she’s doubling down on innovation. Smaller tanks, staggered harvests, and AI-driven insights are reshaping how Henriot farms. But for all the tech, she insists human intuition remains irreplaceable. “The best answer is to be present in the vineyard,” she says. “Even with robots, the feeling of the land matters.”
Her vision extends beyond the cellar. The Alliance Terroirs project, launched in 2020, is a bold move to honor Henriot’s roots while embracing sustainability. By mapping terroir nuances and tailoring practices to each plot, she’s crafting a model for resilience. And the carbon footprint audit? A wake-up call that turned into action. Now, grazing animals replace heavy machinery, and robots till the soil—proof that tradition and tech can coexist.
So what’s next? Tétienne wants Henriot to stay true to its soul while evolving. “We need to be modern,” she says. “But we must never lose who we are.” The message is clear: sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s survival.
How can we support winemakers navigating a climate crisis.
What role should consumers play in this fight? How can we support winemakers navigating a climate crisis?
Questions & Answers
What sustainability initiatives does Champagne Henriot implement?
Henriot uses solar power, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes eco-friendly packaging. They also focus on organic viticulture and water conservation in their vineyards.
How does Alice Tétienne lead Henriot’s sustainability efforts?
Alice Tétienne drives Henriot’s green initiatives, including renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable farming. She prioritizes environmental responsibility across all operations.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
