Place Matters, How Climate Affects Wine

When it comes to wine, place matters—and few things shape a wine more profoundly than climate. From the amount of sunlight and rainfall to the range of temperatures over a growing season, climate influences every stage of the vine’s life and the flavors that ultimately develop in your glass. Whether a vineyard is sun-drenched or fog-kissed determines how grapes ripen, how much sugar they build, how much acidity they retain, and what kind of structure the final wine will have. Through this tasting series, we’ll explore how three distinct climate zones—Maritime, Continental, and Mediterranean— can result in dramatically different styles of wine.

In the first of this series, we will explore Maritime climates, those that are moderated by nearby oceans or large bodies of water. These regions tend to have mild temperatures with cooler summers and warmer winters, plus frequent rainfall and lots of humidity. The growing season is often long, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, preserving acidity and building flavors. These wines tend to be elegant, often lighter-bodied wines with bright acidity, subtle complexity, and fresh fruit flavors.

What is a Maritime Climate?

“A maritime/oceanic climate is characterized by narrow diurnal (daily) temperature swings, a narrow annual temperature range, temperate summers and cool winters. Rain is plentiful and falls evenly throughout the year; storms are frequent, as is cloud cover. There are few temperature extremes in either direction.” — Wine Scholar Guild

In simpler terms, a maritime climate is one where the nearby ocean acts like a thermostat — keeping summers from getting too hot and winters from getting too cold. That stability allows grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, which helps preserve natural acidity and build complex flavors over time.

Wines from maritime regions tend to be bright and fresh, with moderate alcohol and subtle ripeness. These areas often experience frequent storms, cloud cover, and steady rainfall throughout the year, which can make grape growing a challenge — but when managed well, the payoff is wines of elegance and finesse.

Maritime Climate: Cause → Effect

Proximity to the ocean =

→ Moderates temperature year-round

→ Leads to slow, even grape ripening

→ Wines have balanced fruit, higher acidity, and moderate alcohol

Cooler average temperatures =

→ Sugar builds slowly in grapes

→ Less sugar = lower potential alcohol

→ Wines are often lighter-bodied and more elegant

Long growing season =

→ Grapes spend more time developing flavor without over-ripening

→ Results in nuanced, aromatic wines (especially whites)

→ Whites: citrus, floral, saline notes

→ Reds: red fruit, herbal, earthy undertones

Ocean breezes and humidity =

→ Constant air flow helps reduce disease pressure

→ Winds can thicken grape skins in reds

→ Adds structure and tannin to red wines

Frequent cloud cover and rain

→ Less intense sun exposure

→ Helps retain freshness and acidity

→ But also increases risk of rot near harvest = careful vineyard management required

Overall mild climate

→ Fewer extreme heat events or frosts

→ Produces wines that are consistent, age-worthy, and food-friendly

Featured Maritime Climate Wine Regions