A method for surveying the suitability of cold climate vine growing
sites in Denmark is presented with focus on limiting growth
parameters. The four most important parameters are identified on
the basis of literary studies and discussions with approximately 150
vine growers in Denmark. These are: i) Sum of growing degree days
(SDD), ii) Risk of frost damage, iii) Number of sunshine hours during
growth season, and iv) Soil drainage. A two-step method based on
GIS and already existing climate, soil, and topographic data was
implemented. First the most suitable areas in Denmark for vine growing
were located on the basis of nation-wide climatic data on the
sum of degree days and risk of frost. Within the most suitable areas
a detailed survey of the amount of sunshine, topography, drainage
and soil was carried out on the Røsnæs peninsula in north western
Zealand, and eight well-suited vine growing terroirs were identified
of which three were highly recommended.